Lecture note on Edema
By
Auwalu Abdullahi ( Student teacher BNSc UDUS )
09094670673
introduction
Edema is a swelling that is cause by fluid trapped in body tissue. Edema happen most
often in feet, ankles and legs but can affect other part of the body such as the face,
hand and abdomen.
definition
Oedema is the accumulations of fluid within tissues interstitial spaces.
Mechanism that keep tissue dry
The normal tissues are kept “dry” by the following mechanisms
Vascular hydrostatic pressure
Plasma oncotic pressure
The lymphatic system of drainage
1. Vascular hydrostatic pressure:
These usually push water and salts out of capillaries into the interstitial space
2. Plasma colloid osmotic pressure:
pull water and salts back into vessels
3. The lymphatic vessels:
Drains a small net accumulated interstitial fluid into the bloodstream via the thoracic
duct.
Causes of edema
1. Increased capillary hydrostatic pressure:
Local due to impaired venous outflow
Deep venous thrombosis
Generalized, mainly due to congestive (right sided) heart failure (cardiac
oedema)
Congestive heart failure
Ascites (liver cirrhosis)
Arteriolar Dilation
2. Reduced plasma colloid osmotic pressure (hypoproteinemia):
Excessive loss of albumin resulting mainly from
Decreased synthesis of albumin resulting from
malnutrition (nutritional oedema)
3. Inflammatory causes, mainly filariasis
Infiltration and obstruction of lymphatics
Surgical removal of lymph nodes
Post-irradiation destruction of lymphatics
4. Increased capillary permeability due to inflammation (inflammatory edema)
Acute inflammation
Chronic inflammation
5. Sodium and water retention due to)
Excessive salt intake with renal insufficiency
Increased tubular reabsorption of sodium
Renal hypoperfusion
Types of edema
1. Cardiac edema
2. Hypoprotenemic edema
3. Inflammatory edema
4. Sodium and water retention edema
5. Nephritic edema
6. Lymphatic edema
Others are
1. Pulmonary edema
2. cerebral
3. Peripheral edema and so on
symptoms of edema
Swollen skin
Stretched and Shiny skin
Puffyness of the ankle, face or eyes
Aching body part sand stiff joints
Weight gain
Decrease urine production
Visual anomalies
Management
The main approach of management of edema is treatment of the underlined cause of
the edema depending on the types and cause.
Although there are some certain approach that are used in the management of edema
these are:
Non pharmacologic
Reduce salt intake
Getting regular exercise
Raising the affected area to improve circulation/venous return.
Not sitting or standing for too long
Pharmacologic
Diuretic use such as
Frusemide
torsemide
Hydrochlorothiazide
Complication
Painfull swelling
Stiffness and difficulty walking
Strethced itchy skin
Infection in the affected area
ulceration
Ishemia
Herniation
Hypoventilation. E.t.c.
BEST OF LUCK
THE FASTER YOU LEARN YOUR ART, THE SOONER YOU APPRECIATE
THE SATISFACTION OF JOB WELL DONE.