Definition

Fluid retention, also known as edema, is a condition characterized by an excess of fluid in the body. The human body contains fluids in the form of blood, muscles, organs, and even bones. Water makes up the majority of the human body. However, certain conditions can make it difficult for the body to maintain normal fluid levels.

Causes

Some of the causes of fluid retention are as follows:

1. Capillary Blood Vessel Damage

Capillary blood vessels are small vessels that deliver fluid to gaps between tissues, allowing cells to absorb nutrients and oxygen. Some medications, such as high blood pressure medications, can damage these blood vessels. If these blood vessels are damaged, swelling may result from fluid leakage. If the capillaries cannot reabsorb the fluid, the fluid will stay in the tissues.

2. Congestive Heart Failure

The heart pump maintains normal pressure in the blood vessels. If the heart does not pump blood properly, blood pressure may fluctuate, and fluid accumulates. Fluid accumulation can occur in the legs, ankles, and lungs, resulting in coughing or shortness of breath.

3. Lymphatic System Disorders

The lymphatic system transports white blood cells and returns excess fluid to the bloodstream. Lymphatic system disorders can be caused by blockages caused by cancer or infection. If this problem occurs, fluid may accumulate in the affected body areas, including the abdomen, ankles, and legs.

4. Kidney Problems

The kidneys filter the blood and maintain fluid balance in the body. If there are kidney problems, the kidneys' ability to remove waste products, such as excess fluid and sodium, is impaired, which can lead to fluid accumulation.

5. Malnutrition

When a person has nutritional problems, particularly a protein deficiency, the body has difficulty producing albumin. Albumin is a protein that helps the blood vessels retain fluid. If albumin levels are low, it is difficult for fluid to flow back into the blood vessels, resulting in fluid buildup in tissues.

6. Infections and Allergies

Infections and allergies result in inflammation. Inflammation causes the body to produce histamine, which dilates blood vessels. Blood vessels dilate to allow white blood cells to reach the source of an infection or allergy easily, but they can also allow fluid to escape. This causes swelling, which usually lasts for a short time.

7. Hormonal Problems

Menstruation, thyroid gland disorders, and Cushing's syndrome (excess steroid hormones) are examples of hormonal problems linked to fluid buildup.

Risk factor

Factors that may increase the risk of fluid retention are as follows:

• Airplane flights. Changes in cabin pressure and prolonged sitting can cause water retention in the body.
• Standing or sitting for too long. Gravity holds blood in the lower limbs. You should move around or go for short walks to ensure the blood continues flowing. If you have to sit for long periods at work, schedule breaks and short walks
• Consume too much sodium. You may consume too much sodium from table salt or preservative-containing foods and beverages.
• Medications. Some medications can cause fluid retention. These include chemotherapy (cancer treatment), non-prescription pain relievers, high blood pressure medications, and antidepressants
• Heart problems. A heart that is unable to pump blood properly can cause water to accumulate
• Deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis, or the blockage of return veins by a blood clot, can cause swelling in the legs
• Pregnancy. Weight changes during pregnancy can cause water to collect in the legs if you do not move frequently
• Hormonal changes and menstruation can also increase the risk of fluid retention in your body

Symptoms

Fluid retention can cause a variety of symptoms throughout the body. Areas that often experience fluid retention are the lower legs, hands, abdomen and chest. Symptoms of fluid retention in the legs and hands may include:

• Swelling
• Changes in skin color
• Shiny or puffy-looking skin
• The inflated skin, when pressed and released, will remain curved inward (pitting edema)
• Itching and heat in the affected area
• Joint stiffness
• Weight gain

When fluid retention occurs in the brain, it is known as hydrocephalus. Symptoms include vomiting, blurred vision, headaches, and balance issues. This problem can be life-threatening.

Meanwhile, excess fluid in the lungs is known as pulmonary edema. Pulmonary edema can indicate serious problems with the heart and respiratory system. Shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and weakness are symptoms of the body's inability to get enough oxygen.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of fluid retention is mainly made through questions about your medical history and physical examination. Typically, the doctor will focus on determining whether fluid retention is caused by serious diseases such as heart, liver, or kidney failure.

Sometimes, the doctor will perform additional tests, such as imaging (X-rays, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)) and laboratory tests, such as complete blood tests and urine tests, to further confirm the diagnosis.

Management

Some treatments for fluid retention can be done yourself, such as:

1. Low-salt diet

You can limit your sodium intake to 2.3 grams per day. Although table salt contains less sodium, you can also get sodium from preservative-containing foods. You can replace foods with natural ingredients, and salt with other spices.

2. Consume magnesium and potassium-rich foods

These two substances can help balance sodium levels. Bananas, avocados, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, and leafy vegetables like spinach contain high potassium and magnesium levels.

3. Consume Protein

Protein can help to maintain fluid levels in blood vessels, preventing fluid from leaking into tissues and causing swelling.

4. Elevate Legs

You can elevate your legs above your chest to allow water to flow easily to your heart.

5. Using Compression Stockings or Legging Pants

Stockings and leggings are designed to fit the body, which may cause you discomfort. However, stockings and leggings can help to promote blood flow back to the heart and prevent fluid buildup in the legs.

If you continue to experience fluid retention after following the steps outlined above, you should see a doctor. The doctor will prescribe diuretic drugs, which help to release fluids through urine.

Complications

Persistent fluid retention in women could indicate a serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary edema, or fibroids. If the aforementioned treatments do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor can prescribe medications such as diuretics, specialized supplements, and birth control pills to aid in hormone regulation.

Prevention

Fluid retention can be prevented by the following:

• Maintaining an ideal body weight
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding sitting or standing too long
• Taking short walks during long journeys
• Avoiding extreme temperatures, such as saunas, hot baths, or soaking
• Follow a low-sodium diet to reduce your risk of fluid retention

When to see a doctor?

Your doctor may treat fluid retention in addition to heart, lymph, kidney, or lung conditions. If you do not have any of these conditions, see your doctor if fluid retention interferes with your daily activities or persists despite self-treatment.

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