Edema

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the condition of edema, a medical condition that results from an increase in accumulation of water and sodium inside the body. It looks at how there are many different types and equally different contributing factors that cause edema and focuses on two common types, namely, pulmonary edema and peripheral edema. It also discusses how edema is a symptomatic response of an underlying disorder that needs to be identified and treated and how it is important to understand that the use of diuretics is administered as a palliative rather than curative treatment.

Outline
Introduction
Edema in General
Pathophysiology of Edema
Pulmonary Edema
Peripheral Edema
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Two factors are essential for the formation of edema. First is a change in the fluid exchange system of the body. This is bought about by a shift in the pressure gradient in between the interstitial space and the plasma. Secondly increased levels of sodium bought about by its retention by the kidney. The presence of sodium prevents the uniform distribution of water, which is mainly retained in the extra cellular fluid. Osmolarity of sodium is the main reason for this non-uniform distribution of the excess water. The presence of excess water in the extra cellular fluid can trigger abnormal reactions in the organs leading to impairment of normal functions."

More papers on Edema:

• Essay # 48966 : "The Pathophysiology of Edema"
• Term Paper # 114690 : "Pulmonary Edema"
• Case Study # 105190 : "Myocardial Infarction and Pulmonary Edema"

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