![]() The severity of this symptom usually depends on how flat you are lying-the flatter you lie, the more you feel short of breath. The medical term for this symptom is orthopnea (say "or-THAWP-nee-uh"). People with more severe heart failure may experience shortness of breath when they lie down. But people with more severe heart failure may have shortness of breath with minimal exertion. When heart failure develops gradually, your shortness of breath also may develop gradually, which can make it hard to notice. The medical term for this symptom is dyspnea (say "DISP-nee-uh"). If your shortness of breath isn't severe, you may notice it only when you are exerting yourself, and sometimes only during more intense exertion. Shortness of breath from exertion or exercise. It gets worse when you lie flat, and it may wake you up at night.People with heart failure experience shortness of breath in many different ways. Your doctor can help you determine why you have been feeling short of breath. While shortness of breath is the most common symptom of heart failure, it may be difficult or impossible to distinguish it from shortness of breath caused by other health problems such as emphysema or severe anemia. These garments keep pressure on the arms and legs to prevent fluid from collecting.If you have heart failure, symptoms start to happen when your heart cannot pump enough blood to the rest of your body. Talk to your doctor about the best ways to limit sodium intake in your diet.Ĭompression Your doctor may recommend compression socks, sleeves, or gloves after the swelling has gone down in your limbs to prevent it from recurring. Reduced Salt Intake Too much salt can increase fluid retention and worsen swelling. Massage Firm but not painful strokes around the affected area toward the heart may help stimulate excess fluid to move out of the area. Talk to your healthcare provider about exercises that are right for you. In some instances, elevating the affected limb while sleeping may also be beneficial.Įxercise Moving the muscles in the part of the body affected by edema, particularly the legs, can help pump excess fluid back to the heart. There are lifestyle modifications that can help lessen edema:Įlevating the Affected Limb Holding the swollen arm or leg above heart level several times a day can help reduce swelling. If edema is caused by an underlying health condition such as heart failure, long-term management should focus on treating the underlying condition. More severe cases of edema may be treated with diuretics (medications that help your body expel excess fluid in urine). ![]() Mild cases of edema will usually go away on their own, particularly if you make certain lifestyle adjustments. However, you should seek medical attention immediately if you experience these along with shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your doctor. A tightening or warming of the skin near the swelling.Skin that retains pits, or a dimple, after being pressed for several seconds.Swelling or puffiness of the tissue directly under the skin, especially in the legs or arms.Signs that you have edema include these symptoms: It can also be caused by medications to control blood pressure or by an allergic reaction. It can also be the result of medication, pregnancy, or another underlying condition, like kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, or venous insufficiency in the legs.Īn array of conditions - congestive heart failure and lung, liver, kidney, and thyroid diseases - can lead to edema. The condition often occurs as the result of congestive heart failure (CHF). It usually occurs in the feet, ankles, and legs, but it can happen in other parts of the body, too. Edema is the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissue.
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