Edema Specialist
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Merit Health Care, P.C.
Nephrologists located in Sylacauga, AL & Talladega, AL
Edema can be a side effect of many underlying health issues, some more serious than others. If you have persistent swelling in your body, Merit Health Care, PC, offers advanced diagnostic testing services on-site to identify its cause. Ghayas Habach, MD, MPH, also designs a care plan to treat persistent edema that results from kidney disease and other chronic health issues. To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for edema, call the office in Talladega or Sylacauga, Alabama, today or book an appointment online.
Edema Q & A
What is edema?
Edema describes swelling that develops from a build-up of fluids in the tissues of your body. This swelling can affect any part of your body but is most common in your:
- Arms
- Hands
- Legs
- Ankles
- Feet
You might experience edema during pregnancy or if you take certain medications to control high blood pressure, corticosteroids, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories. Standing or sitting too long can also lead to edema.
The common causes of moderate to severe edema include chronic health issues, like kidney disease, heart failure, and cirrhosis of the liver.
When should I seek treatment for edema?
Mild edema can result from sitting in one position for too long or eating salty foods. This swelling will likely go away within a day or two without any treatment. You can also help reduce swelling by staying physically active or getting a massage to move excess fluids back to your heart.
You should schedule a diagnostic consultation for edema that lasts for several days, especially if the swelling is moderate to severe and stretches out your skin. The team at Merit Health Care, PC, offers comprehensive diagnostic services on-site to identify the underlying cause of edema.
You need immediate emergency medical attention if you have edema along with shortness of breath, breathing difficulties, and chest pain, which can indicate pulmonary edema, or swelling in your lungs.
How is edema treated?
You can treat mild edema at home by elevating the affected area above your heart.
If you have moderate or severe edema, you may need diuretics or other medications to stimulate urination so that you can remove the excess fluids from your body.
If your use of certain medications is the cause of your edema, Dr. Haback can determine if any adjustments can be made to your treatment plan for other health issues.
When your edema is chronic because of an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, the team at Merit Health Care, PC, tailors a treatment plan to your needs, or they can refer you to a specialist. They continue to monitor your edema over time to prevent long-term complications.
Schedule a diagnostic evaluation for edema by calling the Merit Health Care, PC, office nearest to you or by booking an appointment online today.
