Oedema
Oedema is swelling caused by excess fluid collecting in the body’s tissues. It can affect different parts of the body, but it is most common in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, arms, or face. Mild swelling can occur after prolonged standing or sitting, after travelling, in hot weather, with injury, during pregnancy, or after eating too much salt. Oedema can also be linked to medicines or medical conditions affecting the heart, kidneys, liver, veins, lymphatic system, or thyroid.
About Oedema
Oedema Overview
Symptoms may include puffiness, tight or shiny skin, aching, heaviness, stiffness, reduced movement, rapid weight changes, or an indent that remains for a brief moment after pressing the swollen area. Swelling that is persistent, painful, one-sided, sudden, red, hot, or worsening should be assessed.
Mobi Doctor can help with non-emergency online advice if you have mild or persistent swelling, are unsure what may be causing it, or need guidance on whether further tests or in-person care may be needed. A doctor can review your symptoms, medical history, current medicines, travel history, pregnancy status, and risk factors before advising on the safest next step.
Seek urgent local medical care if swelling is linked with chest pain, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath when lying down, fainting, coughing blood, sudden painful leg swelling after travel or immobility, severe swelling, fever, redness, heat, or sudden swelling during pregnancy. These symptoms can indicate a more serious condition and need prompt assessment.
Choose an oedema-related topic below to learn more about symptoms, possible causes, online care options, and when urgent care may be needed.
Can this be treated online?
Many cases of mild swelling and oedema can often be assessed online, including swollen ankles, mild leg swelling, fluid retention, heat-related swelling, medication-related swelling, and temporary swelling after travel or standing for long periods. Guidance may include lifestyle advice, hydration recommendations, symptom monitoring, and further assessment based on your symptoms and medical history.
Prescriptions & safety
Our licensed doctors may prescribe medication, issue repeat prescriptions or provide referrals where clinically appropriate and medically safe following an online consultation. Prescriptions are never guaranteed or issued automatically, and treatment decisions are always based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history and clinical assessment.
Some medicines, controlled substances and higher-risk treatments cannot be prescribed through online consultations. In certain cases, patients may instead be advised to seek in-person assessment, testing or emergency medical care where appropriate.
When to seek urgent in-person care
If you are experiencing any of the following with your oedema, call 112 or go to your nearest A&E immediately. Online care is not appropriate for emergencies.
- Sudden swelling in one leg with pain or redness
- Chest pain or breathing difficulty
- Rapidly worsening swelling or severe pain
- Blue, pale, or discolored skin
- Swelling with high fever or signs of infection
- Severe swelling affecting the face or throat
- Difficulty walking or severe weakness
- Sudden unexplained swelling with dizziness or fainting
Dr. Chrysoula I. Liakou MD, PhD
Ready To Speak With A Doctor?
Concerned About Swelling Or Fluid Retention? Online assessment may help with swollen ankles, leg swelling, fluid retention, heat-related swelling, travel-related swelling, and mild oedema symptoms. Guidance depends on your symptoms, medical history, and possible underlying causes.
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