Fluid retention (edema): what it is and what to do

Feeling swollen, especially in your legs, ankles, or hands? That puffiness is often fluid retention, also called edema. It can be harmless or a sign of something more serious like heart, liver, or kidney issues — or even a side effect of a medicine you take. This page helps you spot the difference and gives simple, practical steps to feel better fast.

Common causes and signs

Fluid builds up when your body can’t move water out of tissues normally. Common causes include standing or sitting for long periods, salty food, hormonal changes, injury, and certain drugs — especially some blood pressure meds, steroids, and hormone treatments. Serious causes include heart failure, kidney disease, and liver problems.

Look for swelling that’s worse at the end of the day, tight shoes or rings, or skin that stays indented for a few seconds after you press it. If swelling comes with shortness of breath, chest pain, sudden weight gain, or severe belly swelling, get medical help right away.

Practical steps to reduce swelling

Try these simple steps at home first. Small changes often make a big difference.

- Reduce salt. Cut back on processed food and salty snacks. Salt makes your body keep water.

- Move more. Walk every hour, flex your ankles if you sit a lot, and avoid long periods of stillness.

- Elevate swollen limbs. Prop your legs on a pillow for 20 minutes a few times a day to help fluid move back toward your heart.

- Wear compression socks or sleeves if swelling is mostly in the legs. They help push fluid back up.

- Watch medications and supplements. Some drugs cause fluid retention. For example, potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone help some people but can raise potassium — mixing them with alcohol or other meds can be risky. If you take prescriptions, talk with your prescriber or pharmacist before changing anything.

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, doctors may use diuretics, adjust your medications, or run tests to find an underlying cause. If you’re curious about options or worried about online drug sellers, read reviews and safety guides before ordering medicines — and always keep your healthcare team in the loop.

Want quick reading from our site? We cover where to buy and how to use spironolactone safely, tips on potassium risks when mixing alcohol and diuretics, and practical drug safety reviews. Those pieces can help you ask the right questions at your next appointment.

If swelling starts suddenly, gets worse fast, or comes with breathing trouble or chest pain — call emergency services. For ongoing mild swelling, try the steps above and schedule a checkup so you can treat the cause, not just the symptom.