Edema can be acute or chronic, and is an infiltration of fluid into cellular tissues that affects both skin tissue and mucous membranes. Acute edema can be caused by an allergy following an insect bite, while chronic edema occurs due to a dysfunction of the body. Some pathologies such as ankle edema present as painful swelling and in most cases, the mark left by the pressure of the finger does not disappear immediately. This type of edema can be of circulatory, cardiac or metabolic origin. In addition, it should be noted that varicose veins and phlebitis can also cause edema in the ankles.
Symptoms
Due to the accumulation of fluid in the cells, edema manifests itself as swelling of the skin. In some cases, it can also affect internal organs such as the brain or lungs, while in other cases, it can affect external organs such as the eyelids. There are several types of edema such as arsenical edema, a disorder caused by prolonged use of arsenic-based medications, or lung edema, a disorder due to the infiltration of fluid into the lung tissue.
Treating oedema
Accompanied by itching, pain, pus and visual disturbances, eye edema can be treated with Conium Maculatum 5 CH, at a rate of 3 granules three times a day. If it is accompanied by dry eyes, itching, headache and dizziness, then the affected person should be given 3 granules of Cyclamen Europaeum 5 CH three times a day. In the case of allergic oedema caused by an insect bite or inflammatory oedema caused by a fall or a blow, it is preferable to opt for taking Apis mellifica 15 CH, at a rate of 5 granules as often as necessary. The same remedy can also be used in case of inflammatory edema of the joint or acute edema, at a rate of 5 granules every 10 to 15 minutes. For better effectiveness, it is possible to combine this treatment with remedies such as Urtica urens 4 CH or Kalium iodatum 4 CH. In cases of chronic oedema, it is recommended not to exceed 4 doses per day.
When to see a doctor?
Some edema, especially those in the ankles, can be a sign of serious diseases such as kidney failure or cirrhosis of the liver. In these cases, a medical consultation is necessary. In addition, it is imperative to consult a doctor without delay in case of pulmonary edema associated with a state of respiratory distress.
