Edema means swelling caused by excess fluid collecting in the body’s tissues. It most commonly appears in the feet, ankles and legs, but it can occur elsewhere, including the abdomen or around the eyes.
When edema may be harmless
Swelling can happen after standing or sitting for a long time, eating a lot of salty food, pregnancy, being overweight, or taking certain medicines. It may improve after moving around and elevating the affected area.
When it can signal something more serious
Persistent or unexplained edema can sometimes be associated with:
- Heart problems, including heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Problems with the veins in the legs
- A blood clot (DVT)
- Certain medications
- Problems with the lymphatic system
A characteristic sign is pitting edema: after pressing swollen skin for several seconds, a small indentation remains temporarily. Other signs include stretched or shiny skin and a feeling of heaviness in the affected limb.
🚨 Don’t ignore these warning signs
Seek urgent medical attention if swelling is sudden, severe, painful, unexplained, or affects only one leg—particularly if the leg is red, warm or tender. These features can occur with a blood clot or infection.
Emergency symptoms include swelling accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain/tightness, fainting, severe dizziness, or coughing up blood. These can indicate a potentially life-threatening blood clot or serious heart/lung problem.
