TREATMENT

Treatment of edema is directed at the underlying cause; this may be done by removing the excess fluid with diuretics, elevating the legs, or using compression stockings.

Pulmonary edema is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Fluid in the lungs interferes with the transfer of oxygen from the lungs to the bloodstream. Pulmonary edema is treated according to its cause, and commonly requires supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation (a respirator forces air into the lungs), and several medications.

Other forms of edema can be treated more slowly since they are of less danger to the patient. Slow removal is recommended for patients with cirrhosis (liver disease) since rapidly changing fluid levels can cause serious illness.

Diuretics

Diuretics cause the kidneys to increase their excretion of water and sodium, reducing fluid volume throughout the body. Diuretics must be used carefully as fluid removal decreases the blood volume. In some patients, this can result in a decrease in blood pressure.

There are several types of diuretics, and not all types are used to treat edema; the two primary types used for edema are loop diuretics (eg, furosemide (Lasix®) and potassium sparing diuretics (spironolactone)).

Although diuretics are beneficial in many types of edema, they are not appropriate in every case. In particular, diuretics are generally not recommended for venous insufficiency or for edema caused by pregnancy, where fluid retention is generally normal.

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EditText of this page (last edited December 19, 2009)