Fluid Retention Causes

Fluid retention is a condition where there is excess of fluid in the body, which may or may not lead to edema and visible swelling. Fluid retention, although in itself is merely a discomforting symptom and not an actual disease, can be an indication of a serious underlying disease and disorder. This is so because if the functioning of any major organ or system is impaired, it easily leads to electrolyte and water imbalance in the body, which in turn causes fluid retention.

Causes of Fluid Retention

High Salt Diet: One of the most common causes is a diet that is high in salt. Salt is made up of sodium chloride, which has a natural effect of fluid retention in the body. This leads to swelling and edema as well. In fact, salt has such an immediate effect of fluid retention, that even occasional consumption of food high in salt can lead to episodes of fluid retention.

Premenstrual Syndrome: Women are at a higher risk of fluid retention and edema due to the fact that they have hormonal fluctuations in the body on a monthly basis. This change in hormonal levels seen as a part of premenstrual syndrome causes fluid retention. One such example is just after ovulation, when there is lowering of progesterone in the body, there can be fluid retention. Furthermore, dietary changes and cravings at this time also increases the possibility of fluid retention.

Pregnancy: Another common cause is pregnancy. During pregnancy, once again hormonal changes in the body encourages fluid retention. This is seen because excess fluid is required by the fetus and placenta. In fact, fluid retention often manifests in pregnant women as swelling in hands and feet, especially ankle edema.

Nutritional Deficiency: Certain nutritional deficiencies have also been implicated as fluid retention causes. Diseases including vitamin deficiency, like inadequate intake of vitamin B1 and B6. Also, low levels of protein in the blood, which is known as hypoproteinemia, also leads to fluid retention.

Medication Side Effect: Sometimes, fluid retention may also manifest as a side effect of certain medications. For example, an overdose of anti-diuretics can lead to fluid retention in the body. Other drugs that may cause fluid retention includes medicines used for lowering high blood pressure, steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) etc.

Other Causes: Other causes of fluid retention include systemic diseases, like kidney diseases, heart failure, hypothyroidism, liver diseases, metabolic disorders, diabetes, burns, inflammations etc. Sometimes there may be transient fluid retention due to improper ways of sleeping, like sleeping face down can lead to a puffy face in the morning etc. Standing for long periods of time also leads to fluid retention in the legs.

Symptoms

• Swelling and edema
• Pain and redness
• The joints in the areas may ache
• In some cases, there may be pitting edema seen, while in others the edema may be non-pitting in nature.
• Fluctuations in weight may be seen

Treatment

The treatment will depend on the disease that is causing fluid retention. If it is an improper or unhealthy diet that is causing fluid retention, then he must immediately switch to a diet that is low in salt, as this may also lead to tachycardia, high blood pressure and other heart diseases. If despite following a normal and healthy diet the person is still showing signs of edema and fluid retention, then it is best to visit a doctor who will diagnose and prescribe medications to deal with the problem.

Due to the different causes, the treatment for the condition will differ. Although not fatal in itself, if a person is experiencing persistent fluid retention and edema, then it is important to get the condition causing the fluid retention diagnosed and treated at the earliest so as to prevent any further complications.