Peripheral Oedema

Peripheral oedema, also known as peripheral edema, is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues of the body, particularly in the lower extremities, such as the legs, ankles, and feet.

Causes

• Heart failure: Reduced cardiac output can lead to fluid buildup in the peripheral tissues.
• Kidney disease: Impaired kidney function can cause fluid retention, leading to oedema.
• Liver disease: Liver cirrhosis and other liver conditions can cause fluid accumulation in the peripheral tissues.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clots in the deep veins of the legs can cause swelling and oedema.
• Varicose veins: Enlarged or twisted veins can lead to fluid buildup in the surrounding tissues.
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can cause peripheral oedema.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as calcium channel blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroids, can cause fluid retention and oedema.

Symptoms

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
• Pitting oedema: Indentation of the skin when pressed
• Weight gain due to fluid retention
• Shortness of breath (in severe cases)
• Fatigue
• Discomfort or pain in the affected areas

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of peripheral oedema typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause. These may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Blood chemistry tests (e.g., electrolyte panel, liver function tests)
• Urinalysis
• Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans) to rule out underlying conditions such as DVT or varicose veins
• Echocardiogram to assess cardiac function

Treatment

Treatment of peripheral oedema depends on the underlying cause and may involve:

• Lifestyle modifications: Elevating the affected limbs, reducing salt intake, and increasing physical activity
• Medications: Diuretics to reduce fluid retention, ACE inhibitors or beta blockers to manage heart failure, and anticoagulants to prevent DVT
• Compression therapy: Wearing compression stockings or sleeves to improve circulation and reduce swelling
• Elevation of the affected limbs above the level of the heart to reduce swelling
• Surgical intervention: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat underlying conditions such as varicose veins or DVT

Complications

If left untreated, peripheral oedema can lead to complications such as:

• Increased risk of skin ulcers and infections
• Reduced mobility and increased risk of falls
• Worsening of underlying conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease

Prevention

To prevent peripheral oedema, it is essential to:

• Maintain a healthy weight and diet
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Avoid prolonged periods of standing or sitting
• Elevate the legs when sitting or lying down
• Manage underlying medical conditions, such as heart failure or kidney disease