Fluid retention is also called oedema or water retention. It occurs when parts of the body swell due to a build-up of trapped fluid. The fluid gets trapped and makes the area swollen or puffy. Fluid retention is most common in your ankles and feet.
skin that does not bounce back if you press it for a few seconds
skin that is not the normal colour
limbs or joints that ache
putting on weight
an increase in size of your tummy area
See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Fluid retention can cause pain where the swelling is happening. It can also cause damage to your skin. You may have trouble walking. Fluid retention is usually a sign that you have another health issue.
Sometimes fluid retention can happen in the lungs. This is called pulmonary oedema. It can cause shortness of breath or chest pain. You should see your doctor as soon as possible if this happens. Treatment is needed straight away.
If you suspect that you or someone else has pulmonary oedema, go to your nearest hospital or call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
What causes fluid retention?
There are many causes of fluid retention. Some people get fluid retention due to being sick from:
You can get fluid retention if you are overweight or do not have enough of the right foods. Pregnant people also sometimes have fluid retention.
Sometimes health issues that happen in one part of your body can cause fluid retention in another area. A problem in one part of your arm or leg can cause fluid retention further down your arm or leg. This can happen if you have:
a problem with your lymphatic system, which drains fluid from tissues
You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of fluid retention. Your doctor can do tests to find the cause. You may need some medicine or a different treatment. You may need to change your diet or do exercises.
How is fluid retention treated?
Treatment of fluid retention depends on its cause. Once the doctor has found out the cause you will be told what treatment is needed.
Many people will find their problem with fluid gets better if they do more exercise. Other people might feel better if they have a healthy diet. Drinking less alcohol and having less salt in your diet can also help.
Salt in your diet can increase your fluid retention. Talk to your doctor about how much salt you eat.
Some people need medicines called diuretics. These medicines help their body get rid of excess fluid via your urine (pee). Some people need to change the medicines they are taking after talking to their doctor.
If the fluid is only in one part of your body, you can feel more comfortable if you:
raise the swollen part above your heart when you can
massage the swollen area in the direction of your heart
Your doctor may recommend that you wear compression clothes, such as socks.
Resources and support
If you want to know more about fluid retention, talk to your doctor or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak to, 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Most people will retain 8 to 15 pounds of excess fluid before they see leg and belly swelling. However, symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath, loose stools, nausea and feeling full when without eating much may develop at the 5-to-7 pound mark" says Dr. Lewis.
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.
Water retention may clear without treatment in a few days. However, if there is a health problem causing you to hold onto fluid, your swelling may worsen over time. You may find that the body parts retaining water become tight, swollen, and painful. If untreated, heart or kidney problems may get much worse.
Processed, high-salt, high-fat, high-sugar foods and certain dairy products can make oedema worse. What foods to avoid for fluid retention? Avoid high-sodium foods, processed foods, unhealthy fats, and high-sugar beverages to avoid fluid retention.
The kidneys can regulate water levels in the body; they conserve water if you are dehydrated, and they can make urine more dilute to expel excess water if necessary.
If you push on your skin with your finger or thumb and your skin remains depressed, you're probably experiencing water retention. Fat cells are more springy, so the skin will bounce back. Do you feel bloated after eating?
Remember to stay hydrated and limit your salt intake to prevent water retention. Are bananas good for swelling feet? Yes, bananas can help reduce swelling in the feet by maintaining proper electrolyte balance and providing vitamin B6 for nerve and skin health.
Potassium-rich fruit, especially bananas, watermelons and peaches, can help lower sodium levels, decreasing water retention. Drink more water. Drinking more water to stop retaining water might sound like counterintuitive advice, but it is easier for the body to flush out excess salt and waste when hydrated.
Do not sit or stand for long periods without moving or go on short walks. Wear support socks, stockings or sleeves, which put pressure on parts of your body to keep fluids from collecting there. Edema shoes are available for people who experience chronic edema and need adjustable footwear for swelling.
A doctor can determine if you need any of the following to relieve your water retention: diuretics to help remove salt and water from the body through urine. certain supplements. compression socks.
Fluid or water retention occurs when the body is unable to maintain fluid levels. Kidney or cardiovascular disease, for instance, may cause the body to retain fluid. The main symptoms are swelling and discomfort.
Bioelectric impedance analysis is a simple, rapid, noninvasive bedside technique that measures the resistance of the body to a weak alternating current (50 kHz). The change in resistance is inversely proportional to the change in total body water.
Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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