Edema

In medicine, edema is "abnormal fluid accumulation in tissues or body cavities. Most cases of edema are present under the skin in subcutaneous tissue."

Similar conditions are:
 * Lymphedema is "edema due to obstruction of lymph vessels or disorders of the lymph nodes.
 * Myxedema is a "condition characterized by a dry, waxy type of swelling (edema) with abnormal deposits of mucopolysaccharides in the skin and other tissues. It is caused by a deficiency of thyroid hormones. The skin becomes puffy around the eyes and on the cheeks. The face is dull and expressionless with thickened nose and lips."

Extreme cases of edema are called anasarca.

Etiology/cause

 * Heart failure
 * Cirrhosis
 * Protein-energy malnutrition including Kwashiorkor and marasmus
 * Acute kidney injury or chronic kidney disease
 * Obesity
 * Medications

Physical examination
On physical examination, slower recovery of pitting is associated with lower serum albumin levels. If the pit appears to resolve within 2-3 seconds,