Edema is referred to as the retention of water in the body. There are spaces in the body, between tissue and skin; these spaces are referred to as interstitial spaces. The accumulation of water in these spaces is referred to as edema.

Types of Edema

Edema can be of various types, depending upon the nature of the accumulated substance in the interstitial spaces. Non-pitting edema is caused by the accumulation of solid substances in the body. On the other hand, pitting edema is caused by the retention of water in the interstitial spaces. The major causes of this ailment are as follows:

Rupture of Veins: Sometimes, there may be rupture of the veins and so, the pressure in the blood capillaries may increase. When this happens, the kidneys tend to retain more sodium and water, thereby increasing fluid content in the body. This enhanced quantity of fluid leads to greater leakage from the capillaries, leading to swelling.

Also, the rupture of veins in the legs leads to lesser blood flow to the heart. This excessive blood in the lower parts of the body leads to excessive pressure in the capillaries, thereby leading to swelling and pitting edema. This condition is referred to as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI).

Damage to Kidneys: There can be damage to capillaries that filter blood to eliminate waste from our bodies. These filters are called glomeruli. One such consequence of such damage is a lower level of protein in the blood, which may lead to an accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces and cause pitting edema.

Cardiovascular Ailments: Sometimes, the lower chambers of the heart lose their flexibility to efficiently pump blood, leading to a backing up of blood in the legs, feet, and ankles. This in turn leads to fluid retention or edema. This ailment of the heart is known as congestive heart failure.

Malfunctioning Lymphatic System: The lymphatic system works to remove excess water from the body. In case of a malfunctioning lymphatic system on account of improper medication or infections, it fails to clear up the excess fluids from the body, thereby leading to pitting edema.

Cirrhosis: This is a scarring of liver that leads to abnormality in its functioning. There occurs a hormonal imbalance, as a result of which, the pressure in the blood portal that carries blood from the spleen and intestine to the liver increases. This leads to fluid retention in the legs and abdominal cavity, thereby leading to pitting edema.