Edema (oedemia) is a general name for all cases of accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body, caused by its retention in the capillaries of the microvasculature or lymphatic bed. Swelling. Edema is one of the most common manifestations of many diseases. In most cases, edema is both a physiological and pathological process associated with a failure of water-electrolyte metabolism and the development of hypoxia of the intercellular substance.
The following conditions most often lead to the pathogenesis of edema:
- local discharge of tissue fluid from the vascular bed due to increased permeability of the venous endothelium
- difficulty in venous outflow through the veins of the subcutaneous tissue due to impaired blood outflow through the superficial veins (impaired lymphovenous outflow, heart defects).
The pathogenesis of edema depends on the etiology of the disorder. Edema accompanies many pathological processes. Although the swelling itself is harmless, eliminating it takes time to return to normal function. Much depends on the area of the edema. With large swelling, this can lead to serious problems.