4 - Grading Edema

What is edema?

• Excessive pooling of fluid in the spaces between tissues (interstitial tissues)

• Measured with girth measurements or volumetric measurements

What is brawny edema?

• Edema that feels hard, tough, thick or leathery

• Frequently occurs with chronic inflammation or systematic pathologies involving fluid shift abnormalities (CHF)

What is pitting edema?

• Characterized by the formation of a sustained indentation when the swollen area is compressed

• Measured on a 1+ to 4+ scale

• 1+ - barely detectable when a finger is presssed into the skin

• 2+ - slight indentation (15 sec to rebound)

• 3+ - deeper indentation (30 sec to rebound)

• 4+ - >30 sec to rebound

What is lymphedema?

• Swelling in the arms or legs that results from an obstruction in the lymphatic system

• Measured with girth measurements

What are pathologies that produce edema?

• CHF

• Venous insufficiency

• DVT

• Kidney disease

• Liver disease (cirrhosis)

What type of foods inc sodium, and by consequence, potentially inc edema?

• Processed food

• Canned veggies

• Seasoning blends

• Carbonated beverages

• Beer