Edema in Renal Disease

One of the most common problems associated with renal disease is edema, which is when fluid collects in the body and causes swelling. Edema can create discomfort. It can also be an early symptom of renal disease. Therefore, it is important to understand how it relates to kidney function and how it is treated.

Features

• Edema is caused by small blood vessels in the body leaking fluid. The kidney's response to this occurrence is to retain water and sodium. When this happens the small blood vessels get a message from the brain that there is excess fluid in the body, which causes the blood vessels to release even more. The cycle begins and soon the fluid becomes trapped in the body tissue, which causes swelling. Edema can happen anywhere in the body. However, the most common areas are the hands, arms, feet, legs, chest and face.

Renal Disease and Edema

• The most common causes of edema in the case of renal disease is an impairment of kidney function or a heavy loss of protein in the urine. Impairment of the kidney's function can be caused by many things including genetic malformation of the kidneys, blockages that can include cancers, benign tumors or scar tissue and loss of function due to disease.

  When the edema is caused by protein levels in the urine, it is called nephrotic syndrome. This syndrome creates a reduction in albumin (urine proteins). The kidneys receive a message that the body's blood supply is lacking volume, which triggers an attempt to retain salt to build more volume. The result is excess fluid being stored in tissue which causes swelling.

Significance

• Some cases of edema caused by renal disease create little more than some localized discomfort and temporary tissue deformity, but there are other side effects of edema that that can interfere with daily function or create additional medical problems.

  Edema can affect the legs and interfere with walking. The skin that is over the swollen tissues can also become itchy and painful. The limbs that swell due to edema can become stiff and uncomfortable.

  In addition to the physical discomforts of edema, several medical problems can occur. The swelling can create a decrease in blood circulation as well as cause the arteries and veins to lose some of their flexibility and elasticity. Muscles and joints can also become stiff and difficult to use. Edema can also cause a higher risk for skin ulcers due to the skin breaking down.

Treatment

• Treating edema is usually a multi-step approach. Patients are often told to reduce their dietary salt intake. The physician will also prescribe medications (diuretics) that will help the body eliminate the excess fluid that is being retained in the body.

  Another step that may be taken depending on the location and severity of the edema is the use of compression stockings. Compression stockings are worn to prevent excess fluids from gathering in the body's limbs.

  Another method for reducing edema is to elevate the affected limbs above the heart several times a day for 30 minutes each time. According to the Mayo Clinic this is an effective treatment for mild edema but may not be affective for moderate to severe edema.

Warnings

• Pulmonary edema, a condition that can develop rapidly and can be life threatening, is not common in the case of renal disease, but it can occur. Symptoms of pulmonary edema include shortness of breath, dizziness and sharp chest pains. If you develop symptoms of pulmonary edema the Mayo Clinic recommends seeking immediate emergency medical treatment. In addition, if your edema symptoms in other parts of the body worsen, or you develop new complications surrounding edema, you should seek medical advice from your physician.