Oedema

Oedema means abnormal accumulation of fluid in the tissue space and serous sacs . The liquid may be abnormally accumulated in loose subcutaneous tissue like lower eyelid . tissues in external genitalia , serous sacs like peritoneum ., pleura , pericardium , dependent part of the body like leg .

Cause of oedema ….

1.      due to the inflammation ( inflammatory oedema ) – Inflammatory oedema is caused by the increased capillary permeability due to the liberation of histamine and leucotaxime , and increased hydrostatic pressure at the arterial end of the capillaries .

2.      Due to hypersensitiveness ( Angioneurotic oedema ) -  Angioneurotic oedema occurs due to the liberation of histamine and it is mostly found in tongue and lips .

3.      Due to venous obstruction – The lumen of the vein may be occluded by phlebothrombosis or thrombophlebitis . The venous obstruction may be caused by the enlarged lymph node or space occupying lesion pressing on vein .

4.      Due to lymphatic obstruction – Oedema in lymphatic obstruction is non –pitting type .

5.      Due to severe anaemia – It is due to chronicblood loss . The best example is Hookworm infection .

6.      Due to renal disease – Best example is acute or sub-acute glomerulonephritis .

7.      Due to cardiogenic cause – like congestive cardiac failure .

8.      due to malnutrition- Hypoproteinaemia leads to oedematous condition .

Types of oedema …….

1.      Fluid oedema -  In this type fluid collects on intercellular space . This type of oedema is pitting type . here the tissue will be pale , swollen , soft and inelastic .

2.      Solid oedema – In this type , there will be no pit on pressure , so non pitting type . The tissue will be pale , swollen , tough and inelastic .  This is found in filariasis due to lymphatic obstruction .