What is Fluid Retention?
Fluid retention is a serious health condition that occurs when extra fluids develop within your body in the circulatory system or inside the muscles. This condition can cause swelling in the hands, feet, ankles, and legs. In women, it is more common during pregnancy or before their menstrual period. Less movement may also cause this condition. Like those who are physically disabled have a higher chance of getting affected by this condition.
What are the Symptoms of Fluid Retention?
The symptoms of Fluid Retention include swelling of the affected body parts, mostly in the legs, feet, ankles, and hands. One may experience aching as well. You may have stiff joints. In some serious cases, rapid weight gain can be seen. Other symptoms may be pitting and non-pitting oedema. In the case of pitting oedema, when you press the affected areas, the skin may hold the indent for a few seconds whereas in the case of non-pitting oedema skin will not hold an indent.
What are the Causes of Fluid Retention?
The cause of Fluid retention can be many. One of the most common causes is standing or sitting for a long period. Less mobility will lead to fluid build-up, and it may end up swelling. During pregnancy, a woman can develop fluid retention. During the menstrual cycle, fluid retention may be possible. Some medications such as oral contraceptive pills, antihypertensives, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also cause this condition. In some severe burn cases, one may experience fluid build-up as well.
When to see a Doctor?
Fluid retention can be a cause of other serious illnesses so whenever you are experiencing any signs of fluid retention, please see your doctor. Fluid retention can be symptomatic for heart, kidney or liver disease.
Lifestyle Prevention of Fluid Retention
Preventing Fluid retention is not always possible if it is due to any underlying disease. But other than that, this condition can be prevented by following some preventive measures. Such as a low salt diet, avoiding alcohol consumption, working out, clean eating, avoid sitting for a long time, etc.
Do you want to learn more? Ask us! OR Do you know more about this topic? Educate us.