Organic Disease (continuation)
Kidney and liver disorders are other common causes of edema. If the kidneys are unable to excrete the excess salt in the
diet from the body, a buildup of body fluid may result. Edema associated with kidney disease is often first noticed as
a puffiness in the face. Liver disorders, particularly cirrhosis of the liver, may also lead to excess body fluids.
Some drugs, such as the beta blockers used to treat high blood pressure,
also may cause sodium retention and edema, unless they are given with a diuretic.
Depending on the cause of edema, the physician may recommend a variety of treatments. Those most often recommended are
the restriction of salt intake and the use of diuretics. These are medications that prevent the re-absorption of salt
and water by the kidneys, thus decreasing edema and diminishing some of the symptoms of congestive heart failure.
Restricting Salt Intake
Salt is a natural component of most of the foods we eat, so we cannot eliminate it totally from our diet. However, careful
monitoring of food and its preparation can eliminate much of the salt that is added during the commercial processing and
the traditional cooking of foods. Remember, high quantities of salt are hidden in many foods, particularly canned soups
and vegetables, TV dinners, preserved meats (such as hot dogs, ham, bacon and corned beef), cheeses and baked goods.
Summing Up
Edema is a warning sign that some normal body process has gone awry. Sometimes the problem may be localized, and a simple
change in life style may eliminate the swelling. At other times, it is a symptom of a generalized disease that warrants
treatment. Any recurrent swelling of the legs, or generalized body puffiness or unusual weight gain, should be investigated by a physician.
