Detailed explanation of the causes and symptoms of body edema! Traditional Chinese medicine teaches you methods to relieve swelling in hands and feet.

Release time:

2024-10-11

Edema refers to the abnormal accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues or cavities, leading to swelling in the affected areas. Edema can occur in any part of the body, but it is most commonly seen in the ankles, hands, abdomen, and face.

What is body edema?

Body edema refers to the abnormal accumulation of excess fluid in the body's tissues or cavities, leading to swelling in the affected areas. Edema can occur in any part of the body, but is most commonly seen in the ankles, hands, abdomen, and face. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, edema is considered a manifestation of systemic qi transformation dysfunction. The occurrence of edema is mainly due to the obstruction of lung regulation, the failure of the spleen to transport, the kidney's inability to open and close, and the blockage of the water pathways in the three jiaos, leading to the inability of body fluids to be properly transformed and excreted.

Causes of body edema

The causes of edema are multifaceted, involving lifestyle, dietary habits, and underlying health issues.

Firstly, prolonged standing or sitting is one of the important causes of edema. When we maintain the same position for too long, blood circulation is hindered, leading to fluid accumulation in the tissue interstices. This phenomenon is particularly evident among office workers who sit for long periods or those who travel by plane for extended durations.

Secondly, improper diet can also trigger edema. Excessive sodium intake can cause the body to retain too much water, resulting in swelling. Additionally, a lack of sufficient potassium may lead to sodium metabolism imbalance, causing edema.

Furthermore, heart or kidney diseases may also be potential causes of edema. These conditions are usually accompanied by other health issues and require assessment and treatment by medical professionals. Pregnant women often experience edema, especially in the late stages of pregnancy, primarily due to hormonal changes, weight gain, and pressure from the uterus on the inferior vena cava, leading to fluid accumulation in the legs and ankles.

Symptoms of body edema

Firstly, swelling of the hands and feet is one of the most common symptoms of edema. Patients may notice that the skin on their fingers, ankles, or legs becomes swollen; the swollen areas may appear larger than usual and may leave noticeable indentations when pressed. Secondly, a feeling of tightness in the skin is also a characteristic of edema. When fluid accumulates beneath the skin, patients may feel their skin being stretched, accompanied by some discomfort. This tightness can sometimes even affect daily activities, making movement difficult. In addition to the above symptoms, edema may also cause other discomforts, such as pain, itching, or a burning sensation in the swollen areas. These sensations may become more pronounced as the degree of edema increases, causing patients to feel more anxious and uncomfortable.

How to diagnose body edema

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the underlying cause of edema. A physical examination is used to assess the patient's physical condition, and palpation can be used to check for fluid retention beneath the skin, while visual inspection helps doctors identify the areas where edema occurs. Common examination sites include the legs, ankles, and abdomen. Additionally, blood tests are an important tool for evaluating edema and its potential causes. Through blood tests, doctors can detect several indicators, including kidney function (such as creatinine, urea nitrogen), liver function (such as liver enzymes), and albumin levels. These tests help identify abnormal kidney or liver function, clarifying the cause of edema. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-rays, and CT scans can further confirm the cause of edema. Ultrasound can assess conditions like ascites; X-rays can be used to rule out the possibility of heart enlargement or pleural effusion; CT scans provide more detailed images of internal structures, helping to diagnose edema caused by tumors or other lesions.

How to relieve body edema

Although edema is a temporary phenomenon in some cases, if it persists, it may be related to underlying health issues. The following are several methods to relieve edema.

Firstly, dietary adjustments should be made, implementing a low-salt diet. Excessive salt intake can lead to fluid retention in the body, so reducing salt usage is the primary step to relieve edema. Increasing potassium intake can also help; potassium aids in balancing sodium levels in the body and promotes fluid excretion. Foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, nuts, and spinach, can be consumed. Additionally, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, which can lead to poor blood circulation and exacerbate edema, is recommended. It is advisable to get up and move around periodically to promote blood circulation.

Traditional Chinese medicine often uses medications with diuretic and anti-edema effects, such as Atractylodes and Poria. Acupuncture can also be utilized to balance the body's qi and blood, helping to improve circulation and alleviate edema symptoms. Common acupoints include Shenshu and Sanyinjiao.

How to prevent body edema

To effectively prevent edema, practical measures can be taken in daily life. In addition to the dietary control mentioned above, regular aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, can promote blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, reducing the likelihood of edema. It is recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. In daily life, women can wear breathable and comfortable shoes, avoiding prolonged use of high heels or overly tight shoes, which helps reduce foot swelling. Additionally, excessive alcohol and caffeine intake should be avoided. Although both alcohol and caffeine have diuretic effects, excessive consumption may lead to dehydration, prompting the body to retain water and increasing the likelihood of edema. Finally, edema may be a sign of underlying health issues, such as heart or kidney diseases, so regular health check-ups can help detect problems early and prevent delays in treatment.

Common questions about body edema

Edema usually does not pose a direct threat to health, but if it persists for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms, further diagnosis and treatment may be necessary. In some cases, mild edema can resolve on its own; for example, prolonged standing or sitting may lead to temporary leg edema, but once activity increases or posture changes, edema usually improves. However, if edema is caused by chronic diseases or is accompanied by other obvious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, medical attention should be sought promptly. In terms of complications, in rare cases, severe edema due to infection or injury may lead to skin rupture and an increased risk of infection. Long-term untreated edema may affect blood circulation and further lead to other health issues.

The treatment effect of edema usually depends on its underlying cause. If the edema is caused by heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease, treating these underlying conditions will help improve the edema situation. For edema caused by diet, medication, or emotional stress, appropriate lifestyle adjustments or psychological counseling may be effective.

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