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Pitting edema on the leg
Overview Treatment
Swelling
Alternative Names: Edema; Anasarca Home Care: Follow prescribed therapy to treat the underlying cause of the swelling. Discuss with your health care provider the options to prevent skin breakdown (for chronic edema) such as a pressure-reducing mattress, a lamb's wool pad, or a flotation ring. Text Continues Below Maintain everyday activities. When lying down, keep limbs above the heart level, if possible, to facilitate drainage. Do not do this if shortness of breath results -- see your doctor instead. Reduced sodium (salt) in the diet may be recommended. Call your health care provider if: If you notice any unexplained swelling, contact your health care provider. What to expect at your health care provider's office: Except in emergency situations (such as cardiac failure or pulmonary congestion), your health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. Medical history questions documenting swelling in detail may include the following: Time pattern When did you first notice this? Is it present all the time? Does it come and go? Quality How much swelling is there? When you poke the area with a finger, does the dent remain? Location Is it overall or in a specific area (localized)? If swelling is in a specific area, what is that area? Other What seems to make the swelling better? What seems to make the swelling worse? What other symptoms are also present? Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following: Albumin levels ECG Echocardiography Serum electrolyte tests Urinalysis X-rays Liver function tests Kidney function tests Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>