LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Edema: Swellings
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Edema may be due to lymphedema. There are two kinds. Inherited lymphedema, or primary lymphedema, in which you are born lacking lymph vessels and nodes. The swelling usually appears during your adolescence and affects your foot or calf. A rare form of primary lymphedema develops in infancy and is called Milroy’s disease. Acquired lymphedema or secondary lymphedema, in which an injury to your lymphatic system causes lymphedema.
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Edema is the result of an imbalance in the filtration system between the capillary and interstitial spaces. The kidneys play a key role in regulating extracellular fluid volume by adjusting sodium and water excretion. Major causes of edema include venous obstruction, increased capillary permeability, and increased plasma volume secondary to sodium and water retention. A systematic approach is warranted to determine the underlying diagnosis. Treatment includes sodium restriction, diuretic use, and appropriate management of the underlying disorder. Leg elevation may be helpful in some patients.
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Edema can become a problem in systemic diseases of the heart, liver or kidneys. Diuretic therapy then can be initiated, which often alleviates the edema. The most potent diuretics are the loop diuretics, so-called because they work in that portion of the kidney tubules referred to as the loop of Henle. The kidney tubules are small ducts that regulate salt and water balance, while transporting the forming urine. These loop diuretics are clinically available as furosemide (Lasix), torsemide (Demedex), and butethamide (Bumex). The doses of these diuretics vary depending upon the clinical circumstances.
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Edema arises in a person because of a large variety of causes and factors, including genetic and biochemical predisposition to the condition. Normally any form of physical injury, inflammation in the body and many allergies affecting a person will lead to the appearance of edema. In addition, as far as women are concerned, hormonal imbalances during PMS leads to the typical symptoms of edema. These include symptoms such as the swelling of the ankles, the bloating of tissue and gain in weight, the same physical manifestations are brought about due to the utilization of birth control pills in some women, as such pills normally disturb the hormonal balance in the body. What happens at times in some women is that during the later stages of pregnancy, edema results with a lot of fluid retention in the body, accompanied by a high blood pressure, these are symptoms of a serious condition known as pre-eclampsia. If left untreated the condition can lead to the appearance of convulsions in the affected woman.
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Edema is included as a separate problem not because it is specific to sickle cell syndromes, but because it occurs frequently. If not managed aggressively, edema in the low extremity predisposes the patient to leg ulcers and other complications. Edema is most often benign... it can also be the first manifestation of serious complications.
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Edema may be caused by diabetes or AIDS. It may be produced by the use of steroids or by chemotherapy. Another cause of edema is superior vena cava syndrome. This condition involves the narrowing of the vein which returns blood from the upper body to the heart.
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