All rights reserved. Although edema can affect any part of your body, you may notice it more in your hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.Edema can be the result of medication, pregnancy or an underlying disease — often congestive heart failure, kidney disease or cirrhosis of the liver.Taking medication to remove excess fluid and reducing the amount of salt in your food often relieves edema.

All rights reserved. Pulmonary edema is a condition caused by excess fluid in the lungs. Secondary lymphedema is far more common than primary lymphedema.Any condition or procedure that damages your lymph nodes or lymph vessels can cause lymphedema. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Adjusting a medication that may be contributing to edema; Sometimes, edema can have a more serious underlying cause.

Specific causes of primary lymphedema include:Factors that may increase your risk of developing lymphedema after cancer, from cancer treatment or from other secondary causes include:Lymphedema in your arm or leg can lead to serious complications, such as:If you have had or you are going to have cancer surgery, ask your doctor whether your procedure will involve your lymph nodes or lymph vessels.

This is particularly true with swelling that occurs in only one leg or in conjunction with other signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath, abdominal swelling … The lymphatic system includes your spleen, thymus, lymph nodes and lymph channels, as well as your tonsils and adenoids.Lymphedema is swelling in an arm or a leg. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues.

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This fluid collects in the numerous air sacs in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.In most cases, heart problems cause pulmonary edema. Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Persistent leg pain and swelling can indicate a blood clot deep in your vein (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT).Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body (capillaries) leak fluid. Lymphedema caused by cancer treatment may not occur until months or years after treatment.Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice persistent swelling in your arm or leg.If you already have the diagnosis of lymphedema of a limb, see your doctor if there is a sudden dramatic increase in the size of the involved limb, as it may suggest a new process is occurring.Your lymphatic system is crucial to keeping your body healthy. It circulates protein-rich lymph fluid throughout your body, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products. Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues.

In some cases, X-rays, ultrasound exams, magnetic resonance imaging, blood tests or urine analysis may be necessary. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Several diseases and conditions may cause edema, including:If you are pregnant, your body retains more sodium and water than usual due to the fluid needed by the fetus and placenta. It results from a blockage in your lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

When edema is a sign of an underlying disease, the disease itself requires separate treatment.Swelling of the foot, ankle and leg can be severe enough to leave an indentation (pit) when you press on the area.