edema

USAGE SUMMARY

'edema' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a noun that refers to swelling caused by an accumulation of fluids in tissues or cavities of the body. For example, "The patient was hospitalized because of an edema in her legs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They spend days or weeks in a metal shed smelling of diesel and disinfectant.Hindiya, 18 months old, is puffed up by edema, a protein deficiency.

The Economist

Digitalis was first prescribed by English physician and botanist William Withering (1741 99), who used it in the treatment of edema (dropsy).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It must also be free from sodium and potassium: many persons with renal failure have died from pulmonary edema, a correlate of sodium retention, and others from the acute toxic effects on the heart of a raised level of potassium in the blood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These agents can cause edema (fluid accumulation in tissues), liver toxicity, and adverse cardiovascular events in certain patients.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These species, however, produce hemotoxins that cause mild to strong local effects, including edema, discoloration, and pain.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In January 1964 he was found dead from cerebral edema brought on by a mixture of alcohol and sedatives.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Acute hydramnios causes abdominal pain, severe difficulty in breathing, and edema in the legs, the vulva (external female genital organs), and the lower part of the abdomen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An increase in extracellular fluid, if it is considerable, may be clinically apparent as edema, a swelling of the tissues by fluid, which can usually be displaced by firm pressure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Preeclampsia, also called gestational edema-proteinuria-hypertension (GEPH), is an acute toxic condition arising during the second half of the gestation period or in the first week after delivery and generally occurs in young women during a first pregnancy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Indications for cryotherapy include acute injury or inflammation, acute or chronic pain due to muscle spasm, edema/swelling, spasticity accompanying a central nervous system disorder, painful limitation of motion secondary to immobilization, and first-degree burns.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The manifestations of heart failure are present particularly where there is edema except that shortness of breath is often due to the underlying lung disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "edema", be specific about the location (e.g., pulmonary edema, peripheral edema) to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "edema" interchangeably with general swelling. "Edema" specifically refers to fluid accumulation, not swelling from inflammation or injury without fluid buildup.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "edema" is as a noun. It names a specific medical condition involving fluid accumulation in body tissues or cavities, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

77%

News & Media

17%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Edema" is a noun referring to swelling caused by fluid accumulation, predominantly used in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig examples indicates that while grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in encyclopedias, it's essential to use the term accurately, distinguishing it from general swelling. Key causes range from heart and kidney issues to protein deficiencies. Related terms include "fluid retention" and "dropsy", each with nuanced differences. Therefore, specificity in describing the location and cause of "edema" enhances clarity in medical and scientific communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fluid retention

Focuses on the body's process of retaining fluid, a key aspect of edema.

swelling due to fluid accumulation

Explicitly describes the cause of swelling as fluid accumulation.

tissue swelling

Highlights the swelling occurring within the body's tissues.

abnormal fluid buildup

Emphasizes the unusual accumulation of fluid.

fluid overload

Implies an excessive amount of fluid in the body.

dropsy

An older, less common term for edema or fluid accumulation.

hydrops

A medical term indicating abnormal accumulation of fluid in body cavities or tissues.

anasarca

Severe generalized edema with widespread subcutaneous tissue swelling.

ascites

Specific to fluid accumulation in the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity.

water retention

A more general term for the body holding excess water.

FAQs

How is "edema" typically diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam to assess swelling, skin appearance, and any associated symptoms. Further tests like blood and urine tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds may be used to determine the cause.

What are some common causes of "edema"?

Common causes include heart failure, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, prolonged standing or sitting, pregnancy, and certain medications. Protein deficiency, as seen in the example of the child with edema due to protein deficiency, can also be a cause.

What can I say instead of "edema"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fluid retention", "swelling", or "fluid accumulation".

What is the difference between "edema" and inflammation?

"Edema" specifically refers to swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in tissues. Inflammation, on the other hand, is a broader term describing the body's response to injury or infection, which may or may not involve fluid buildup. While inflammation can cause edema, edema can also occur without significant inflammation.