Pediatric edema
Pediatric edema is caused by extra fluid trapped within the body’s tissues, leading to swelling.
What is pediatric edema?
When there is excess fluid trapped within tissues of the body, edema – or swelling – can result. This condition can affect any part of a child’s body, but it most commonly occurs in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.
What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric edema?
Signs and symptoms of edema may include:
- Increased abdominal size
- Skin that appears shiny
- Skin that retains a dimple (known as “pitting”) after being pressed for several seconds
- Stretched skin
- Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under the skin
What are the causes of pediatric edema?
The causes of edema are varied, and can include:
- Eating too much salt or salty foods
- Staying in the same position for an extended period of time
Medical conditions that can cause edema are:
- Cirrhosis (liver damage)
- Congestive heart failure
- Extreme, long-term protein deficiency
- Inadequate lymphatic system (network of vessels that carries a clear fluid called lymph from the tissues into the blood)
- Kidney damage
- Kidney disease
- Weakness or damage to veins in the legs
Medications that can cause swelling include:
- A type of diabetes medication knows as thiazolidinediones
- Estrogens (hormone medications)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure) medication
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Steroids
Being on certain medications can also cause edema.
