What causes bilateral pitting edema?
What causes bilateral pitting edema?
Pitting edema is commonly caused by poor circulation or the retention of excess fluids. Some common risk factors that may lead to these problems include sitting or standing in one position for too long, low protein levels, obesity, and pregnancy.
What does bilateral lower extremity edema mean?
Definition: existence of the excess fluid in the lower extremity resulting in swelling of the feet and extending upward. Further classified as pitting (depress-able) and non-pitting.
What are the symptoms of bilateral ankle edema?
However, this condition yields other troublesome symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain and fatigue. Venous insufficiency can cause swelling in both ankles, but this is usually accompanied by leg pain as well. Sometimes, the cause of bilateral ankle edema is never found.
What causes pitting edema of the legs and feet?
Peripheral edema, which is usually seen as pitting edema of the legs and feet, also occurs in cirrhosis. The edema is a consequence of the hypoalbuminemia and the kidneys retaining salt and water.
What to look for in lower extremity edema?
-Major organ systems involved with peripheral edema include the heart, kidneys, and liver. –History and exam are the most important aspects of the evaluation of lower extremity edema. -Look for signs of cirrhosis and ascites. If ascites is present, obtain LFTs and perform paracentesis.
What causes swelling in the foot, ankle and leg?
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. This swelling (edema) is the result of excess fluid in your tissues — often caused by congestive heart failure or blockage in a leg vein.
However, this condition yields other troublesome symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain and fatigue. Venous insufficiency can cause swelling in both ankles, but this is usually accompanied by leg pain as well. Sometimes, the cause of bilateral ankle edema is never found.
How to diagnose lower extremity edema with PT?
Warm, well-perfused with 2+ distal pulses (PT, DP). 3+ pitting edema symmetric in bilateral lower extremities to knee. Erythema and warmth bilaterally extending from ankles to mid-shin.
Can a swollen leg be a sign of edema?
Swollen body parts may be uncomfortable but with older adults, it can be a sign of edema. This serious condition can occur in any part of your body but usually results in fluid leaking from legs in elderly individuals.
What are the symptoms of edema in the elderly?
Edema in elderly legs can also be a sign of underlying health conditions. These include: The symptoms of edema don’t just include swollen legs in the elderly. They also include: When it comes to edema, swollen legs in the elderly aren’t the only concern. It can also lead to a number of complications, including: