US: edema The term generally used for the accumulation of excess fluid in the intercellular tissue spaces or body cavities Edema may be localised or may be systemic When edema is severe and generalised and causes diffuse swelling of all tissues, it is called anasarca Edema fluid in the peritoneal cavity is known as ascites; in the pleural cavity it is known as hydrothorax; and in the pericardial sac is known as hydropericardium Noninflammatory edema is protein-poor (the specific gravity is usually below 1 012) and is referred to as a transudate Inflammatory edema is protein-rich (specific gravity is usually over 1 020) and usually contains leukocytes and is referred to as an exudate
An abnormal build-up of fluid, mainly water, in the body People with kidney failure are prone to fluid overload leading to oedema The two most common places for water to collect in the body are around the ankles (ankle oedema) and in the lungs (pulmonary oedema)
Abnormal accumulation of watery fluid in the spaces between connective-tissue cells. Usually a symptom of diseases of the kidneys, heart, veins, or lymphatic system, which affect water balance in the cells, tissues, and blood, edema can be pitting (retaining an imprint when compressed) or nonpitting. Edema may be local (e.g., hives from allergies) or generalized (also called dropsy), sometimes involving body cavities as well as tissues. Treatment must usually focus on the underlying cause
An edema (or dropsy) is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the body tissues The resultant swelling may be local, associated with an injury or inflammation, or general, as occurs in heart or kidney failure