Edema caused by Renal Failure

Edema is the medical term for swelling caused by a collection of fluid in the small spaces that surround the body tissues and organs. Patients who suffer from Renal Failure must be familiar with edema, as edema is not a specific symptom and almost occurs in all patients with Renal Failure. Many people may wonder why this happens. It is mainly caused by the following three aspects.
The first is water and sodium retention. Renal Failure leads to the damage of renal function. Nephron is the basic functional unit of kidney, which mainly includes glomeruli and renal tubules. When people suffer from Renal Failure, the glomerular filtration rate decline, but the function of tubular resorption is normal. Therefore, kidneys are unable produce enough urine, resulting in too much water and sodium accumulating in the body.Swelling and Kidney Disease and Facial Edema in Nephrotic Syndrome
The second is reduced osmotic pressure of blood plasma. Renal Failure usually results in proteinuria. A lot of protein in urine gives rise to hypoproteinemia and lowered plasma colloid osmotic pressure, so more fluid leaks from capillaries and enters into the surrounding tissue, causing the tissue to swell.
The third is the decrease of effective blood volume. The extravasation of plasma reduces the effective blood volume, which stimulates the volume receptor and increases the secretion of antidiuretic hormone. This makes more water and sodium kept in body and worsens swelling.Can Pulmonary Edema Cause Low Grade Fever in ESRD Pitting Edema in Kidney Failure Caused by Dehydration

Edema can happen anywhere in the body. However, the most common areas are the hands, arms, feet, legs, chest and face. Edema not only makes patients with Renal Failure suffer but also suggests the damage of renal function, so patients need to take effective treatment as soon as possible.