Treatment for Liver Edema

Edema occurs when fluid collects in your body's tissues, often because of a damaged liver. O'Brien, Chennubhotla and Chennubhotla, who published a 2005 article in the American Family Physician journal, note that effective treatment is possible.
  1. Significance

    • If left untreated, liver edema causes painful swelling, difficulty walking, scarring, infections, skin breakdown or problems with blood circulation.

    Symptoms

    • Edema makes your skin look swollen, shiny or stretched, and, if caused by liver damage, edema can also make your skin show blood vessels. Treatment is tailored to these symptoms and their underlying causes.

    Types

    • Treatment depends on the severity of your edema. Generally, doctors prescribe diuretics (medications that increase your urine flow), advise you to eat a diet low in salt or recommend elevating your feet. Your treatment plan may include a combination of these treatments.

    Considerations

    • Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or have chronic venous insufficiency, as diuretics are not appropriate for all liver edema patients.

    Prevention

    • Laying off alcoholic drinks, maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding prolonged exposure to toxic chemicals helps prevent liver edema.

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