Concept and Etiology: Edema
Edema refers to swelling and puffiness in different areas of the body. It
often occurs in the skin, especially in the hands, arms, ankles, legs, and
feet. However, it can also affect the muscles, bowel, lungs, eyes, and
brain. (mayoclinic.org.) Edema mainly occurs in older adults and
pregnant people, but anyone can experience it. Edema can affect
someone’s overall health, their skin, especially in the hands, arms,
ankles, legs, and feet. However, it can also affect the muscles, bowel,
lungs, eyes, and brain. Edema mainly occurs in older adults and
pregnant people, but anyone can experience it. (mayoclinic.org.)
Classification: Edema can be divided into 4 types based on the
mechanisms causing edema: increased capillary hydrostatic pressure,
decreased plasma oncotic pressure, enhanced hydraulic permeability of
capillary walls, and lymphatic obstruction. Each of the types can be
