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Edema also known as dropsy and fluid retention refers to fluid build-up in the tissues of the body. It usually affects legs, feet and ankles though other body parts can also be affected by it like hands, face, eyelids, etc.
Edema can be pitting (when a swollen part of the body has a dimple after one presses it) or non-pitting type. In case of pitting edema when pressure is applied to the affected swollen area, the indentation persists for some time after the pressure is released. In case of non-pitting edema, the indentation goes away immediately after the release of pressure. Edema causes swelling, puffiness in the affected part. The skin above it looks shiny and stretched. Heaviness and pain in the affected area may also occur as also reduced urination.
Edema is given different names depending on the affected body part. When edema affects feet, legs and hands it is known as peripheral edema. When it affects the area around the eyes it is termed periorbital edema. Edema affecting the brain is cerebral edema. Edema that occurs in the lungs is known as pulmonary edema. Fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity is pleural effusion. Another form of it is lymphedema that occurs due to improper functioning of the lymphatic system that hinders normal drainage of the interstitial fluid. Swelling affecting the macula (a part of the eye) refers to macular edema. It occurs as a complication of diabetic retinopathy.
Edema can simply arise from excessive salt intake, sitting or standing for long durations at one place, before appearance of menses as a part of PMS (premenstrual syndrome which refers to a set of symptoms felt few days before onset of the menses), lack of protein in the diet for long time period and obesity. It may also occur during pregnancy. Use of some medicines can as well lead to edema, such as medicines for high blood pressure, steroid medicines, estrogen, NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines). Insect bites can be yet another cause. In other cases, edema tends to result from some underlying medical health conditions some of which could be serious. First condition is a sort of hindrance in the normal functioning of the lymphatic system that normally helps in draining extra fluid from the tissues. Damage to the lymph nodes can lead to it. Next condition is varicose veins that occur from damage to valves of veins in the legs that cause pooling of blood in the legs and lead to swelling. Another cause can be dermatitis (skin inflammation with redness, dryness, itching and in some cases fluid filled eruptions i.e, blisters). Besides these, some serious causes include DVT (deep vein thrombosis that refers to blood clot in deep vein/veins of the body mostly in the legs that can cause swelling and pain in the leg), severe allergic reaction, kidney damage, congestive heart failure, liver damage and some types of cancer.
Homeopathic Management
Homeopathy is very helpful in managing the cases of edema. It helps manage this complaint naturally with the use of natural medicines so there is no worry about its side effects. The most suitable homeopathic medicine is prescribed symptomatically for every individual case separately after detailed case evaluation. It is advised to get every case evaluated by a homeopath and take medicines under the supervision of a doctor. Self-medication should not be practiced at all. In some cases, edema may result from some serious health problems like heart complaints, liver/kidney damage, DVT, so one should always consult a doctor to rule out the cause and follow appropriate treatment. Homeopathy is recommended only in mild cases without any serious cause linked to it. In case edema is linked to serious causes, immediate help from conventional mode of treatment should be taken as homeopathy has its limits in helping serious cases recover.
Homeopathic medicines for Edema
1. Apis Mellifica – Topmost Medicine
Apis Mellifica is one of the best homeopathic medicines to manage edema. The most characteristic feature to use this medicine is puffiness in different body parts accompanied by redness and stinging pain. The affected parts are also sore to touch. Intolerable heat is felt on the affected part. It offers a big help in managing edema of the legs, feet and ankles. The legs and feet look waxy and pale.
It is very effective to manage puffiness around the eyes. The skin on the eyelids also feels tight with this. Stiffness is also felt in the eyelids. An accompanying feature is a burning sensation. Apis Mellifica is also beneficial to manage puffiness on the face which may look pale and waxy. Another sign for its use is swelling of the hands. There is also heat and redness on the hands. When pressure is applied on hands white spots appear that go away gradually. It is also topmost medicine to manage swelling that is seen after insect bites and stings.
2. Rhus Tox – For Edema Of Eyelids
This medicine is suitable for managing edema of the eyelids. Those who need it, show symptoms of red eyelids and hot tears flow from the eyes. At times, there may be the presence of yellow mucus discharge from the eyes. Next, there may be burning pain in the eye and also difficulty in opening the eyelids in some cases. Redness of the face can be a presenting factor. Besides the above, this medicine is administered when there is redness on the skin with vesicles (tiny fluid-filled eruptions) with edema.
3. Arsenic Album – For Swollen Face, Eyelids, Feet And Legs
Arsenic Album is a very useful medicine for managing edema of the face and the eyelids. Those who need it have swollen eyelids. Initially, swelling occurs on the upper eyelid followed by the lower lid. Next, it is helpful in case of edema of the feet and the legs. Along with swelling, a burning sensation is felt on the feet. The feet look shiny with reddish spots. Excessive weakness is also visible.
4. Acetic Acid – For Edema Accompanied By Excessive Thirstiness
Acetic Acid is a well-indicated medicine for managing edema with excessive thirst for water. This medicine is most prominently indicated for managing swelling of the legs. The skin looks pale and waxy with swelling. This medicine is also indicated for edema of legs, feet, or arms linked with anemia. Excessive weakness is present where this medicine is required. This medicine is also very effective for managing swelling that appears along with varicose veins.
5. Lycopodium – For Edema Of Legs With Oozing Of Watery Fluid
This medicine is administered for edema of the legs accompanied by oozing of watery fluid from the same spots. There are ulcers on the legs. These are accompanied by itching and burning sensations. This gets worse at night. Tearing pain in the legs is also an accompanying factor. Edema of the feet may also be present. Along with this, there is a burning sensation felt on the soles. Excessive sweat with a foul smell on the feet is present. The feet can be sore.
6. Pulsatilla – To Manage Swelling On Legs In Varicose Veins / Inflamed Veins
This medicine is very valuable to manage swelling of the legs due to varicose veins and inflamed veins. Those who require it present with swelling in the legs and thighs. There is difficulty in moving the legs. Along with this, there is also dull pain felt in the legs. The feet are also swollen. There is also redness of feet. The feet feel heavy. A burning type of pain and a drawing sensation is felt on the feet. There is an urge to stretch your feet while sitting. A tingling sensation while standing may also be felt. This can get better as one starts walking.
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