The doctor told about the risks of retention of excess fluid in the body

Fluid retention in the body can occur due to various diseases, including heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, endocrine disorders and infections. General practitioner, general practitioner of JSC "Medicine" (Clinic of Academician Roitberg), Doctor of medical sciences, Professor Olga Sharhun told "Izvestia" on December 19 about the retention of excess fluid in the body.

According to the specialist, one of the most common diseases leading to edema is heart failure, in which the heart is not able to pump blood, which leads to an accumulation of fluid in the tissues. Fluid retention can also be associated with kidney problems, such as acute and chronic kidney failure or glomerulonephritis, as the kidneys fail to remove excess water and toxins.

"Liver disease, including cirrhosis, disrupts protein synthesis and pressure in blood vessels, which also causes swelling, including in the abdomen (ascites). Endocrine disorders, such as hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency) and Cushing's syndrome (elevated cortisol levels), can contribute to fluid accumulation in the body," explained Sharhun.

Chronic lung diseases such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can contribute to edema because they cause right ventricular insufficiency, she said. It's also worth noting that certain infectious diseases and tumors that block lymphatic vessels can lead to fluid accumulation.

In addition, fluid retention is usually the result of an underlying disease. For example, in heart failure, edema results from the heart's inadequate ability to pump blood, and in kidney failure, from the kidneys' inability to remove excess fluid. In the case of liver cirrhosis, swelling is caused by impaired protein synthesis and changes in pressure in the vascular bed.

"Simple measures such as increasing physical activity, walking or light exercise help to improve blood circulation and lymph flow. Reducing salt intake and increasing water intake helps to eliminate fluid from the body," concluded Sharhun.

Earlier, on December 14, pediatrician, member of the center of industry expertise "MAY" Victoria Shurupova told "Izvestia" about the healing properties of tea. According to the specialist, herbal varieties of tea not only help maintain water balance, but also have a whole range of useful properties that can alleviate the symptoms of the disease.