Every adult is familiar with edema from personal experience, but women are still more prone to fluid retention in the tissues of the body. Local swelling is typical for injuries, bruises, sprains and allergic reactions, for example, after using inappropriate cosmetics or contact with chemicals. Fluid retention in the body can be caused by heat, fatigue, hormone imbalance, salt abuse and diseases (kidney, heart, liver, thyroid and pituitary gland). Swelling of the legs is a typical symptom of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, and renal edema appears under the eyes.
All people who notice swelling of their limbs and face should go to see a doctor and undergo the tests prescribed by him. If during the diagnostic process any disease is identified that causes swelling, first of all you need to cure it, and then the problem of swelling will be solved. But how to treat swelling, since it causes a lot of discomfort to a person and spoils his appearance?
In modern pharmacology there is a wide selection of drugs, the use of which helps relieve swelling in a few hours. Such medications are prescribed strictly according to the doctor's indications. There are the following groups of diuretics:
The doctor approaches the prescription of diuretics with the utmost attention, since the combination of these drugs is unacceptable with some antibiotics and a number of other medications. During a long course of treatment with diuretics, the patient should regularly undergo blood tests for sodium and potassium levels.
When answering the question of how to treat edema, we should mention alternative medicine. They do not act as quickly as medications for edema, but treatment with them can safely be considered safe. In addition, they can be used if swelling does not arise from a disease, but due to violation of diet rules, overwork, alcohol abuse and exposure to other negative factors.
Treatment of facial swelling with folk remedies:
Treatment of edema according to traditional medicine also includes taking medications that help remove excess fluid from the body:
If you are prone to edema, it is recommended to limit salt, preservatives, flavor enhancers, alcohol and fatty foods in your diet. It is worth paying attention to pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon, melon, apples and citrus fruits, as these fruits have a diuretic effect. Regular exercise, adherence to a daily routine and control of body weight will help to avoid worsening swelling.
Swelling of the legs is not always a consequence of physiological reasons; in some cases, it indicates the development of a pathogenic process in the body. If you observe systematic swelling in the lower extremities, it is recommended to seek medical help and undergo diagnostic measures.
The need to see a doctor is primarily due to the fact that swelling is not a disease in itself. Most often it is one of the symptoms of a developing pathology. That is why there are no universal medications that will provide effective treatment for leg swelling. However, depending on the characteristics and nature of the disease, a specialist can choose the right drug, taking into account the underlying etiology.
The most popular means of reducing swelling of the lower extremities are tablets. They are divided into three main groups:
Depending on the course of therapy being implemented and the characteristics of the underlying pathology, the specialist may recommend the use of one or another drug that will most successfully demonstrate its therapeutic properties.
Edema, which manifests itself without the development of underlying pathologies, has predominantly physiological causes and is expressed in the accumulation of excess fluid. Diuretics are used to treat such edema.
Diuretics are diuretic drugs. Their action is aimed at removing excess fluid from the body. Drugs in this group are divided into potassium-sparing, thiazide and loop.
The most popular potassium-sparing diuretics are:
These products have a positive effect on the water-salt balance and block the accumulation of fluid in the extremities. Even with a low dosage, the effect of use is immediate. To choose the most optimal course of taking medications, as well as dosage and other conditions of use, it is recommended to use the services of a specialist. It should also be taken into account that diuretics can be taken in combination with other medicinal substances, the action of which is aimed at treating the underlying pathology.
Edema that forms as a result of dysfunction of the cardiovascular organs is usually called cardiac, and as a result of kidney function - renal. Both groups of drugs are used to treat edema, which is a symptom of the development of the underlying pathology.
The most popular drugs included in this group are:
As a result of the action of the active substances of some drugs, the smooth muscles of blood vessels relax. As a result, blood flow and the synthesis of certain enzymes that affect the chemical composition of the blood improve. All drugs differ in the duration of action, the speed of onset of the therapeutic effect from their use and the degree of influence on the metabolic processes occurring in the body.
Some drugs have contraindications and side effects, so the selection of drugs is carried out exclusively by a specialized specialist.
For renal edema, loop and potassium-sparing diuretics are also recommended. Among the medications used to treat edema, the following are very popular:
Independent determination of drug doses, as well as tactics and other features of their administration, is unacceptable. The required dosage is determined by a specialist in each specific case, taking into account the general health of the patient and the results of specialized examinations. Preference is given to medicines that contain components of plant origin. Some synthetic substances can cause side effects and cause imbalance in the body's salt balance.
Solving the problem of treating venous vessels requires an integrated approach to the selection of diagnostic methods and means of providing therapeutic influence. It is the drugs of this group that cure swelling of varicose veins.
When treating swelling of the legs and venous vessels, the following are most often used:
Drugs in this group strengthen the walls of venous vessels and improve the circulation of blood mass in them. The main effect of swelling occurs due to the dilution of stagnant blood. Medicines for diseases of the cardiovascular system are prescribed exclusively by a specialized specialist. Treatment is strictly unacceptable.
The use of medications for the treatment and restoration of venous vessels helps not only to reduce swelling, but also to avoid the appearance of thrombophlebitis and the development of thrombosis.
Pathology of the arteries and vessels of the legs is very common, and not only in older people, but also in the young population. The most common ailment is varicose veins (dilation) of the veins of the lower extremities. With this disease, the diameter of the veins expands, the venous valves are damaged, blood clots can form and other complications appear. Neglecting therapy in the early stages of the disease can lead to serious consequences. The most dangerous disorders of the veins and blood vessels of the legs are the following diseases: aneurysm, venous thrombosis, vascular network, acute arterial obstruction, atherosclerosis. Ointments for swelling of the legs and other manifestations of vascular disorders contribute to the effective fight against the disease.
A good effect at the initial stage of development of varicose veins can be achieved with the help of ointments for veins and blood vessels on the legs. They are applied to affected or deformed areas. This could be the foot, foot, or ankle. What ointments are best to help with leg swelling? What to apply to the lower extremities to treat varicose veins? It depends on what effect you want to achieve and your financial capabilities. Effective today include:
Of the long-familiar ointments for the treatment of veins and blood vessels, ichthyol, Vishnevsky, Diclofenac, Menovasin are used. Reviews from numerous patients confirm their high effectiveness in treatment. The basis of any ointment is fat with the addition of an active substance.
Thanks to the external action of ointments, the following problems can be solved:
It is better to start non-surgical cream treatment in time than to resort to laser surgery later. There is a TOP 10 most popular ointments for improving the condition of blood vessels, which have confirmed their effectiveness in use. Let's talk about them.
More recently, people suffering from varicose veins have received a life-saving cream for enlarged veins on the legs called “Zdorov”. Among its other competitors, the medicine occupies a leading position. Customer reviews indicate that after several days of using the medication, the main symptoms of varicose veins begin to subside.
Among its other competitors, Zdorov cream wax occupies a leading position.
The composition of the “Zdorov” product includes only environmentally friendly ingredients. The beeswax contained in it has the ability to stop bleeding. It also contains bee venom, which helps with leg pain. Thanks to propolis, edematous tension will go away and blood clots will gradually dissolve, and the development of varicose veins will stop. Dead bee is used for swelling in the legs and to eliminate inflammatory syndromes. Bee moth helps against the formation of blood clots in damaged veins and vessels.
A good antiseptic for the medicine “Zdorov” is cedar resin. Olive oil is a blood circulation stimulant. This cream-wax has good healing properties thanks to the vitamin complex that strengthens the body's immune system.
This medicine contains natural ingredients from plants. This expensive drug is able to eliminate pain, nourishes the skin, stimulating good blood circulation. Chamomile, nettle and menthol contained in VarikoBooster give strength to muscle tissue. Honey, ginkgo biloba and caffeine promote cell renewal and accelerate metabolism. In case of swelling, pain, heaviness, troxerutin comes into play, relieving inflammation.
VarikoBooster cream for varicose veins is used in courses. Usually it is applied three times a day, and at the initial stage of the disease it is applied only at night. After two weeks of use, not a trace remains of the spider veins, the skin becomes well-groomed.
The main component of the medication for blood vessels Venitan, which copes with inflammation and swelling, is horse chestnut (extract). The escin contained in the gel has a beneficial effect on muscle cells. Under its influence, the vessels are well toned, and the veins narrow. Thanks to Venitan, blood circulates freely and does not stagnate in the veins. This substance prevents swelling of the legs.
Thanks to Venitan, blood circulates freely and does not stagnate in the veins.
Venitan gel is best applied in the afternoon or before bed. This drug is recommended for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. The drug Venitan is recommended as an ointment for pain, bruises, and sprains. The gel is applied in small portions, gently massaging the skin. The frequency of use should not exceed 3 times a day. The course of treatment is 2 months.
An effective remedy for leg veins and blood vessels, Lyoton 1000, helps to avoid leg swelling and pain. With its help, the veins in the legs swell less and varicose veins are relieved. The main component of this medication is sodium heparin, which prevents the formation of blood clots. Lyoton 100 treats bruises, injuries, hematomas. This German gel is well suited for the postoperative period. It has no contraindications, so it is suitable even during pregnancy.
Apply the drug 1-3 times a day, gently rubbing into the skin. The duration of use is from 1 to 6 weeks.
Heparin ointment easily soothes inflamed blood vessels. It has the ability to reduce the risk of blood clots. Under its therapeutic influence, the veins swell less, and nodes disappear from the vessels. The main substance in Heparin ointment is an anticoagulant produced by medicinal leeches.
According to reviews from many users, Heparin ointment in the early stages of the disease has no equal. She copes well with injuries, bruises of tendons and joints. The ointment is rubbed into the skin 2-3 times a day until the inflammation of the blood vessels disappears. The duration of treatment can last 2 weeks.
Many patients and doctors advise using the drug Hepatrombin for veins (swollen). It is suitable both for the prevention of varicose veins and for relieving the main symptoms of inflammation, thrombosis, and swelling in the legs. Prescribed for the formation of compactions, lymphangitis, mastitis, carbuncles, boils.
Hepatrombin is prescribed for the prevention of varicose veins.
With its help, special bandages are applied to the limb. Often used to treat sports injuries. The gel is applied in a thin layer to the skin 1-3 times a day. In case of thrombosis or thrombophlebitis, massaging the affected areas is not recommended.
The main therapeutic direction of the gel is varicose veins. The basis of the drug Venosal Plus are extracts of many medicinal plants. Chestnut (horse) seeds tone the walls of blood vessels, accelerate blood circulation, and prevent the formation of blood clots. Calendula helps relieve inflammation and restore tissue. Sweet clover promotes wound healing. D-panthenol helps with swelling and itching.
To get the maximum effect from the treatment, you should try Venosal Plus, a cream against swelling of the legs and strengthening the walls of the veins. You need to apply it 2-3 times a day, rubbing until completely absorbed.
Phleboxar with Diosmin is recommended for severe swelling, heaviness, and pain. It contains natural flavonoids that strengthen blood vessels and capillaries. It is often used by patients suffering from lymphatic and venous insufficiency. After applying the product, a pleasant feeling of coolness appears on the skin, lightness and comfort returns. Fleboxar also helps relieve post-traumatic hematomas.
Phleboxar contains sunflower, coconut, and grapefruit oil. Apply the product to the desired areas with massage movements once a day.
Phleboxar helps relieve post-traumatic hematomas.
Damage, injury. Which ointment for bruises should I prefer in this case? Aertal is considered a new generation drug. It is based on the active ingredient aceclofenac. It relieves pain, relieves inflammation, and eliminates swelling of joints. Airtal is effective for arthritis and arthrosis.
Airtal should not be used during pregnancy or for children. It is also not applied under pressure bandages. Apply the ointment to the desired area 3 times a day.
Pregnant women very often suffer from varicose veins, especially in the last stage of pregnancy. Most often, ointments with troxevasin or heparin are prescribed to treat their vessels. An excellent addition for the treatment of pregnant women is the cream for varicose veins Venorm. It consists of natural ingredients, tones the veins, eliminates pain. This is an effective ointment for swelling of the legs, has a vascular strengthening, anti-inflammatory effect.
Venorm also includes an extract of horse chestnut flowers, calendula, tannins, and many vitamins. Venorm granules are produced in combination with ointment. Apply the product to the desired location 2 times a day.
Complete recovery of blood vessels can be achieved by combining these ointments with complex anti-varicose vein therapy. A phlebologist (vascular surgeon) often recommends therapeutic massages, contrast showers, therapeutic exercises, and the use of special underwear. It is very important to treat the problem of varicose veins in the early stages using topical medications.
Given the variety of causes of edema, many drugs from different pharmacological groups are used for their treatment and prevention.
Herbal medicines can be added to herbal teas: canephron , cystone , phytolysin .
Furosemide ( Lasix ) blocks the reabsorption of sodium in the kidney and increases the excretion of bicarbonates, phosphates, calcium, magnesium and potassium. The diuretic effect is characterized by significant severity, short duration and depends on the dose.
Hypothiazide is a long-acting diuretic. The diuretic effect begins after 4-6 hours and lasts more than a day.
These drugs have many side effects: they cause a drop in blood pressure, even collapse, thrombophlebitis, the formation of blood clots in the veins, increased levels of glucose and cholesterol in the blood, liver dysfunction, gastrointestinal disorders, temporary impairment of hearing and vision, weakness, blood disorders . Contraindications for use are low blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, heart defects, and liver dysfunction.
While taking medications, driving and other activities that require increased attention and reaction speed are not recommended. Given the ability of furosemide and hypothiazide to cause dizziness with a sudden change in body position (orthostatic collapse), during treatment you should not get out of bed quickly, it is better to first sit on the bed and then stand next to it until you are sure that you are not dizzy . Since they remove potassium from the body, treatment should be carried out on the background of a diet rich in potassium (dried fruits, baked potatoes, bananas, grapes). To replenish potassium reserves in the body, panangin or asparkam is prescribed furosemide and hypothiazide . These drugs may impair tolerance to high temperatures, so taking them increases the risk of heat stroke, which must be taken into account during the hot summer months.
In the first half of pregnancy, the use of furosemide and hypothiazide is prohibited, in the second half it is possible only for a short time and only when the expected benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the fetus. During pregnancy, the drug reduces the volume of blood plasma and blood supply to the placenta, and also penetrates the placental barrier. Thus, there is a risk of irreversible hearing loss, impaired renal function, jaundice, as well as thrombocytopenia (a sharp decrease in the blood levels of cells responsible for blood clotting) in the fetus. Since drugs can be excreted in breast milk and also suppress lactation, if it is necessary to use furosemide and hypothiazide during lactation, breastfeeding should be discontinued. These drugs are used only for severe gestosis and only in a hospital setting.
Edema is a pathological condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. This phenomenon can be provoked by both an increased salt content in the body (for example, when consuming a large amount of salty foods) and various diseases (heart failure, varicose veins, lymphostasis, etc.).
Drug treatment of edema involves the use of diuretics. They have several types (thiazide, loop, potassium-sparing, etc.). Each of them has its own properties and has its own indications for use. Below are the names of diuretics that are most often used to eliminate swelling. But remember that you cannot take them without a doctor’s prescription.
The drug belongs to the group of loop diuretics and has sodium and chloruretic effects. It has a pronounced but short-term effect. The main indication for the use of this drug is swelling of the ankles, feet, arms, calves, etc. for diseases such as:
A thiazide diuretic that helps get rid of edema by increasing the excretion of potassium, magnesium and bicarbonate ions from the body, while retaining calcium ions. Effective 2 hours after administration.
Indications for use:
It is a magnesium-sparing and potassium-sparing diuretic. It acts identically to Veroshpiron (another potassium-sparing diuretic) 2-3 days after the start of treatment. Indications for use are the following conditions and diseases:
A potassium-sparing diuretic that effectively relieves swelling in conditions and diseases such as:
Another potassium-sparing diuretic, the effect of which is observed only after a few days of use. Used as a combination treatment for swelling in:
Directions for use: 1-2 tablets 3-4 times a day (the exact dosage is determined individually). Price – 200 rubles.
Loop diuretic. Indicated for:
Thiazide diuretic. Indicated for:
Directions for use: 1-2 capsules once a day. Indapamide is not suitable for long-term use. The course of treatment is determined individually. The cost of the drug is 120 rubles.
Loop diuretic. It has a quick but short-lasting effect. Its use is indicated for edema that occurs against the background of:
Often, people with varicose veins experience venous congestion, manifested in the form of “spider veins,” pain and aching joints, heaviness and fatigue in the legs. In this case, in addition to diuretics, it is recommended to use external preparations (ointments, gels, creams) that provide a tonic, strengthening and anti-inflammatory effect. These include:
Most diuretics should not be taken by the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers or children. In such cases, to eliminate swelling from the limbs, it is recommended to use traditional medicine. Among them, the most effective are:
When using diuretics orally or intramuscularly, the following side effects may occur:
Each diuretic has its own contraindications, which are discussed in the annotation. However, there are some diseases and conditions in which diuretics of any type are contraindicated. These include:
From personal experience, every second person is familiar with edema. Women are more prone to the appearance of swelling. A large amount of fluid in the body tissues is caused by a huge number of factors: high air temperature, constant fatigue, hormonal imbalances (during pregnancy), consumption of large amounts of salt and chronic kidney and heart diseases. People who have severe swelling of the limbs or any other part of the body should immediately visit a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment of edema.
If during diagnosis pathologies are identified that cause swelling, then it is necessary to direct all treatment to eliminate the causes of the disease, and after that, there will be no problems with swelling. Edema is an excessive accumulation of fluid in organs and intercellular spaces. The reasons for this phenomenon are very diverse. Treatment of edema is an important point, otherwise this pathology leads to irreversible consequences.
Before starting treatment for swelling, it is necessary to accurately determine the type of disease that provoked this phenomenon. After which the doctor will prescribe a comprehensive, and most importantly effective treatment.
If, after diagnosis, the doctor determines that the swelling is caused by a hormonal imbalance, the person will be prescribed appropriate medications. If the disease is caused by improper nutrition, the person is prescribed a special diet. In any case, it is necessary to reduce the intake of water and salty foods. Treatment of the causes of swelling is the key to successful recovery.
The main causes of swelling of the limbs and head are:
It is worth knowing that these are common causes of body swelling and are strictly individual.
The whole point of drug treatment for this disease is to transfer the patient to a state of temporary heart failure. As a result, stagnation in the systemic circulation goes away and swelling subsides. Medical treatment will help control the fluid in a person's body. With severe edema, the volume of fluid is reduced with the help of diuretics and diuretics.
Drug therapy is the mainstay in the fight against hydrodynamic edema. This treatment is prescribed to everyone who suffers from this type of edema. The main drug groups for the treatment of this disease are:
All these drug groups have similar medicinal effects to each other. ACE inhibitors inhibit the enzyme that converts angiotensin I into the active hormone angiotensin II. As a result, blood pressure decreases, the functioning of the kidneys and blood vessels returns to normal. These measures together have a positive effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
The main goal of therapy for lymphatic edema is to restore the outflow of lymph from tissues. For this purpose, phlebotonics are used, the medicinal effect of which is primarily aimed at improving the quality of blood microcirculation. The most popular products from this group:
The drug Detralex is used to treat the first signs of venous-lymphatic pathology. Take one tablet twice a day. The duration of treatment is no more than six months. The product has few adverse reactions, which is undoubtedly a significant advantage. Use during pregnancy and lactation is permitted only after prescription by a doctor. Therapy of lymphogenous edema with the help of: troxevasin, paroven and venoruton is used only in the first two stages of the disease. They help increase the tone of the veins and the general condition of blood vessels.
In order to overcome an attack of allergic edema in the shortest possible time, first of all, it is necessary to completely reduce the harmful effects of the allergen or to have as little contact with it as possible.
Therapy for allergic edema of any kind consists of strict adherence to taking antihistamines and homeopathic remedies prescribed by the doctor; they must be taken in advance, these are Cetrin, Zodak, Loratadine, etc.
Still, the best treatment for allergic edema, including angioedema, is the complete absence of contact with the allergen, at the same time this is considered prevention. Follow all the doctor’s recommendations and allergic swelling will no longer bother you.
The basis for the treatment of membranogenic edema is based on the use of medicinal diuretics and diuretics. They help quickly remove all excess fluid from the cells, which significantly improves blood circulation. Depending on the stage of development of the disease, doctors prescribe the following medications:
It is important that the use of diuretics should be monitored only by a doctor; you cannot prescribe such drugs yourself, otherwise you can lead the body to dehydration. And besides, it wouldn’t hurt to start a course of taking vitamin complexes in order to replenish the imbalance of vitamins and minerals in the blood. With such swelling, it is best to stay in bed and limit unnecessary movements. It would be a good idea to normalize your daily diet.
Treatment of such edema, first of all, should begin with stopping the use of diuretics, and especially the chlorothiazide group. Doctors advise avoiding salt and salty foods for a long time. A good result in the treatment of idiopathic edema is achieved by taking increased doses of Veroshpiron, 6 tablets per day. In some situations, regular use of Bromocriptine, half a tablet three times a day, gives a positive result, the course of such therapy is six months.
Complex treatment with the use of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs is often necessary. From the group of antipsychotics you can start taking: Teralen.
Mellerin, from antidepressants: azaphene, amitriptyline, pyrazidol. When taking vegetotropic drugs, the positive effect is aimed at normalizing the condition of the venous vessels. At a dosage of 60 mg, it must be divided into 4 doses. The main principle of treatment is strict adherence to all doctor’s recommendations.
The essence of preventive measures is to limit fluid intake and foods high in salt. For people who are prone to edema, it is best to completely eliminate salt from their diet and take rose hip-based tea.