Edema

If you have edema or swelling in certain body tissues, it often indicates an underlying medical problem requiring immediate treatment. At Southern Kidney Specialists, with locations throughout Middle Tennessee, the highly trained nephrology team pinpoints the cause of edema and treats it to minimize the risk of complications. Call the nearest office to schedule an appointment, or book one online today.

What is edema?

Edema is the buildup of body fluids in certain tissues, often in your feet, ankles, legs, hands, abdomen, or face. It usually indicates a medical problem, such as kidney disease, which is why it’s important to see your doctor at the first sign of tissue swelling. Southern Kidney Specialists offers exceptional care for edema and conditions that cause it.

What are the symptoms of edema?

The symptoms you have because of edema may include:

• Swelling
• Increased size of your hands, feet, or ankles
• Skin that looks shiny or stretched
• Mobility problems due to swelling
• Mild pain or tenderness at the site of swelling
• Fullness or tightness in the affected tissues 

You might also develop trouble breathing or a cough because of edema. 

What are the risk factors for edema?

While anyone can experience edema, the common causes and risk factors include:

• Kidney disease
• Older age
• Pregnancy 
• Sitting or standing for long periods
• Weakened veins
• Venous insufficiency 
• Thyroid diseases
• Heart failure
• Lung diseases
• Liver disease
• Injuries

Edema may also occur because of poor nutritional habits, a high-sodium diet, certain medications, or having a weakened immune system. 

How does my provider diagnose edema?

To find the cause of edema and develop an effective treatment, the Southern Kidney Specialists team reviews your medical history and symptoms, checks your vital signs, and completes a physical to look for signs of diseases, illnesses, injuries, and swelling.

They may press on swollen areas of your skin to determine how much fluid buildup is present. You might need blood tests, urine testing, heart function tests, a kidney biopsy, or imaging procedures.

How is edema treated?

The best edema treatment for you depends on its cause. The Southern Kidney Specialists team offers treatments that help manage kidney disease and its underlying causes. You might need to make dietary changes, reduce alcohol, alter other lifestyle habits, take new medications, or change your current medication regimen.  

You may wear compression socks, undergo dialysis for kidney disease, or receive a kidney transplant.

Southern Kidney Specialists tailors each treatment to minimize edema and your risk of dangerous complications. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or use the online booking feature today.