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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffTreating edema usually involves:
- Treating the underlying cause of edema
- Taking medication to increase your kidneys' output of water and sodium (diuretics), including thiazide diuretics, furosemide (Lasix) or spironolactone (Aldactone)
- Limiting salt in your diet to decrease fluid retention, as recommended by your doctor
In some cases, diuretics may not be appropriate to treat edema, such as in some people who have chronic venous insufficiency or in most pregnant women.
References
- Clein LJ. Edema. In: Walsh D, et al. Palliative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/157842131-7/0/2038/165.html?tocnode=57251136&fromURL=165.html. Accessed Sept. 3, 2009.
- Rose BD. General principles of the treatment of edema in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 3, 2009.
- Braunwald E, et al. Edema. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2863869. Accessed Sept. 3, 2009.
- Rose BD. Pathophysiology and etiology of edema in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 3, 2009.
- Rose BD. Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of edema in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 3, 2009.
- O'brien JG, et al. Treatment of edema. American Family Physician. 2005;71:2111.
