What is water retention in the body?

What are its types?

And what are its reasons?

And how is the treatment?

Water retention in the body

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

A fluid called "lymph" regularly leaks into the body's tissues from the blood.

The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains this fluid from the tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream.

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

Types of water retention in the body?

  • Generalized oedema, in which swelling occurs all over the body

  • Localized oedema, in which certain parts of the body are affected.

Reasons for water retention in the body

stand up

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

the weather is hot

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

burns

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

menstruation

Some women experience edema in the two weeks leading up to their period.

pregnancy

Hormones stimulate the body to retain excess fluid.

Contraceptive pills

Birth control pills that contain estrogen can stimulate fluid retention.

Malnutrition

Deficiency of protein or vitamin B1 (thiamine) may lead to fluid retention.

some medicine

Some medications, including high blood pressure medications, corticosteroids, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are known to cause fluid retention.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Weak valves in the veins of the legs fail to return blood to the heart efficiently.

The pooling of blood can lead to varicose veins, which are medical conditions that can cause fluid retention.

What are the signs of water retention in the body?

Symptoms of fluid retention can include:

  • Tumor of affected body parts (feet, ankles, and hands are most commonly affected).

  • Pain in the affected body parts.

  • Stiffness in the joints.

  • Rapid weight gain over a few days or weeks.

  • Unexplained weight fluctuations.

When is fluid retention dangerous?

Fluid retention may be a symptom of serious conditions, including:

Kidney disease

Such as nephrotic syndrome and acute glomerulonephritis.

heart failure

If the heart does not pump effectively, the body compensates in various ways.

It begins to retain fluid 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 subcutaneous tissues, causing swelling (edema) in 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

Such as acute cirrhosis that leads to liver failure.

Malignant lymphedema

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

Thyroid disease

such as 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:

  • Low salt diet.

  • diuretics;

  • Treating the underlying medical condition, such as taking thyroid hormone in case of hypothyroidism.

  • Changes in medication or dosage, if medications are the cause.

  • Dietary modifications, if malnutrition is the cause.

  • Aids such as compression stockings.

Help tips for treating fluid retention in the body

  • Reduce the amount of salt in your diet, don't add salt during the cooking process, and stop salting your meals at the table.

    Avoid foods such as potato chips and salted peanuts.

    Be wary of processed foods such as processed meats, which tend to contain "hidden" salt.

  • Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is thought 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 excrete excess fluids.

    Include fresh fruits and low-fat dairy foods in your daily diet.

  • drink a lot of water.

    A well-hydrated body is less likely to retain fluid.

  • Limit diuretic drinks such as tea and coffee.

  • Cranberry juice has a mild diuretic effect.

  • Lie down with your legs higher than your head, whenever possible.

  • Exercising regularly.

  • Wear compression stockings.