Edema Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The list of diseases that are trying to attack the health of modern inhabitants is wide enough. One of the least dangerous at first glance diagnoses is edematous syndrome, the causes of which can be completely different. But if you go into the problem, it turns out that the accumulation of fluid in the body often occurs against a background of serious health problems that require the intervention of qualified doctors.

What is edematous syndrome?

Under this disease is to understand the accumulation of protein-rich fluid in the alveolar courses, alveoli, interstitial (connective) tissue and in the bronchi. The cause of puffiness is increased vascular permeability. As a result of the appearance of such clusters, the capacity of the serous cavity may decrease or the tissue volume may increase.

The edema syndrome can also lead to a change in the physical properties of organs and tissues, as well as to a violation of their functions.

In medical practice, there are two types of edema:

• Generalized. This is a common manifestation of positive water balance in the body.
• Local, which is a collection of fluid in a specific area of the organ or tissue.

In the process of diagnosing edematous syndrome, doctors primarily exclude swelling (if you press on the skin with your finger, then there is no fossa). In general, to accurately determine the patient's condition, the results of thyroid function tests and the determination of the rate of edema formation are used.

How does the syndrome manifest in children?

Unfortunately, parents sometimes have to face such an unpleasant fact as the accumulation of fluid in the tissues or organs of their babies. The most common cause of this diagnosis are various kidney diseases.

Ocular syndrome in children is often Is manifested through the growth of the very edema itself to the tight filling of the interstitial tissue and even partly to such hollow spaces as the pleura, scrotum and peritoneum. The fact that a large amount of ascitic fluid is collected in specific places sometimes significantly complicates the process of venous blood outflow, as a result of which the patient develops heart failure.

Swelling in children can occur due to damage to the capillaries, which in most cases are caused by nephritis. In this case, the child has swelling in the eyelids, and then on the ankles and the front surface of the knees. The peculiarity of this syndrome is absolutely normal urine and blood pressure.

As for newborns, they can have a swelling syndrome already on the 3rd-4th day. As a rule, in such situations it is possible to observe the development of this complication for several days, after which damping occurs. As a rule, in an area where there is swelling, noticeably unusual condensation on specific parts of the body, hyperemia, pallor or cyanosis of the skin. Any experienced neonatologist will be able to determine the edematous syndrome in newborns when identifying such signs. In general, we can say that Such a disease can lead to serious complications. For this reason, it is important that the first few days after birth, the baby was under the constant supervision of doctors.

Causes of oedematous syndrome

Edema can develop against the background of lower limb diseases, vascular bed, manifestation of certain internal complications or various pathologies.

1. Increased venous pressure. Here, a key role in the formation of edema is the failure of venous valves, the effects of acute venous thrombosis, varicose veins and compression of the veins from outside because of the development of the tumor.
2. Chronic heart failure.
3. Disturbance of lymphatic outflow. In this case, such symptoms as obstruction of lymphatic pathways by filarias, elephantiasis with recurrent erysipelas, post-traumatic lymphedema, in which venous and lymphatic obstruction, as well as traumatic lymphostasis, are manifested.
4. Pathology of the kidneys, accompanied by acute nephritic and nephrotic syndrome. These are diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetic glomerulosclerosis, renal amyloidosis, lymphogranulomatosis, rheumatoid polyarthritis, lymphocytic leukemia, nephropathy of pregnant women.
5. Hypoproteinemia, which developed for the following reasons:

• Disturbances in the synthesis of albumins;
• Protein loss;
• Disturbance of digestion processes (exocrine pancreatic insufficiency);
• Nephrotic syndrome;
• Insufficient intake of protein (malnutrition or starvation);
• Inadequate assimilation of proteins (resection and lesion of the small intestine wall, gluten enteropathy).

6. Mixed edema.

Features of ascites syndrome

This kind of edema, in fact, is a congestion of fluid in the abdominal cavity. The very word ascitum means "bag, bag". Otecno-ascitic syndrome is most often found in those people who have cirrhosis of the liver. This disease appears, as a rule, quickly, but the process of its further development can stretch for a period of two weeks to several months. The cause of unexpected appearance of edema can become such diseases as intoxication, manifestation of hepatic-cell failure in the background of shock and hemorrhagic syndrome.

Osteo-ascitic syndrome can be determined by the following signs:

• dyspnea;
• Increased abdomen in volume;
• The appearance of flatulence.

If the amount of ascitic fluid exceeds 20 liters, then other symptoms may appear:

• Hernia of hemorrhoids;
• Inguinal hernia;
• Gastroesophageal reflux;
• Swelling of the cervical vein;
• Umbilical hernia;
• Increased pressure in the jugular vein;
• Diaphragm shift.

Effective Diagnosis

One of the most reliable methods by which you can identify edematous syndrome is differential diagnosis. Its essence is to determine the following factors:

• Presence of atypical cells (in half of cases they can occur in fcc and 22% against metastatic liver damage);
• Triglycerides (with trauma of lymphatic flow);
• Amylase (helps to establish the association of ascites with portal hypertension);
• Glucose (defining edematous syndrome, differential diagnosis in this case works with oncopathology and perforation of the hollow organ);
• Bilirubin (perforation of the biliary tract);
• Color ascitic fluid (milk, yellow, dark brown, red), etc.

Given the fact that the causes of oedematous syndrome can be completely different, it is very important to conduct a differential diagnosis.

Edema, a consequence of kidney disease

A distinctive feature of the edematous syndrome of this type is its rapid appearance and development. If the patient is often in an upright position, almost always the legs swell. In this case, the pallor of the skin, as well as the swelling of the hands and face, are inevitable.

There are several diseases associated with the kidneys, which can cause excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body:

• nephritis;
• Neoplastic processes in the kidney;
• Vasculitis;
• nephrosis;
• amyloidosis;
• Glomerulonephritis;
• Kidney failure.

Edema syndrome with kidney disease often develops if the body has infections, allergies, anomalies in the structure of the body, as well as intoxication. As a rule, in the presence of these factors, the protein composition of the blood is broken and ions are accumulated. Under the influence of these diseases, edema is manifested primarily in the morning.

Also, those who had to face kidney disease, sometimes manifested nephrotic syndrome, in which during each urination there is a loss of about 60 grams of protein.

What does the development mechanism look like?

Before edematic kidney syndrome will make itself felt, in the human body there are some changes leading to a similar disease:

1. First of all, this is increased intra-capillary pressure. In a similar state in tissues, there is an increase in fluid filtration, and its reabsorption decreases.
2. The excretory system of the kidneys is disrupted.
3. Significant decrease in plasma proteins. The consequence of their lack is the violation of water withdrawal from the intercellular space.
4. The permeability of capillaries increases. This condition is typical for patients who have been diagnosed with pathological conditions or glomerulonephritis.
5. Violation of the regulation of water-salt metabolism. In this case, the increased secretion of the hormone aldosterone leads to a delay in sodium and water ions.

It should be noted that for edema caused by kidney disease, a uniform distribution of fluid accumulation throughout the surface of the subcutaneous tissue is characteristic.

Immune inflammatory disease as the cause of edema

Often, edematous syndrome is a consequence of a problem such as glomerulonephritis. By this term it is necessary to understand the immune-inflammatory disease, during which the destruction of the interstitial tissue, tubules and glomerular apparatus occurs. The development of the acute stage of the disease is typical for children older than 2 years.

Osteal syndrome with glomerulonephritis is most often manifested in the face area. If severe forms of the disease develop, then ascites, hydrodrugs and anasarca may develop. The main cause of glomerulonephritis development are infectious diseases (adenoviruses, hepatitis B, 12th strain of beta-hemolytic streptococcus group A, etc.).

Development of the syndrome in heart failure

In some cases, swelling may appear as a result of slowing the flow of blood in the organs and tissues. This condition is a violation of the heart. As a result, the fluid accumulates in the tissues, increasing the weight of the patient. Later, edema appears in the area of the trunk and lower limbs.

It is possible to notice such changes without much difficulty. Also, edematous syndrome with heart failure leads to a decrease in skin elasticity. If the disease is pronounced bright, then the skin may appear cracks, through which the liquid oozes.

With heart failure, before swelling develops, noticeable dyspnea develops in the patient. As for the accumulation of fluid, this process starts from the bottom and gradually rises up the trunk. In this case, the edema itself is symmetrical and shifts insignificantly. If the patient often lies, swelling of the skin will be noticeable in the lumbar region. Those who lead a relatively mobile lifestyle are on their feet.

Edema syndrome with liver diseases

If we talk about hepatic edema, it is worth noting that it is located in the abdomen. In this case, the accumulation of fluid can be accompanied by the appearance of veins, which are affected by varicose veins. The limbs, in turn, thin out, and the body takes on an unnatural appearance. Heavy, fluid belly vibrates when moving. It is important to remember that in some cases the amount of liquid under the skin can reach a mark of 25 liters. This condition of edematous syndrome is defined as ascites. Of course, edemas of this level can not be ignored and the first symptoms should be addressed to a gastroenterologist, who should prescribe intensive therapy.

Treatment of edematous syndrome

The first thing that you need to pay attention to in such a problem as edema is compliance with the most rational therapeutic regimen, which will help to form a qualified doctor. Therefore, professional diagnosis of edematous syndrome is not something to be neglected. If the accumulation of fluid in tissues can be characterized as pronounced, it is necessary to receive a referral to inpatient treatment.

Under the conditions of the hospital, doctors will be able to determine the specific disease that caused the onset of edematous syndrome. They will also be able to develop an algorithm for treatment. To understand what pathogenesis has a patchy syndrome, it will not work out on its own, and without revealing a key disease against which edemas have formed, it is not possible to effectively influence the problem. For example, in people suffering from liver diseases, the pathogenesis of ascites conceals the effects of several factors. In order to identify them, you need the participation of a specialist.

This principle is also relevant for such a diagnosis as the swelling of the scrotum. In this case, the condition is a consequence of several pathological conditions. Under this definition, the following diseases fall: torsion of hydatids and dropsy testicles, as well as inflammatory processes.

Obviously, such a problem as the swelling of the scrotum, it will be extremely difficult to neutralize without the help of qualified medics. Therefore, once again pay attention to the fact that effective treatment will only be with the participation of a specialist.

To achieve the desired result, you need to take care of proper nutrition. It is important to drink a little water (up to 1.12 liters per day) and significantly reduce the intake of table salt (no more than 2 grams). As a rule, for most patients, a decrease in the daily dose of salt is not an easy task. In order for the period of getting used to the new taste of food to be most comfortable, it is necessary to add spices and herbs to the dishes. It is allowed up to 6 meals a day, but only if it is low-calorie and easy to digest.

Having studied the condition of a particular patient, the doctor can establish certain restrictions on the consumption of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. In addition to diet-based therapy, in the case of a problem such as edematous syndrome, treatment may also include the use of drugs that have a diuretic effect. It is important that the doctor takes into account all contraindications and the effect on the body of a combination of such drugs, as well as other medications.

It is easy to conclude that swelling is a serious enough problem, which in most cases is a consequence of more serious violations of internal organs. Therefore, with the appearance of the first symptoms of edematous syndrome, it is worthwhile to plan a visit to the doctor. This will help to quickly and with minimal consequences neutralize the problem.