edematisch

Edematisch is an adjective used in medical Dutch to describe tissues or conditions related to edema, the accumulation of excess fluid in the interstitial space or body cavities. The term stems from Greek oidema swelling and is used to characterize swelling observed on exam or in documentation.

Mechanisms and types: Edema results from imbalances in fluid exchange across capillary walls. Principal mechanisms include increased hydrostatic pressure (eg, venous insufficiency or heart failure), decreased oncotic pressure (eg, hypoalbuminemia), increased capillary permeability (inflammation), and impaired lymphatic drainage. Edema fluid can be transudate, which is relatively low in protein, or exudate, richer in protein and cells and typically from inflammation.

Clinical use and presentation: Edematisch describes swelling that may be localized (eg, leg edema, pulmonary edema) or generalized (anasarca). It may be pitting or non-pitting on pressure. Evaluation includes history, physical examination, measurements (such as limb circumference), and investigations to identify underlying causes (cardiac, renal, hepatic disease; malnutrition; medications).

Management: Treatment targets the underlying cause. Approaches may include diuretics, salt restriction, compression therapy, leg elevation, and management of comorbid conditions. In specific contexts such as lymphatic obstruction, specialized therapies like manual lymph drainage may be used.

Terminology and usage: In English medical writing the preferred terms are edematous or edema-related; edematisch is primarily found in Dutch-language sources and in some German texts.