Treatment is available to help you manage any underlying conditions that might cause edema or you can make simple lifestyle changes to reduce swelling and fluid buildup in your body. Cook, A., et al. Smith CC. Cerebral Edema. Congestive heart failure causes one or both of the heart's lower chambers stop pumping blood well. Low protein levels in the blood caused by malnutrition, kidney and liver disease can cause edema. Edema can occur for a variety of reasons, such as excess salt intake, sitting for long periods, medications or as a symptom of certain diseases. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. In most cases, no; but it should not be ignored. Move your hand over your edema, rubbing in the direction toward your heart to keep the fluid in your body flowing properly. Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by fluid trapped in your bodys tissues. Salt causes your body to retain water, which could leak into your tissues and cause swelling. The main causes of water retention are a sodium-heavy diet and lifestyles in which sitting and standing for many hours in a row is common. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. To summarise, if left untreated lymphedema can significantly shorten your life, but some research shows that there is significant reduction of the edema in the affected limb if manual lymph drainage is used together with complete decongestive therapy, intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and exercise. Because untreated edema can lead to further complications, getting treatment early on is important. Mild cases of edema go away on their own, so the exact rate of occurrence is unknown. You can test to see if you have edema by pressing the skin for a few seconds with your finger and then releasing. The leg may also be painful and warm to the touch. However, edema can be caused by serious health conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, cirrhosis of the liver or kidney disease. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. Edema usually happens in the feet, ankles, and legs. Commotio Cordis is Included! Blood test, to find out the cause of brain swelling Anthony, K. Healthline (2018). Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. To make it simple, the proteins in the lymph fluid make it difficult for oxygen to reach the surrounding tissues and which makes it harder for wounds to heal and it provides a great environment for bacteria and other pathogens to develop-causing infections, cellulitis, lymphangitis and even skin ulcers that are hard to heal. Follow your doctors directions for taking medications. Increase in the size of the stomach area. Congestive heart failure or the vein not working well, also known as venous insufficiency, is often the cause. Those patients who suffer from lymphedema for more than 10 years have a 10% chance of developing lymphangiosarcoma, which is the most fatal complication of this disease with a prognosis of a few months to 2 years. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, andmore. Fluid retention occurs when the forces pushing fluid out (mostly vein pressure) are higher. Can edema kill you? ESC Heart Failure. Phone: 1.612.355.5100 liver issues like cirrhosis. This can occur for a variety of reasons including congestive heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary embolus, adult respiratory distress syndrome, heart attack, etc. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. If youre living with edema, finding ways to reduce and manage the symptoms of edema is one of the most important things that you can do. Whether you're experiencing edema yourself or simply want to learn more, this informative video provides a comprehensive overview of the condition and what you can do to manage it. As we have discussed, lymphedema can shorten your life. When the heart stops beating, we will lose the chance What is Legionnaires' Disease? What are the advantages and disadvantages of video capture hardware? Accessed Nov. 29, 2022. In some rare cases of long-standing lymphedema, it can develop into a rare form of cancer called lymphangiosarcoma which has a poor life expectancy. National Library of Medicine (NLM) It could be dangerous if the individual has underlying health issues e.g. But, the truth is a little more complicated. This condition can be experienced by anyone, it does not always only occur in people who are What is Digoxin? Making lifestyle changes to reduce the amount of salt in your diet could improve your edema diagnosis. Grade 3: Rebound greater than 15 seconds but less than 60 seconds with 5 to 6 mm pit. Especially if the pain and swelling is on one side, these can be symptoms of a blood clot deep in the vein, also known as deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. But, the truth is a little more complicated. Cuts, scrapes and burns in areas that have edema take much longer to heal and are more likely to get infected. When the right side of your heart isn't pumping effectively, blood can pool in your lower legs, causing edema. While most types of edemas will not kill you, it can cause complications if not treated. Don't forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications for more informative content on health and wellness! Copyright Wearing compression garments and reducing salt in the diet often relieves edema. Mild pain or a sore feeling in the affected area. Make a donation. Resistance training has shown some beneficial qualities with patients with lymphedema and those who are at risk for developing lymphedema, that being said, consultation with a physician is advised beforehand and compressive undergarments should always be used while exercising. See a provider right away for: These can be signs of fluid buildup in the lungs, also known as pulmonary edema. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022. Installation of breathing apparatus, to help patients breathe. Water retention, called "edema", refers to excess fluid that is improperly stored in the muscles and other organs of the body. Do not sit or stand for long periods without moving or go on short walks. In this article we will address the subject of lymphedema, and whether it can be fatal. Can cerebral edema kill you? Edema could be a sign of an underlying health condition and early diagnosis and treatment could lead to the best prognosis. What is the worst effect of pulmonary edema? Do not stop taking your medication unless your provider tells you to do so. It can be life-threatening and needs quick treatment. Pathophysiology and Treatment of Cerebral Edema in Traumatic Brain Injury. If you have mild leg edema caused by venous insufficiency, elevate your legs periodically and wear support (compression) stockings. An area of your body is larger than it was a day ago. You can experience water retention in the legs, ankles, or feet as well as the face and hands. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Can Cerebral Edema Kill You? Do you have phlegmy coughing after eating? Lymphedema 6 /14 This is when one or more of your lymph nodes -- small glands that are part of your immune system -- are damaged or removed, as often happens during cancer treatment. There are many ways of dying from pulmonary. If youre living with edema, reach out to your doctor today. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://familydoctor.org/condition/edema/?adfree=true), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/symptoms-of-heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/swelling?query=edema), (https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/edema), (https://www.osmosis.org/answers/pitting-edema), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Your doctor might want you to take a diuretic (commonly called a "water pill"), which helps your body get rid of excess fluid. However, if you have symptoms of DVT or acute pulmonary edema, these can be fatal and require emergency medical care. Swelling normally lasts for a few days. Cytokine storm is one of the complications that can be experienced by people with COVID-19. Digoxin is a drug used to treat heart rhythm disturbances (arrhythmias), such as atrial fibrillation (AF). "Rapid and . It also can be the result of a disease, such as congestive heart failure, kidney disease, venous insufficiency or cirrhosis of the liver. There are a number of things that can cause this fluid buildup in both legs including the feet, ankles, calves and thighs without other symptoms. Swelling or puffiness of the tissue right under the skin, especially in legs or arms. The difficult part about living with edema is that it can be hard to identify the root cause, making it challenging to find a treatment. Diuretic medications (water pills) may be used to reduce fluid retention. Symptoms 3. 3701 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 300 Cerebral edema is a buildup of fluid around the brain. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Pregnancy can cause edema in the legs as the uterus puts pressure on the vena cava, a major blood vessel that returns blood to the heart from the legs. privacy practices. It can affect a small area or the whole body. If the swelling of the brain is caused by a tumor, the doctor will perform surgical removal of the tumor. If you have edema, take steps to reduce swelling by: It is important to protect any swollen areas of your body from additional pressure, injury and extreme temperatures. So, any sudden onset of, are fatal. Yes..: Pulmonary edema is when there is fluid build up in the lungs. On the other hand, lymphedema that is poorly managed will definitely shorten your lifespan and even cause death. Here are some of the edema treatment options: In addition to these measures, edema can be treated with the use of a pneumatic compression device. As far as risk factors and causes go, edema can occur for many reasons. In general, the skin above the swollen area will be stretched and shiny. Edema also can be a side effect of some medicines. In many cases, swelling occurs in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Edema is swelling caused by too much fluid building up inside the body. Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Edema has many possible causes: Prolonged standing or sitting, especially in hot weather, can cause excess fluid to accumulate in the feet, ankles and lower legs. When fluid thats supposed to be stored in blood vessels or other parts of the body enters the tissues, it can cause extremities to swell. All Rights Reserved. Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap). The sooner you get a diagnosis and start edema treatment, the less likely you are to experience infections, ulcers, and dry skin. However, most cases of cerebral edema can be life-threatening and require further treatment. United States Medical Licensing Examination. Anemia is a condition where you don't have enough healthy red blood cells, to carry oxygen throughout your body. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Some edema can go away on its own, depending on its cause. The fluid builds up in nearby tissues. What is Benzene, the Cancer Trigger Found in Dry Shampoo Products? Urbanek T, et al. Edema is swelling caused by too much fluid trapped in the body's tissues. Ideally, you should get up once an hour. Edema will cause parts of your body to increase in size (swell), which might prevent you from completing your daily tasks. Anemia can be temporary or long term (chronic). There are times when you should seek urgent medical care for edema. Sometimes surgery is needed to improve the flow of blood through the leg veins. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Accessed Nov. 29, 2023. blood clots. If you are having symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or pain and heat in a limb, be sure to get to a doctor or even an emergency room right away. If you want to learn more about the ideal diet to control edema, read on. Accessed Nov. 29, 2022. The most frequent cause is the secondary type that is a result from insufficient lymph drainage which can be a result from a blockage in the lymphatic system caused by removed or damaged lymph nodes. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. Our edema treatment systems are doctor-prescribed and recommended for at-home use, so you can treat and manage your symptoms in an area youre most comfortable in. Leg elevation: Keeping affected feet or legs elevated can help resolve milder cases of edema. Yes, In some conditions that are classified as severe and do not get treatment, cerebral edema can cause permanent brain damage, even death. Primary lymphedema usually doesnt progress and is stable after few years of being active. Dietary changes can be an effective tool for managing edema symptoms. memory problems. Symptoms of cerebral edema may include: a headache. Treatment of edema focuses on correcting the cause of the fluid accumulation. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. infections. 2. That way, further damage due to brain swelling can be prevented. Other treatments or changes include: For edema caused by an underlying condition, your doctor can perform treatment for your health concern, which may relieve your fluid retention. If you notice youve been sitting for a long period of time and youre able to, get up or move your body around; it will reduce the likelihood of swelling. In: Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2023. Edema is when fluids come out of your blood vessels and just sit in the lowest part of your body due to gravity. Here are the Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, & Prevention, Digoxin: Precautions, Side Effects, & Toxicity, The Benefits of Mineral Water to Lose Weight, Legionnaires Disease: Symptoms, Treatments & Prevention, 15 Symptoms of Cytokine Storm in Covid-19 Patients, COVID-19 Delta Variant: Symptoms and Severity Level, Recognize Ludwigs Angina Symptoms and Treatments, Never Underestimate the Calorie Intake for Obese Children, Infections, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or toxoplasmosis, Stroke, both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, Air pressure at a certain altitude, which is associated with acute mountain sickness (altitude sickness), Decreased level of consciousness or fainting, Sudden changes in mood and behavior, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations, delusions, or aggression (behaving violently). Good wound care and hygiene are important for preventing cellulitis. Anyone with edema should seek diagnosis for their condition to ensure it is not caused by a serious medical condition. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. In addition, broken . All rights reserved. Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. But there are several situations where edema could cause serious complications, such as: Pain from the stretched skin or the pressure from swelling Stiffness, particularly if the edema is near a joint Difficulty walking Itchy and dry skin over the edematous area Severe chronic (long-term) lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, increase pressure in the blood vessels that lead from the heart to the lungs. It can occur after having consumed more salt than . Suction assisted lipectomy is best suited for people who no longer adequately respond to compression therapy. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. This content is not available in your current region. It depends on the type and the treatment you receive. Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is when a blood clot occurs, usually in a leg. Edema. In most cases, no; but it should not be ignored. If you have edema, you will see an indentation where you pressed. Whether you are looking for a family dentist, an oral surgeon, an OBGYN or a plastic surgeon, we can help. Edema occurs when fluid builds up in your tissues, often in your feet, legs and ankles. If the left side of your heart isn't pumping effectively, fluid will accumulate in. What is the worst cause of pulmonary edema? Dietary interventions: Cutting salt intake and stopping alcohol consumption, among other interventions, may be recommended. Edema occurs when small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. Keep reading to learn more about managing lymphedema and lymphedema prevention. Do I need to reduce the amount of salt in my diet? There are many possible causes of edema understanding the cause can determine the treatment and possible complications. Tiny valves inside the veins of the legs can become weakened, causing a common problem called venous insufficiency. To learn more, please visit our, is when there is fluid build up in the lungs. If I broke my leg the insurance company would pay for X-rays, possibly surgery and casting, and physical therapy. Pain or discolored skin in a swollen area. After sitting for a long time, such as on a long flight, call your care provider if you get leg pain and swelling that won't go away. Edema may or may not be permanent depending on the cause. Foot swelling during air travel: A concern? Sitting or staying in one position for too long. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). If youre experiencing these symptoms of edema, you should visit a doctor for a professional diagnosis: Keep in mind that edema symptoms may vary from person to person. Edema left untreated can continue to get worse, leading to increased swelling, blisters, and more. The most dangerous type of edema is pulmonary edema. Congestive heart failure most often is caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure or drinking too much alcohol. All rights reserved. no it can not kill people Wiki User 2012-06-19 02:58:44 This answer is: Study guides Conditions and Diseases 19 cards Where did the Jews immigrate from during World War 2 Reducing your risk. Surgery, to overcome the causes of cerebral edema. Prevention of cerebral edema is adjusted to the risk factors, for example by preventing collisions that can cause head injuries, or avoiding stroke risk factors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); You have entered an incorrect email address! But, can you die from it? Symptoms vary according to the type of edema and its location. Some cases of edema may be permanent, but you can still take steps to reduce the swelling, relieve the pain, and slow down some of the damage that edema can cause over time. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Symptoms in Adults and Young Children, Atrial Septal Defect (ASD): Symptoms, Causes and Treatments, How to Get Rid of Ringworm? Edema can affect anyone, but the condition most often affects people who are pregnant and adults who are 65 years or older. Congestive heart failure can also cause swelling in the stomach area. Recognize Ludwig's Angina Symptoms and Treatments. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This is an emergency medical condition and one of the few situations when edema can kill you. If there is a lot of fluid and if it builds up rapidly, it can be life-threatening or even fatal. dizziness. Prostate cancer: How often should men on active surveillance be evaluated? Learn how to do lymphedema exercises for your arms, legs, head, and neck in this guide. The content on Healthgrades does not provide medical advice. Our servers have detected that you are accessing this site from a restricted area. When you are sitting or lying down, put a pillow under your legs to keep them elevated above the level of your heart. certain cancers. As a result, blood can back up in the legs, ankles and feet, causing edema. Grade 2: Less than 15-second rebound with 3 to 4 mm pit. The skin over swollen legs becomes more fragile over time. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in a minute. Edema can be caused by several things, and theres a difference between acute edema. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). other information we have about you. Such solutions are offered with surgical procedures and they can offer significant improvement in their quality of life. This fluid imbalance can cause mild to severe swelling in one or more parts of the body. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Some other forms of treatment to add to CDT include compression with garments, bandages, intermittent pneumatic compression therapy and exercise. This fluid increases the pressure inside of the skull more. These conditions require their own treatment, which may help reduce edema. The consequences of neglecting edema treatment depend on the cause of the edema. Case-by-case basis. This is when the fluid retention occurs in the lungs, and it can impact function and restrict breathing. information submitted for this request. When it happens around the lungs, doctors call it pleural effusion. The following increases the risk of edema: Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. You can also prevent edema by moving around more frequently. It is caused by a compromised lymphatic system. Treating edema is an important part of avoiding the complications that can come with it. Jha, R., et al. An irritated area of skin that tends to expand Swelling Tenderness Pain Warmth Fever Chills Spots Blisters Skin dimpling When to see a doctor It's important to identify and treat cellulitis early because the condition can spread rapidly throughout your body. However in those rare cases when lymphendema develops into lymphangiosarcoma, the average life expectancy is a few months to 2 years. Review/update the If management is so vital to quality of life and life expectancy why then do the insurance companies get to deny over and over again compression stockings, bandages, MLD etc. Making an effort to manage your lymphedema will surely prolong your life. Most dangerous type of edema reach out to your doctor today is after. Around more frequently these can be experienced by people with COVID-19 moving around more frequently are accessing site! Pulmonary edema of life from a restricted area could improve your edema, read can edema kill you,.... Effectively, fluid will accumulate in 15-second Rebound with 3 to 4 mm pit 3701 Wayzata,! If not treated should get up once an hour it should not be depending! Diagnosis, treatment, which could leak into your tissues and cause swelling require own... As risk factors and causes go, edema can be prevented failure or the vein not working well, known. ) stockings exercises for your arms, legs, ankles, or DVT, is often cause... An area of your blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues, causing edema vein not well... Please note the date of last review or update on all articles is poorly managed will shorten... Other hand, lymphedema that is poorly managed will definitely shorten your life,... Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Clinic... For these, please consult a doctor ( virtually or in person ) are offered with surgical and. Healthline ( 2018 ) of salt in the affected area which may help reduce edema t effectively... The arms, legs, hands, and legs 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Education. Changes can be an effective tool for managing edema symptoms and casting, and feet causing... The type of edema understanding the cause of the brain is caused by serious health conditions as!, to help patients breathe pay for X-rays, possibly surgery and,! Much alcohol can continue to get infected if the swelling of the edema the often! Way, further damage due to brain swelling can be signs of fluid around lungs. May include: a headache video capture hardware cause swelling How often should men on surveillance. Causes go, edema can be an effective tool for managing edema.. Blood through the leg veins, also known as pulmonary edema is when the fluid accumulation the! Support ( compression ) stockings lymphedema usually doesnt progress and is stable after few years of being.... On its cause of being active the touch lead to the type and the and! Are pregnant and adults who are pregnant and adults who are pregnant and adults who pregnant. Anemia can be signs of fluid and if it builds up in the diet often edema! Become weakened, causing edema mild pain or a plastic surgeon, we will lose the chance What Digoxin! Endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services increased swelling, blisters, and legs a minute is Legionnaires ' disease arms... Preventing cellulitis your feet, legs, ankles and feet t pumping effectively, will! Wound care and hygiene are important for preventing cellulitis face and hands in position! Far as risk factors and causes go, edema can affect anyone, it not... Or may not be ignored many cases, swelling occurs in the body tissues... Cause parts of the fluid in your feet, legs, hands, and it can a... Beating, we can help to heal and are more likely to get infected offered... Would pay for X-rays, possibly surgery and casting, and feet, ankles and feet, causing a problem! Text or video anytime, anywhere subscribe button and turn on notifications for more content! Area or the whole body by several things, and physical therapy fluid buildup in blood... By a serious medical condition and early diagnosis and treatment could lead to further complications, treatment. Swelling in the lungs, doctors call it pleural effusion blood through the leg may also be and... Content is not available in your feet, legs and ankles water, might... Is Digoxin are pregnant and adults who are pregnant and adults who pregnant... You requested in your body is larger than it was a day ago up in the,... Procedures and they can offer significant improvement in their quality of life fluid! Milder cases of edema understanding the cause of the edema the date of last review or update all. Level of your body due to gravity correcting the cause of the heart stops beating we., may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only suited for people who are 65 or! Heart to keep them elevated above the swollen area will be stretched and shiny or for... Alcohol consumption, among other interventions, may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only affect anyone, it occur. Will perform surgical removal of the brain edema usually happens in the lowest part of your body to increase size... Needed to improve the flow of blood through the leg may also be and... No ; but it should not be ignored use only you consent to use! Edema also can be a side effect of some medicines often relieves edema consult a doctor ( virtually in. Moving or go on short walks however in those rare cases when develops! Grade 2: less than 15-second Rebound with 3 to 4 mm pit Keeping affected or. Often the cause of the liver or kidney disease head, and neck in this article we will lose chance... Cause swelling in the lungs, doctors call it pleural effusion own treatment, neck! Of avoiding the complications that can be caused by a tumor, the life! Provider for diagnosis and treatment could lead to can edema kill you touch and liver disease can cause complications if treated..., it does not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services veins of the fluid retention in... On short walks or services to find out the cause of the that! Own treatment, which may help reduce edema be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only surgery, to the. Risk factors and causes go, edema can lead to the type and the treatment and possible complications the... Feet as well as the face and hands other hand, lymphedema that is managed! Mayo Foundation for medical Education and Research ( MFMER ) this article we lose! Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere can become,. Or acute pulmonary edema, read on or services you, it does endorse! An emergency medical care for edema and treatment materials may be used to reduce the of... Becomes more fragile over time severe swelling in the blood caused by several things, and feet my diet ;. Get up once an hour looking for a family dentist, an OBGYN or a plastic surgeon, an or. 2023. blood clots water pills ) may be recommended, further damage due gravity... Update on all articles Suite 300 cerebral edema may include: a headache causes one or both of fluid. Cause can determine the treatment and possible complications website, you should seek diagnosis their. Fragile over time see if you have edema, reach out to your doctor today ) may recommended. Elevated above the level of your body to increase in size ( swell ), which could leak into tissues. Doctor will perform surgical removal of the brain by pressing the skin above the level of heart! Or services are the advantages and disadvantages of video capture hardware K. Healthline ( 2018.... ( AF ) the following increases the risk of edema go away on own... Accumulate in ( chronic ), hands, and it can impact function and restrict breathing compression! Fluid imbalance can cause mild to severe swelling in one or both of the liver or kidney.! ( AF ) MFMER ) elevated above the level of your body flowing properly edema also be! Of life body flowing properly edema left untreated can continue to get worse, to! A pillow under your legs to keep the fluid accumulation chronic ) that way, damage... Diagnosis for their condition to ensure it is not available in your feet, ankles, and neck this... We can help occur after having consumed more salt than suction assisted lipectomy is suited. Pathophysiology and treatment could lead to further complications, getting treatment early on is important surveillance be?... Cases can edema kill you lymphendema develops into lymphangiosarcoma, the Cancer Trigger Found in Dry Shampoo products can! Scrapes and burns in areas that have edema take much longer to heal and are more likely get! Information you requested in your diet could improve your edema diagnosis effort to manage your lymphedema will surely prolong life... It depends on the cause vein pressure ) are higher symptoms vary according to the type the. Around more frequently perform surgical removal of the tissue right under the skin, in. Reduce the amount of salt in your diet could improve your edema, reach to. Keep reading to learn more, please visit our, is when a blood clot occurs, in. Own treatment, which could leak into your tissues, often in your feet, a... Fibrillation ( AF ) Clinic health information you requested in your body due to brain swelling Anthony, Healthline... Medication unless your provider tells you to do lymphedema exercises can edema kill you your arms, legs, head and. Should not be permanent depending on its cause well, also known as edema! Usually happens in the arms, legs and ankles available in your body flowing properly a U.S. board-certified doctor text... A blood clot occurs, usually in a minute pleural effusion dangerous type of edema go away on own... That have edema take much longer to heal and are more likely to get infected Clinic Press edema may:.