Idiopathic edema

Learn general

What is idiopathic edema?

Edema is the medical term used to describe fluid retention, fluid retention in the body and causing swelling and edema. “Idiopathic” means that the cause of the condition has not been found.

Idiopathic edema occurs when the person has no heart, kidney or liver disease. It is often associated with diabetes, obesity, and emotional problems.

However, you should still see your doctor to look for the cause of your swelling (such as potential problems with your heart, kidneys, or blood vessels). After all possibilities are ruled out and the cause is still unknown, you will be diagnosed with idiopathic edema.

Edema may occur periodically or persist for a period of time. Swelling in the face, hands, and feet can develop quickly and cause dramatic changes in your weight throughout the day. This condition may not be related to a serious problem but will be a nuisance in life.

Symptom

Signs and symptoms of idiopathic edema

You may feel slight swelling in your feet, hands, abdomen, chest, and face. The condition is usually worse at the end of the day and may clear up on its own after a night of rest. When swelling occurs, you should remove rings, bracelets and wear loose, comfortable clothes to feel more comfortable.

Many people with idiopathic edema report that they have gained about 2 kg more in the evening than the weight measured in the morning. Therefore, you should use the scale to track and record your body weight every morning, evening and after going to the toilet.

Reason

What is the cause of idiopathic edema?

The underlying cause seems to be fluid leaking out of the small blood vessels and into the tissue. However, why this happens is still unknown. Usually, edema is worse after standing for long periods of time because the pressure in the veins increases when standing compared to lying down. Walking a lot or sitting still for a long time also makes swelling and edema worse.

Another possible cause is that the body retains salt (sodium), preventing fluid from being eliminated and causing edema.

Another cause that is often overlooked and difficult to diagnose is a diet that alternates between a normal diet and an elimination diet. This can cause intermittent fluid retention.

Who often suffers from idiopathic edema?

Idiopathic edema mainly affects middle-aged women and may worsen over time. Many people feel the swelling is worse at certain times of the month (usually right before their period).

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical professional advice. Always consult your doctor.

What medical techniques help diagnose idiopathic edema?

Doctors can make a diagnosis of idiopathic edema in young women based on a routine physical exam and medical history without further testing if there is no other reason to suspect.

However, certain tests to confirm idiopathic edema can be helpful in difficult cases and are indicated only when there is substantial doubt in the diagnosis.

• Check your weight in the morning and evening. You should weigh yourself undressed and with an empty bladder before eating/drinking in the morning and before going to bed. If the average weight gain is about 0.7kg, it may be idiopathic edema.
• Check urine output. After stopping diuretics for at least 10 days, drink 20ml/kg (maximum 1,500ml) of plain water over 20 minutes, sometimes between 7:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. Urine was collected every hour, starting 1 hour before drinking water and ending 4 hours later. On the first day, you need to walk slowly or stand during this 4-hour period. On the second day, repeat the same but will lie on your side for about 4 hours to collect urine. In individuals with idiopathic edema, less than 55% of water intake is excreted while walking or standing and more than 65% of water is excreted in the supine position.

Methods of treating idiopathic edema

Most people with idiopathic edema get relief from swelling and fluid retention by following a low-salt (low-sodium), low-carbohydrate diet.

For those who have been on diuretics for a while, short-term discontinuation may also improve symptoms.

People who do not respond to initial treatment may have difficulty getting treatment. However, other methods such as the use of blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors) have also been shown to be effective in some cases.

Prevent

What measures help prevent idiopathic edema?

There are a few things you can try to ease your edema symptoms and prevent them from coming back:

Avoid standing for too long

This may not be easy to do, especially when your job requires standing for long periods of time. Try wearing supportive socks or tights, which can help reduce swelling in your ankles and legs.

These products are available in a variety of sizes, making them comfortable to wear. Your doctor may also order you to use medical support stockings.

Weight loss

Being overweight can cause fluid retention in the body, so losing weight and maintaining a healthy, normal weight can improve and prevent edema. However, you should plan to lose weight slowly rather than intermittently fasting.

Change your diet

What you eat and drink on a daily basis can contribute to water retention. So you should:

• Limit salt (sodium) intake. Idiopathic edema usually improves significantly if you reduce your daily salt intake. Try to limit salt in dishes, reduce consumption of processed foods because these products often contain a lot of sodium.
• Eat plenty of foods rich in potassium. Foods rich in potassium actually help reduce salt levels in the body, which in turn can potentially improve edema. Foods rich in potassium include most fruits, especially bananas and tomatoes. Note, you should not take potassium supplements.

Diuretic

Many people use diuretics because of edema in other medical conditions. However, for idiopathic edema, diuretics can make symptoms worse because they disturb the balance between salt and water in the body.

There are many different types of diuretics, and some of them are not recommended for idiopathic edema. Therefore, you should discuss with your doctor before you want to take a diuretic.

Hello Bacsi does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.