Water retention in the body.. causes, symptoms and treatment | Health

What is water retention in the body? What are its types? And what are his reasons? And how is the treatment going?

Water retention in the body

Water retention in the body (edema) A condition in which water accumulates in the body, also called edema.

A fluid called “lymph” regularly flows into the tissues of the body from the blood. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains this fluid from the tissues and returns it to the bloodstream.

Water retention occurs when fluid is not removed from the tissues, according to the Victoria State Government Department of Health website.

Types of water retention in the body?

• Generalized edema, in which swelling occurs all over the body
• Localized edema, in which certain parts of the body are affected.

Reasons for water retention in the body

to get up

Standing for long periods of time, which allows fluid to build up in the tissues of the lower leg.

It’s hot

The body tends to be less efficient at removing fluid from the tissues during the summer months.

burns

Including sunburn, the skin retains fluids and swells in response to a burn.

the rules

Some women suffer from edema in the two weeks before their period.

pregnancy

Hormones stimulate the body to retain excess fluid.

contraceptive pill

Birth control pills that contain estrogen can stimulate fluid retention.

Malnutrition

A protein or vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency can lead to fluid retention.

a drug

Certain medications, including antihypertensives, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are known to cause fluid retention.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Weak valves in leg veins fail to effectively return blood to the heart. Pooling of blood can lead to varicose veins, which are medical conditions that can cause fluid retention.

What are the signs of fluid retention in the body?

Symptoms of water retention can include:

• Tumor of the affected parts of the body (the feet, ankles and hands are most often affected).
• Pain in the affected body parts.
• Stiffness in the joints.
• Rapid weight gain within days or weeks.
• Unexplained weight fluctuations.

When is water retention dangerous?

Water retention can be a symptom of serious conditions, including:

kidney disease

Such as nephrotic syndrome and acute glomerulonephritis.

heart failure

If the heart is not pumping efficiently, the body compensates in different ways. It begins to retain fluids and increase blood volume. This leads to congestion of the veins, enlargement of the liver and accumulation of fluid in body cavities such as the abdominal cavity (ascites) and tissues under the skin, causing swelling (edema) of the legs.

Chronic lung disease

Such as acute emphysema, which puts excessive pressure on the right ventricle of the heart, causing it to fail.

liver diseases

Like acute cirrhosis that leads to liver failure.

Malignant lymphedema

They arise as a result of carcinomas blocking the structures of the lymphatic system, such as the lymph nodes.

Thyroid disease

like hypothyroidism.

arthritis

Joints affected by some types of arthritis tend to swell with fluid.

Autoimmune diseases

like lupus.

Treatment of water retention in the body

Depending on the cause, treatment may include:

• Diet low in salt.
• diuretics;
• Treat the underlying medical condition, such as taking thyroid hormones for hypothyroidism.
• Changes in medication or dosage, if medications are the cause.
• Dietary changes, if malnutrition is the cause.
• Aids such as compression stockings.

Help tips to treat water retention in the body

• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet, do not add salt during cooking and stop salting your meals at the table. Avoid foods like potato chips and salted peanuts. Beware of processed foods such as processed meats, which tend to contain “hidden” salt.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is believed to help with mild fluid retention. Good sources of vitamin B6 include brown rice and red meat.
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), calcium and vitamin D help the body eliminate excess fluids. Include fresh fruits and low-fat dairy products in your daily diet.
• to drink a lot of water. A well-hydrated body is less likely to retain fluids.
• Limit diuretic drinks like tea and coffee.
• Cranberry juice has a mild diuretic effect.
• Lie down with your legs higher than your head, if possible.
• Exercise regularly.
• Wear compression stockings.