Modern medicine explains edema as a phenomenon occurring when interstitial fluid excessively accumulates between cells. This interstitial fluid accounts for about one-third of all fluids in our body, playing an essential role in delivering nutrients and oxygen from capillaries to tissues and retrieving waste. However, if any major organ—such as the heart, kidneys, liver, blood vessels, or lymphatic system—fails to function properly, the balance of this interstitial fluid is disrupted, leading to edema.
One of the most common causes is edema due to heart hypofunction. When the heart weakens and cannot effectively pump blood, blood pools in the legs or feet, resulting in edema. Due to gravity, it mainly appears in the lower extremities and is characterized by pitting edema, where an indentation remains after pressing with a finger. Kidney disease is also a primary cause of edema. When the kidneys cannot properly excrete fluid and salt, blood volume increases, elevating intravascular pressure and causing fluid to leak out of vessels, which can lead to generalized edema. In many cases, the face and the area around the eyes swell first.
Liver hypofunction also causes edema. When the protein called albumin produced by the liver becomes deficient, the blood's osmotic pressure drops, causing intravascular fluid to escape into tissues, which can result in ascites or generalized edema. In addition, thyroid gland dysfunction, chronic venous insufficiency, lymphedema, certain medication side effects, and hormonal changes due to the menstrual cycle or pregnancy in women can cause edema. Beyond merely swelling from eating salty food, it can be a sign of a serious underlying disease. Therefore, if edema persists or suddenly worsens, it is important to consult a specialist to accurately identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. The circulatory systems of our body are all interconnected, so rather than dismissing swelling lightly, please listen to the voice of your body.
