Disease Insights: fluid-overload
Welcome to the ultimate guide on fluid overload. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for fluid overload
Excess fluid accumulation in the body, often seen in heart or kidney conditions.
Symptoms of fluid overload
chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling, weight gain
Precautions for fluid overload
Monitor fluid intake and output, Use prescribed diuretics, Limit salt intake, Seek immediate care if experienci
Questions Covered:
- what is fluid overload?
- What are the usual symptoms of fluid overload?
- causes of fluid overload?
- How do doctors usually figure out if someone has fluid overload, diagnosis?
Answers:
Question: what is fluid overload?
Hypervolemia occurs if your body retains too much fluid. You can experience swelling, discomfort, and other symptoms. Untreated, hypervolemia can cause severe complications, including heart failure.
Question: What are the usual symptoms of fluid overload?
The symptoms of hypervolemia can include:
swelling, also called edema, most often in the feet, ankles, wrists, and face
discomfort in the body, causing cramping, headache, and stomach bloating
high blood pressure caused by excess fluid in the bloodstream
shortness of breath caused by extra fluid entering your lungs and reducing your ability to breathe normally
heart problems, because excess fluid can speed up or slow your heart rate, harm your heart muscles, and increase the size of your heart
increased weight, caused by excess fluid
When it's an emergency
If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, severe pain, or irregular heart rhythm, call 911 or your local emergency services, or visit a local emergency department.
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Question: causes of fluid overload?
Often, problems with your kidneys cause hypervolemia. This is because the kidneys normally balance the salts and fluids in your body.
But when they retain salt, they increase the body's total sodium content, which increases your fluid content.
The most common causes of hypervolemia can include:
heart failure, specifically of the right ventricle
cirrhosis, often caused by excess alcohol consumption or hepatitis
kidney failure, often caused by diabetes and other metabolic disorders
nephrotic syndrome, a disorder that causes excess excretion of protein in the urine
premenstrual edema, or swelling that occurs prior to a woman's menstrual cycle
pregnancy, which changes a woman's hormonal balance and can result in fluid retention
You can also experience hypervolemia from being on an IV, which can cause your sodium levels to be unbalanced. It can also occur if you consume too much sodium.
Question:
Untreated hypervolemia can cause several complications, some of which can be life threatening. These can include:
pericarditis, or swelling of the heart tissues
heart failure
delayed wound healing
tissue breakdown
decreased bowel function
Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has fluid overload, diagnosis?
If you believe you're experiencing hypervolemia, talk with a doctor. They can determine if you're experiencing this condition.
First, a doctor typically conducts a physical exam. The key signs of hypervolemia include weight gain and swelling. One or more parts of your body may appear swollen, depending on whether or not you have been sitting, lying, or standing before your visit.
The doctor is also likely to perform a blood test to check your sodium levels. While your body's total sodium levels will looked elevated if you have hypervolemia, your sodium levels in the blood work may be high, normal, or low.
Performing a sodium test on your urine can help determine if your kidneys are causing your hypervolemia or if there is another cause.
For renal failure, urinary sodium content is typically greater than 20 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L), while in cases of heart failure, cirrhosis, and nephrotic syndrome, it is typically less than 10 mEq/L.
If you are hospitalized, your care team may measure your fluid intake and output and your weight to check for hypervolemia.
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Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about fluid overload is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.