The doctor listed the causes of edema in adolescents during puberty

Small edema in adolescents during puberty may be a variant of the norm, but in some cases they can signal diseases. Olga Ulankina, an expert doctor at the Hemotest Laboratory, told Izvestia about this on July 14.

"During puberty, the production of sex hormones, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor increases significantly. These changes may temporarily affect water-salt metabolism. In addition, before menstruation, girls often experience physiological fluid retention under the influence of estrogens, which resolves on its own," the expert explained.

According to her, lifestyle factors can also contribute to the development of edema. Lack of physical activity, excess salt, sweets, carbonated drinks and fast food in the diet can increase fluid retention. In such cases, the problem can usually be solved by correcting nutrition and increasing physical activity.

However, the swelling is not always harmless. The doctor warned that persistent or pronounced swelling may indicate a malfunction in the body. One of the most common causes is hypothyroidism, a thyroid disease in which the metabolism slows down and substances that retain water accumulate in the tissues. In addition to puffiness of the face and puffiness of the eyelids, drowsiness, dry skin, constant fatigue, chilliness and weight gain may appear.

"Fluid retention may be associated with other hormonal disorders. Sometimes it is caused by diseases of the adrenal glands, impaired production of antidiuretic hormone, or severe metabolic disorders. Therefore, it is not enough to evaluate only the appearance — it is important to take into account all the symptoms and the results of the examination," Ulankina said.

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Teenage girls began to complain about excess vegetation due to a malfunction in their metabolism.

According to her, some medications can also cause edema, including certain hormonal drugs, glucocorticosteroids, antidepressants, antiepileptic drugs, and medications to lower blood pressure. In addition, sudden pronounced swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or eyelids may indicate an allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention.

The doctor called overweight another risk factor. With obesity, adolescents often develop insulin resistance, which contributes to the retention of sodium and water in the body.

The expert stressed that edema can also be associated with diseases of the kidneys and cardiovascular system.

"There can be a lot of causes of edema. To make sure that they are caused by relatively harmless processes and are not harmful to health, it is better to consult a doctor. Many diseases are hidden for a long time, so you should not focus only on your well—being," Ulankina added.

The specialist recommends that you consult a doctor if the swelling persists for several days, increases, is accompanied by rapid weight gain, weakness, impaired urination, fever, changes in appetite, or other alarming symptoms. Early diagnosis will make it possible to identify possible diseases in a timely manner and begin treatment.

Svetlana Petrosyan, CEO of the Dream Team dental clinic network, said on July 12 that over the past few years, aesthetic dentistry has ceased to be perceived by young people solely as a medical necessity and has become a way of investing in oneself. According to her, the attitude towards appearance has changed due to the front camera, video calls, social networks and dating apps. Many young patients admit that it was photographs and constant visual fixation of themselves that caused the first visit to the orthodontist.