[Click! Health] Shoes That Have Shrunk, Tight Rings... Find the Cause First for Edema Treatment

Symptoms of Body Swelling Due to Increased Body Fluids
Low-Sodium Diet and Rest Are Key to Treatment
Usually Recovers Within 2-3 Days
Visit Hospital If Swelling Persists

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] Edema is a symptom caused by an abnormal increase of fluid in the interstitial space of cells. It is mainly observed as pitting edema around the eyes or in the lower limbs, causing swelling of the face, hands, and legs. Many patients visit hospitals complaining that their rings feel tight or that they have difficulty wearing shoes due to swelling in their hands or feet.

Depending on the cause, edema is classified into "generalized edema," which involves an increase in total body water, and "localized edema," which occurs due to circulatory failure or obstruction in specific blood vessels or lymphatic vessels. The causes vary, but a common feature is sodium (salt) retention in the body due to decreased excretion by the kidneys, leading to increased body fluid. Representative underlying diseases include cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, and kidney diseases, as well as hormonal disorders such as hypothyroidism.

Various medications that can cause edema may also be responsible. Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in clinical practice can cause edema due to fluid and salt retention in the body, and some antihypertensive and diabetes medications can also induce edema. Edema may also occur with prolonged use of steroids for treatment purposes. There is also a type of generalized edema called "idiopathic edema," which worsens when standing for long periods without an underlying disease.

For the examination and diagnosis of edema, general tests such as blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays, and electrocardiograms are initially performed to differentiate the aforementioned diseases. Depending on the test results, additional tests such as 24-hour urine collection, abdominal ultrasound, echocardiography, and serum tests may be conducted. Dr. Lee Junyong, a nephrology specialist at H Plus Yangji Hospital, explained, "The basis of edema treatment is to identify the underlying diseases causing edema, such as heart failure, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome, and kidney diseases." He added, "In cases of generalized edema, symptomatic treatment includes discontinuing medications that may cause edema, restricting salt intake, and using diuretics depending on the disease."

The key to edema treatment is a low-salt diet. Salt intake should be less than 5g (sodium less than 2g), and care should be taken to avoid nutritional deficiencies caused by excessive salt restriction. Resting in a lying position, slightly elevating the legs, and wearing compression stockings can also be helpful. Many cases improve with just a low-salt diet and rest, but if pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, or severe ascites are present, diuretics may be used as drug treatment.

The specialist emphasized, "There are various diseases that cause edema, and generally, edema improves within 2 to 3 days after onset. However, if edema persists and progressively worsens, it is important to visit a hospital promptly for examination and treatment."