Dr. Najeeb explains in his lecture that, “Edema” involves excess fluid buildup specifically in the extravascular space of body tissues, excluding intracellular and intravascular compartments. Intravascular fluid, such as blood plasma, does not contribute to edema since edema is defined as excess fluid outside cells and blood vessels.
In an average adult weighing 72 kg, about 42 liters of fluid is distributed throughout various body compartments, including intracellular and extracellular spaces. Approximately 60% of a person’s body weight consists of water, with the remaining 40% classified as lean body mass. Of the total body water (TBW), two-thirds are located inside cells (intracellular), while one-third is outside cells (extracellular).
The extracellular fluid is further divided into intravascular (blood plasma) and extravascular spaces. Although red blood cells, platelets, and other blood cells contain fluid, this fluid is categorized as intracellular because it is within cell membranes. Blood plasma, however, is considered both intravascular and extracellular by definition.
Edema is further explained according to widely accepted medical knowledge found in reputable medical resources such as the Mayo Clinic, the American Heart Association, and MedlinePlus as follows:
Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. It commonly affects the legs, ankles, feet, and sometimes the arms and hands, though it can occur anywhere in the body. Edema may result from various causes, including:
- Injury or inflammation: Tissue damage from an injury, infection, or surgery can lead to localized swelling as part of the body’s natural healing process.
- Heart, liver, or kidney disease: These conditions can affect how the body handles fluid balance, leading to fluid buildup in tissues.
- Venous insufficiency: When the veins in the legs can’t efficiently return blood to the heart, fluid can pool in the lower extremities, causing edema.
- Lymphatic system issues: If the lymph nodes or lymph vessels are damaged or blocked, lymph fluid can accumulate and cause swelling.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure on blood vessels can lead to edema, especially in the legs and feet.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as those for high blood pressure, anti-inflammatories, or hormonal therapies, can cause fluid retention.
Treatment for edema focuses on addressing the underlying cause, as well as measures to reduce fluid buildup, such as elevating the affected area, reducing salt intake, wearing compression garments, and in some cases, taking diuretics to help the body expel excess fluid.
References
Dr. Najeeb. (2022, October 3). Edema | Types Causes and Symptoms👨⚕️. YouTube.
https://youtu.be/fwlso8c0FSg?si=8Cb8zKezfgs9kg2h —– (Dr. Najeeb, 2022)
Mayo Clinic. (2023). Edema – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/sy
c-20366493
American Heart Association. (2023, June 13). Warning signs of heart failure.
American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/warning-signs-of-heart-failure