fluid retention

Hello,

what is your weight?

Any possible link for example menses, increase salt intake?

Any possibility of congestive cardiac failure?

Edited by Dr Munjal(M.D) on September 25 2006 at 3:34am

I weigh 110 lbs and I am 5'4". The problem is seemingly unconnected to my menses because it is random( occures two times a week, or once every two weeks, or once in two months. Also it seems unrelated to changes in salt. And I do not have congestive heart failure- I am a professional ballet dancer dacing over 45 hours every week.

Hello

Has the fluid caused generalised edema or it is localised to some part?

I experience total body swelling, however my feet and face are most effected.

Edited by Customer (name blocked for privacy) on September 25 2006 at 10:28pm

Hello,

Edema is most often a manifestation of underlying diseases of the liver, heart and kidneys and is directly caused by salt retention. Besides the legs and feet, other main areas in which edema can occur are the lungs (alveoli), the abdomen or peritoneal cavity and the chest. When edema occurs in the lungs, it is called pulmonary edema and is usually caused by heart failure.

Most people can take in a large amount of salt without complication, but those with underlying disease have a problem processing and eliminating excess salt. Those with heart disease experience a reduced flow of blood to their kidneys, which then affects the kidneys' ability to eliminate the excess. This leads to the retention of fluid, and possibly edema.

There are two types of edema, which can help a doctor diagnose the cause: pitting and non-pitting. With pitting edema, the swollen area shows indentations from the socks or stockings. Non-pitting edema does not retain an indentation and is often seen in people with lymphatic system problems or hypothyroidism.

Idiopathic edema is a type of pitting edema which occurs without any obvious underlying disease or condition. It is most often seen in women who experience edema in the legs and feet when they are pre-menopausal or pre-menstrual. The condition is therefore also known as cyclical edema. Besides treating the underlying condition that contributes to edema, doctors often recommend diuretics and reduction of salt intake to treat the swelling itself.

Edited by Dr Munjal(M.D) on September 26 2006 at 5:31am

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