Edema

Diagnosis

To identify the cause of edema, a healthcare provider performs a physical examination and reviews your medical history. In many cases, these steps are enough to determine the underlying cause. However, if the reason for swelling isn’t immediately clear, additional tests may be recommended, such as:

• Blood tests to check for kidney, liver, or heart problems.

• Ultrasound exams to assess fluid buildup or blockages.

• Vein studies to evaluate blood flow and rule out conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

These diagnostic methods help pinpoint whether the edema is related to a medical condition, medication, or another cause.

Treatment

Mild edema often resolves on its own without medical treatment. However, several measures can help reduce swelling and discomfort:

• Compression garments: Wearing compression stockings, sleeves, or gloves helps prevent fluid from collecting in the affected area.

• Elevation: Raising the swollen arm or leg above heart level can improve fluid drainage and reduce puffiness.

For more persistent or severe edema, medications known as diuretics (water pills) may be prescribed. These medicines help the body eliminate excess fluid through urine. A common example is furosemide (Lasix). The use and dosage of diuretics should always be determined by a healthcare provider.

In the long term, treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause of the edema. For example, if swelling is due to a particular medication, the provider may adjust the dosage or switch to another drug that does not cause fluid retention.