Oedema & Lymphoedema

Oedema, also known as dropsy, is the medical term for fluid retention in the body. The build-up of fluid causes affected tissues to become swollen. The swelling can occur in one particular part of the body - for example, as the result of an injury - or it can be more general. Oedema can occur anywhere in the body but it's most common in the feet and ankles, where it is known as peripheral oedema.

Lymphoedema is a common cause of fluid build-up in the body's tissues. It occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged or disrupted. Lymphoedema can occur in any part of the body, but is most likely to affect an arm or a leg. The lymphatic system is a series of glands (lymph nodes) around the body connected by a network of vessels similar to blood vessels. Fluid surrounding body tissues usually drains into nearby lymph vessels so it can be transported away and back into the blood. However, when the fluid cannot drain away in a normal way, the lymphatic system becomes overloaded and fluid builds up between the tissues and causes swelling.

Oedema is often the result of an underlying condition. The possible causes are numerous, but can include arthritis, diabetes, heart failure, thyroid disease, liver or kidney disease, lung disease and various medications. Additionally, when oedema occurs in the legs, it may be caused by thrombophlebitis, a blood clot, varicose veins or the presence of a cyst.

There are two main types of lymphoedema: Primary lymphoedema, which develops at birth or shortly after puberty and is associated with faulty genes and Secondary lymphoedema, which is caused by damage to the lymphatic system as a result of an infection, injury or cancer. Secondary lymphoedema may develop as a side effect of cancer treatment. Surgery is often necessary to remove lymph glands to prevent a cancer from spreading which can damage the lymphatic system. Both conditions can also be exacerbated by being immobile for long periods of time.