FLUID RETENTION - How To Lessen Water Retention And Swelling Of Legs With Electric Beds

FLUID RETENTION - Idiopathic Oedema

Idiopathic oedema is the term for fluid retention which it not caused by a known medical condition. It is most common in women and can sometimes worsen as you get older. Although there is no cure for idiopathic oedema, having a healthy diet which is low in salt can make a real difference. Support stockings and regular exercise are also beneficial.

What is idiopathic oedema?

Oedema is the medical term for fluid retention. Idiopathic is a term which means unknown cause. Idiopathic oedema is therefore a condition of mild fluid retention where the cause is not fully understood. Oedema can be caused by various conditions, especially diseases of the heart or kidney. However, people with idiopathic oedema are otherwise healthy and do not have a kidney or heart disease to account for their oedema. Idiopathic oedema is not serious but can be a nuisance.

Who has idiopathic oedema?

Idiopathic oedema mainly affects women in their middle years. It can become worse as you get older. Many women find that the oedema worsens at certain times of the month (usually just before a period).

What causes idiopathic oedema?

The underlying cause seems to be due to fluid leaking out of the small blood vessels into the tissues. Why this occurs in some people is not clear. It is usually worse after you have been standing for long periods, as there is increased pressure in your veins when standing compared to lying down. Going on long journeys or sitting still for long periods of time can also worsen the swelling.

One possible cause is the retention of salt. When the body retains salt it also holds on to fluid and thereby may cause some oedema.

A possible cause of fluid retention often overlooked by people and difficult to diagnose is due to binge eating alternating with strict dieting. This can cause intermittent fluid retention.

What are the symptoms?

Mild swelling of the feet, hands, abdomen, breasts and face may occur. This is worse at the end of the day and may disappear after a night's rest. Rings may need to be taken off and looser clothes may need to be worn in the evening.

Many people with idiopathic oedema find that they weigh about two kilograms (four pounds) more in the evening compared to the morning. You should use the same scales to weigh yourself, after you have been to the toilet, morning and evening.

What are the treatments?

Idiopathic oedema is not an easy condition to treat and cannot often be cured. Many people are reassured that their fluid retention is not due to a serious medical condition. Learning to live with it and changing into loose clothes in the evening are all that is required for most people.

However, the following tips may be helpful:

Avoid prolonged standing

This may not always be easy, especially if you are in a job which requires you to stand for long periods of time. Wearing support stockings or tights will often help to reduce swelling of ankles and legs. There are now many different types and sizes, meaning they are fairly comfortable to wear. Many of the tights and stockings are now available on prescription from your doctor.

Weight loss

Many people with fluid retention are overweight and losing weight can make a big difference to improve the oedema. A gradual weight loss (rather than fasting and bingeing) is recommended.

Salt restriction

Idiopathic oedema can often improve greatly if you reduce your salt intake. One way is to stop adding salt to food and also reduce the amount of processed foods you eat, as these often contain large amounts of salt.

Eating foods rich in potassium

Eating potassium-rich foods can actually help to reduce the sodium (salt) levels in the body and so may improve the oedema. Potassium-rich foods include most fruits, especially bananas and also tomatoes. You should not take potassium supplement tablets though.

Diuretics (water tablets)

Many people take these for oedema due to other medical conditions. However, in idiopathic oedema, diuretics may make things worse in some people, as they alter the salt and water balance of the body. They are not necessarily the easy answer to the problem. However, they can help for some people. A doctor is the best person to discuss whether or not they may help you. Also, there are different types of diuretics, and some are not advised for idiopathic oedema. So, it is best to discuss with a doctor before using any diuretic.

Source: http://www.patient.co.uk/

FLUID RETENTION - Fluid Retention due to Congestive Heart Failure

FLUID RETENTION - What We Should Know

Summary

Fluid retention (oedema) occurs when fluid isn't removed from the body tissues, including the skin. Causes include the body's reaction to hot weather, a high salt intake, and the hormones associated with the menstrual cycle. Symptoms include swelling of body parts such as feet, hands and ankles, a feeling of stiffness or aching and weight fluctuations. Drinking plenty of water will actually help your kidneys to flush out excess fluid. Fluid retention may be a sign of disease.

Fluid regularly leaks into body tissues from the blood. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains this fluid (called lymph) from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. Fluid retention (oedema) occurs when the fluid isn’t removed from the tissues.

The two broad categories of fluid retention include generalised oedema, when swelling occurs throughout the body, and localised oedema when particular parts of the body are affected.

The wide range of causes includes the body’s reaction to hot weather, a high salt intake, and the hormones associated with the menstrual cycle. However, it’s recommended that you see your doctor rather than self-treat, because oedema can be symptomatic of serious medical conditions such as heart, kidney or liver disease.

Symptoms of fluid retention

Symptoms can include:

• Swelling of affected body parts
• Feet, ankles and hands are commonly affected
• The affected body parts may ache
• The joints may feel stiff
• Rapid weight gain over a few days or weeks
• Unexplained weight fluctuations
• When pressed, the skin may hold the indent for a few seconds (pitting oedema)
• In other cases, the skin may not indent when pressed (non-pitting oedema).

Causes of fluid retention

Some of the many common causes of fluid retention include:

• Gravity – standing up for long periods of time allows fluid to ‘pool’ in the tissues of the lower leg.
• Hot weather – the body tends to be less efficient at removing fluid from tissues during the summer months.
• Burns – including sunburn. The skin retains fluid and swells in response to burn injuries.
• Menstrual cycle – some women experience oedema in the two weeks prior to menstruation.
• Pregnancy – hormones encourage the body to hold onto excess fluid.
• The pill – oral contraceptives that include oestrogen can trigger fluid retention.
• Dietary deficiency – such as insufficient protein or vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the diet.
• Medications – certain drugs, including high blood pressure medication (antihypertensives), corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are known to cause fluid retention.
• Chronic venous insufficiency – weakened valves in the veins of the legs fail to efficiently return blood to the heart. The pooling of blood can result in varicose veins.

Medical conditions that may cause fluid retention

Fluid retention may be a symptom of serious underlying conditions, including:

• Kidney disease – such as nephrotic syndrome and acute glomerulonephritis
• Heart failure – if the heart does not pump effectively, the body compensates in various ways. It starts to retain fluid and increase the volume of blood. This results in congestion of the veins, enlargement of the liver, and the accumulation of fluid in body cavities like the abdominal cavity (ascites) and in subcutaneous tissues, causing swelling (oedema) of the legs
• Chronic lung diseases – such as severe emphysema, which put excessive pressure on the heart’s right ventricle, leading to its failure
• Liver disease – such as severe cirrhosis that triggers liver failure
• Malignant lymphoedema – cancerous tumours that block structures of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes
• Thyroid disease – such as hypothyroidism
• Arthritis – joints affected by some types of arthritis tend to swell with fluid
• Allergic reaction – in susceptible people, the body tends to swell in response to particular allergens, such as an insect bite. In some cases, the reaction is severe (anaphylaxis) and requires urgent medical attention. This swelling is short-lived rather than ongoing.

Diagnosis of fluid retention

The underlying cause of the oedema must be found before treatment can begin. Diagnostic tests may include:

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Detailed questioning about the fluid retention, such as when it started, any factors that worsen the swelling and whether it is constant or intermittent
• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Liver function tests
• Kidney function tests
• Chest x-ray
• Heart function tests, such as electrocardiogram (ECG).

Treatment for fluid retention

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• A low-salt diet
• Diuretics (water pills)
• Treatment for the underlying medical condition: for example, hormone replacement (thyroxine) in the case of hypothyroidism
• Lifestyle changes in response to the underlying medical condition: for example, avoidance of alcohol if liver disease is the cause
• Changes to medication or dosage, if drugs are the cause
• Dietary adjustments, if malnutrition is the cause
• Ongoing medical supervision
• Aids such as support stockings.

Self-care options for fluid retention

Mild fluid retention can be helped in the following ways:

• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet; for instance, don’t add salt during the cooking process and stop salting your meals at the table. Avoid foods like potato chips and salted peanuts. Be wary of processed foods such as manufactured meats, which tend to contain ‘hidden’ salt.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is thought to help in cases of mild fluid retention. Good sources of vitamin B6 include brown rice and red meat.
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), calcium and vitamin D help the body to excrete excess fluids. Include fresh fruits and low-fat dairy foods in your daily diet.
• Supplements may help in the case of fluid retention caused by the menstrual cycle: for example calcium, magnesium, manganese, evening primrose oil and chaste tree.
• Herbal diuretics include dandelion leaf, corn silk and horsetail.
• Make sure to discuss the use of supplements with your doctor or health care professional, particularly if you are on any type of medication.
• Drink plenty of water. It may sound contradictory, but a well-hydrated body is less likely to retain fluid.
• Cut back on dehydrating drinks such as tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Cranberry juice has a mild diuretic action.
• Lie down with your legs higher than your head, when possible.
• Exercise regularly.
• Wear support stockings.

Where to get help

• Your doctor
• Pharmacist

Things to remember

• The two broad categories of fluid retention include generalised oedema, when swelling occurs throughout the body, and localised oedema when particular parts of the body are affected.
• Always see your doctor, because oedema can be symptomatic of serious medical conditions such as heart, kidney or liver disease.
• Self-care options for mild fluid retention include a low-salt diet, supplements and drinking plenty of water. A well-hydrated body is less likely to retain fluid.

Source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

FLUID RETENTION - What Is Water Retention (Fluid Retention)? What Causes Water Retention?

Last updated: 6 May 2010 at 8am PST


Water retention, also known as fluid retention refers to an excessive build up of fluid in the circulatory system, body tissues, or cavities in the body. Up to 70% of the human body consists of water. Water exists both inside and outside our body's cells. Blood is mostly made up of water, as are our organs and muscles. 


A complex system of hormones and prostaglandins (hormone-like substances) is used by the human body to regulate water levels. So that excess water intake one day can be resolved by the kidneys quickly excreting the excess urine, while a lack of fluids on another day may result in much less urination that usual. 

Up to 70% of our body is water:

• Muscle is made up of approximately 75% water
• Fat consists of about 50% water
• Bones are made up of about 50% water.

Where does fluid retention occur?

Capillaries - Fluid (liquid) rich in nutrients, vitamins and oxygen continuously passes from tiny blood vessels (capillaries) into surrounding tissues - this fluid is known as interstitial fluid (tissue fluid). Interstitial fluid nourishes cells and eventually makes its way back to the capillaries. 

Water retention may occur if pressure inside the capillaries changes. Water (fluid) retention is also possible if something occurs that makes the capillary walls too leaky. If something goes wrong with capillary pressure or capillary wall permeability (wall becomes too leaky), excess liquid (fluid) will be released into the tissue spaces between cells. If too much fluid is released more and more of it will remain in the tissues, rather than returning to the capillaries, resulting in swelling and waterlogging (water retention). 

The lymphatic system - which consists of a network of vessels throughout the body, drains this fluid from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream. However, if too much fluid is released in the first place the lymphatic system can be overwhelmed - it is unable to return fluid fast enough, and it accumulates (fluid retention). Sometimes, if the lymphatic system is congested, there may be something wrong with the rate at which fluid is returned back into the bloodstream - fluid will remain in the tissues, causing swelling in various parts of the body, including the abdomen, ankles, legs and feet. 

The heart

Normal pressure within blood vessels is partly maintained by the pumping force of the heart. However, if the heart starts to fail (congestive heart failure), there will be a change in blood pressure, which often results in serious water retention. 

Typically, the legs, feet and/or ankles will swell. Fluid will also build up in the lungs, giving the patient a chronic (long-term) cough. 

Congestive heart failure can eventually cause breathing problems, as well as excessive stress on the heart. The patient will probably be prescribed diuretics. A diuretic is anything that promotes the formation of urine by the kidney - in other words, anything which helps the body shed water. 

The kidneys

Our kidneys carry out the complex system of filtration in our bodies - excess waste and fluid material are removed from the blood and excreted from the body. Our kidneys get their blood and oxygen supply from the renal arteries, which are branches of the abdominal aorta (another artery). When it enters the kidneys, blood goes through smaller and smaller blood vessels - the smallest ones being the glomeruli (tiny capillary blood vessels which are arranged in tufts). 

It is in the glomeruli that blood is filtered - waste, fluids and other substances are extracted and cross into miniscule tubules, from which the bloodstream reabsorbs what the body is able to reuse. What the body cannot reuse - waste - is excreted in our urine. 

In most cases our kidneys are able to eliminate all waste materials that our body produces. However, if the blood flow to the kidneys is affected, or the tubules or glomeruli are not working properly because of damage or disease, or if urine outflow is obstructed, problems can occur. Including kidney failure - then waste material, including fluids, cannot be eliminated (shed) from the body properly, resulting in fluid retention. 

Pregnancy

The weight of the uterus on the major veins of the pelvis can cause a buildup of fluid in the body during pregnancy. In most cases it is nothing to worry about and generally resolves after the baby is born. 

Physical inactivity

Physical activity (exercise) helps the leg veins return blood to the heart (against gravity). If the blood does not travel fast enough it will begin to accumulate in the legs, resulting in higher pressure in the capillaries. Fluid will leave the capillaries at a higher rate because of the higher pressure. The higher pressure also makes it harder for fluids to come back later on. Eventually, some capillaries may break; leaving small blood marks under the skin, and the veins can become swollen and distorted (varicose veins). 

Exercise is also needed to stimulate the lymphatic system to fulfill its function of regulating overflow - bringing fluids back into the bloodstream at rates which may regulate body water levels. Very long periods of physical inactivity, such as a long-haul flight, increase the risk of water retention. During a long-haul flight, even minor physical movements, such as standing on tiptoes and down a few times, rotating the ankles and wiggling the toes can help reduce fluid retention. 

Protein

Humans require a certain level of proteins for effective water balance. An individual with severe protein deficiency may find it harder to get the water from the tissue spaces back into the capillaries. The enlarged abdomens of seriously malnourished and/or starving people are mainly caused by a lack of protein in their diet. 

Histamine

When an inflammation is present in the body, histamine is released. Histamine causes the gaps between the cells of the capillary walls to widen, making them more leaky. The aim is to make it easier for infection-fighting white cells to quickly get to the site of an inflammation (infection). However, if the inflammation persists for a long time, water retention can become chronic (long-term). 

Medications Some medications can cause water retention, including:

• Estrogen-containing drugs, such as the combined oral contraceptive pill, or HRT (hormone replacement therapy).
• NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) - medications with analgesic (pain reducing), antipyretic (fever reducing) effects. In high doses they are actually effective in reducing inflammation. Examples include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen.
• Beta-blockers - used to treat abnormal heart rhythms and prevent tachycardias.

Pre-menstrual water retention - this causes bloating and often breast tenderness. Experts say it is due to hormone imbalances, and also some nutritional factors. Premenstrual refers to the second half of the woman's menstrual cycle (during the days or the week or so before her period begins). 

Salt (sodium) - sodium-rich foods may cause water retention. 

Malnutrition and/or bad diet - dietitians say low consumption of thiamine (vitamin B1), as well as insufficient vitamins B6 and B5 may contribute toward fluid retention. Low levels of albumin levels may also play a part - low albumin levels can also be caused by kidney disease. 

Allergies - some foods and insect bites may cause edema in susceptible people. 

Thyroid disease - people with a disorder of the thyroid gland commonly experience water retention.

What are the treatment options for water (fluid) retention?

Treatment for water retention depends on several factors, including whether it is being caused by leaky capillary walls. If it is, then it is not generally possible to prescribe diuretics, because they may do more harm than good. Diuretics are more likely to be used if the water retention is caused by something else, such as heart or kidney disease. 

Leaky capillaries - in this case the tissues are retaining both water and protein. Diuretics would cause the kidneys to remove fluid faster from blood while protein in the tissue spaces would be drawing fluid from blood into tissues - resulting in dehydration of the blood. Eventually the diuretics can actually aggravate water retention. 

The doctor should treat the cause of the leaky capillaries. As they are often linked to a protein problem, remedies should be given which help to break up the protein which has leaked into the tissue space. 

It is often difficult for a doctor to distinguish between leaky capillaries and non-leaky capillaries water retention. 

The Waterfall Diet - the aim is to release water retention through urination. It does not work by stimulating the kidneys. The diet is high in flavonoids and some other nutrients which accelerate the repair of leaky capillaries. 

The Waterfall Diet also helps the user identify any foods which the body is not digesting properly, resulting in higher histamine release. Celery and parsley, as well as other coumarin-rich foods are key for this diet - coumarin helps macrophages (type of white blood cells) break up proteins which have leaked into the tissue space. 

The following self-help precautions may reduce the signs and symptoms of water retention for some people:

• Cut down salt consumption.
• If are overweight, to lose weight.
• Do regular exercise.
• Raise the legs several times per day to improve circulation.
• Wear supporting stockings if the water retention occurs in your lower limbs.
• Not to sit/stand still for too long.
• Get up and walk about regularly when travelling by car, train, boat or plane.
• Avoid extremes of temperature, such as hot baths, showers, and saunas. Dress warmly if it is cold.
• Massage - if the affected area is stroked firmly in the direction of the heart it may help move the fluid. It is important that the hand movements do not cause pain. A qualified masseuse or physical therapist will know how to do this more effectively.

Written by Christian Nordqvist

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/