See Also Stop Retaining Water...By Drinking More Water! The Important Role Of Water in Dieting Top 5 Reasons People Retain Water Best Ways To Reduce Water Weight Gain The Water Retention & Histamine Connection

Water Retention Symptoms May be a sign of illness

Water retention which is also known as edema, takes place when a build-up of fluid remains in the body tissues. The entire body will swell or just certain parts of it depending on what the cause is. These are called generalized and localized edema. Edema usually gathers in the ankles and feet, legs, arms and hands. Water retention symptoms may be a sign of illness and should be examined by a doctor.

Mild fluid retention can be attributed to any number of causes such as sunburn, the menstrual cycle, a sprained ankle, salty foods or even a sedentary lifestyle. By reducing one’s salt intake the swelling should start subsiding fairly quickly. The average person loses about two pounds in water weight. Water pills can be taken to reduce swelling but often it suffices to simply drink more water since this is what the body requires.

A sprained ankle may result in stretched or torn ligaments. The damaged area will swell almost immediately and requires elevation and an ice pack to bring down the swelling. The swelling is caused by blood vessels leaking fluid into the tissue. It is important to not leave the ice pack on for more than ten to fifteen minutes to avoid freezing the skin.

Stiff, swollen joints can also be an indication of arthritis. There are many different kinds of this condition so treatment depends on the type. Symptoms include a swelling and sensitivity in the painful area. This is a situation when the white blood cells migrate to the affected area in an attempt to repair what the immune system has interpreted as the invasion of a foreign body. Arthritis basically involves a wearing away of the cartilage in the joints. Friction between the unprotected bones will cause pain and swelling. Joint mobility and pain reduction can be maintained by having regular physical therapy treatments.

When the water retention is caused by a more serious underlying condition a doctor should be consulted as quickly as possible. The doctor will examine the patient’s medical history and order blood and urine tests, kidney and liver function tests, a chest x-ray or an ECG. Once the cause has been ascertained the doctor can order the best treatment for the disease and its symptoms.

Patients diagnosed with liver disease can benefit from early detection. The function of the liver is to convert fat into energy. Removing alcohol from one’s diet will help the liver to continue in its function provided that the disease is in its early stages. The liver is able to repair itself under certain conditions. Preventing any further damage to the liver can sometimes reverse the negative effects. Examples of liver disease are liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, infections and cancer.

When the ankles and legs are swollen, this is an indication that organs like the heart and kidney are not doing their job. The sooner a physician can establish the causes for the swelling the sooner they can prescribe preventative measures to relieve the symptoms if it is not too late. Water retention symptoms may be a sign of illness and if detected early enough, can possibly be prevented from getting any worse.

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More related Topics: Stop Retaining Water...By Drinking More Water! The Important Role Of Water in Dieting Top 5 Reasons People Retain Water The Water Retention & Histamine Connection