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: a 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
further divided into generalized and local forms. (mayoclinic.org.) Some
signs related to edema are Swelling, puffiness of the tissue directly
under your skin, especially in your legs or arms. Skin that retains pitting,
after being pressed for several seconds. A patient’s abdominal size can
increase.
Diagnostic Tests: Chest X-ray. Chest CT Pulse oximetry Arterial blood
gas testB-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) blood test. Other blood tests.
Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-
conditions/edema/diagnosis-treatment
• Longo DL, et al., eds. Edema. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal
Medicine. 19th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2015.
http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed Aug. 25, 2017.
• McKean SC, et al, eds. Edema. In: Principles and Practice of
Hospital Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill
Companies; 2017. http://www.accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.
Accessed Aug. 25, 2017.
• Trayes KP, et al. Edema: Diagnosis and management. American
Family Physician. 2013; 88:102.
• Papadakis MA, et al, eds. Common symptoms. In: Current Medical
Diagnosis & Treatment 2018. 57th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-
Hill Education; 2018. http://accessmedicine.mhmedical.com.
Accessed Aug. 25, 2017.
