Overview Of Cyclic Edema
Cyclic edema is synonymous with swelling. Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short period of time (days to weeks).
Swelling can occur all over the body (generalized) or only in one part of the body (localized).
Commonly Associated With
Edema; Anasarca
Causes Of Cyclic Edema
Swelling can be caused by any of the following:
- Acute glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease)
- Burns, including sunburn
- Chronic kidney disease
- Heart failure
- Liver failure from cirrhosis
- Nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease)
- Poor nutrition
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid disease
- Too little albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
- Too much salt or sodium
- Use of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids or drugs used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes
Symptoms Of Cyclic Edema
Slight swelling (edema) of the lower legs is common in warm summer months, especially if a person has been standing or walking a lot.
General swelling, or massive edema (also called anasarca), is a common sign in people who are very sick. Although slight edema may be hard to detect, a large amount of swelling is very obvious.
Edema is described as pitting or non-pitting.
Pitting edema leaves a dent in the skin after you press the area with a finger for about 5 seconds. The dent will slowly fill back in.
Non-pitting edema does not leave this type of dent when pressing on the swollen area.
