| Edema is observable swelling from fluid accumulation | | | | serious underlying disease and must be immediately |
| in body tissues. Edema most commonly occurs in the | | | | evaluated by a doctor. |
| feet and legs, where it is referred to as peripheral | | | | Diagnosis |
| edema. The swelling is the result of the accumulation | | | | A doctor diagnoses altitude illness based mainly on |
| of excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within | | | | the symptoms. In high-altitude pulmonary edema, fluid |
| the tissues. All tissues of the body are made up of | | | | can sometimes be heard in the lungs through a |
| cells and connective tissues that hold the cells | | | | stethoscope. An x-ray of the chest and |
| together. | | | | measurement of the amount of oxygen in the blood |
| Swollen feet and legs, referred to medically as | | | | can help confirm the diagnosis. |
| edema, occur when fluid is retained in the spaces | | | | Home Care |
| between body cells. Edema typically affects the feet, | | | | · Elevate your legs above your heart while lying |
| ankles and lower legs, but can also impact any area | | | | down. |
| of the body, causing systemic symptoms. | | | | · Exercise your legs. This helps pump fluid from |
| Causes | | | | your legs back to your heart. |
| Acute mountain sickness occurs from the | | | | · Wear support stockings (sold at most drug |
| combination of reduced air pressure and a lower | | | | and medical supply stores). |
| concentration of oxygen at high altitude. Symptoms | | | | Relief and Prevention: |
| can range from mild to life threatening, and can | | | | The hallmark of treatment is to reduce foot, leg and |
| affects the nervous system, lungs, muscles, and | | | | ankle swelling, and the first line of defense: leg |
| heart. | | | | elevation. Elevate legs above the level of the heart, |
| In most cases the symptoms are mild. In severe | | | | which puts minimal pressure on the backs of the |
| cases fluid collects in the lungs (pulmonary edema) | | | | knees and thighs and lower back. Just sitting in a |
| causing extreme shortness of breath, which further | | | | reclining chair in front of the TV is a great way to |
| reduces how much oxygen a person gets. Brain | | | | elevate your legs. Many products, for use at home or |
| swelling may also occur (cerebral edema). This can | | | | at work, can also help reduce swelling. |
| cause confusion, coma, and, if untreated, death. | | | | Treatment of edema focuses on correcting the |
| Symptoms | | | | cause of the fluid accumulation. A low-salt diet usually |
| People with edema may notice that a ring on their | | | | helps. You also should avoid drinking too much fluid. If |
| finger feels tighter than in the past, or they might | | | | you are not short of breath, elevate your legs above |
| have difficulty in putting on shoes, especially toward | | | | the level of your heart to keep swelling down. Your |
| the end of the day. They may also notice a puffiness | | | | doctor might suggest that you take a low dose of a |
| of the face around the eyes, or in the feet, ankles, | | | | diuretic (water pill). |
| and legs. When edema is present, pressure on the | | | | For swollen ankles and feet caused by pregnancy, |
| skin, such as from the elastic band on socks, may | | | | elevate your legs and avoid lying on your back to |
| leave an indentation that is slow to disappear. Edema | | | | help improve blood flow and decrease swelling. |
| of the abdomen, called ascites, may be a sign of | | | | |