Dropsy, also referred to as edema is a condition which is characterized by swelling of the body tissue due to accumulation of fluids. While this condition may frequently be observed in the lower extremities namely the ankles, feet and legs, it any affect any other organ. While it is more frequently associated with certain conditions, the treatment regimen for management of dropsy may differ depending upon the underlying cause.
Dropsy may not always indicate a serious ailment and can be treated promptly at home. Correct diagnosis for dropsy is important in order to be able to treat the condition correctly. This article provides all the relevant information about dropsy disease in humans along with its signs, symptoms and treatment modalities.
Dropsy refers to swelling of the tissues of the body which is caused due to accumulation of interstitial fluids within the body cells. While there can be different causes for accumulation of fluid within the body cells, the pathophysiology involves venous stagnation.
What Are The Causes Of Dropsy Disease In Humans?
Veins are blood vessels which are responsible for transporting impure blood from different parts of the body to the heart for purification. Blood comprises of fluids, salts and blood cells.
There are a wide range of factors that may lead to dropsy, some of which are physiological with others are pathological. Pregnancy is a typical physiological cause of dropsy and the condition usually subsides after the pregnancy is over. Some other more serious and pathological causes of dropsy include,
- Congestive Cardiac Failure.
- Liver Cirrhosis.
- Kidney Dysfunctions.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis.
Some less serious causes for dropsy may include consuming too much salty food, menstrual irregularities, certain medications or sitting and standing for prolonged period of time.
Signs And Symptoms Of Dropsy Disease
Some of the common signs and symptoms of dropsy include,
- Swelling and puffiness in the feet, legs, ankles and occasionally the hands and face.
- The skin appears stretched and shinny.
- Pitting edema i.e. a dimple may be formed on the skin on pressing the skin and it may remain for several seconds.
- Breathlessness, chest pain, abdominal pain, reduced renal output, etc may be some of the other symptoms, depending upon the cause of dropsy.
Dropsy Disease In Humans Treatment
The treatment usually depends on the underlying cause. There are certain home based treatment options and alternative therapies that can be beneficial,
- Avoid salt in diet. Salt tends to increase water retention and can make symptoms of dropsy worse.
- Keep your legs elevated. Keeping your feet elevated will allow blood to flow easily to your heart under the influence of gravity.
- You can wear support stockings and take period walks in order to trigger flow of blood.
- Homeopathic drug Arsenic Alb is referred to as the Homeopathic trocar and acts as a diuretic and helps in elimination of excess amount of accumulated water in the body.