Acute water retention

There can be many different causes of water retention. These causes can be related to our lifestyles, but in some cases, the onset of water retention might occur due to drug related issues, medical conditions or hormone levels. The swelling that occurs as a result of water retention is known as edema.

Causes

Excessive salt intake is one potential cause of edema. This is one of the most common causes of water retention, and the solution to this problem lies within our diet. If this is the reason for your edema, you should try to avoid eating processed foods and also to avoid adding too much salt to ones meals.

Hot weather

If you are standing for too long each day, fluid might gather in the lower leg tissues, thus causing edema. Hot weather can also lead to edema as a result of reduced fluid removal efficiency. Burns and sunburn will result in the retaining water in order to protect the skin. This might result in localized swelling.

Contraceptive medications

In general, women are more vulnerable to edema, and especially so if they are taking contraceptive medication. Edema also occurs during pregnancy as a result of the release of hormones that lead to fluid retention. Pregnant women store a certain level of sodium and water, which is required by the fetus. During the menopause, women might also experience an increase in water retention due to hormone fluctuations and other related causes.

Progesterone level

Edema can occur as a result of premenstrual syndrome. The reduction in the level of progesterone - which occurs the week prior to menstruation - can lead to water retention. Opinion is divided as to the cause of this problem, with some believing the problem is related to blood sugar levels, and others surmising that the problem is related to sodium.Some cases of edema might occur as a result of dietary problems. If one has an insufficient intake of vital vitamins, then this can cause difficulties related to water retention. Water retention might also occur as a side effect of medication use or medical conditions.

Health conditions that can lead to water retention

Some conditions that can lead to water retention include chronic venous insufficiency, kidney disease, heart failure, liver disease, thyroid disease and malignant lymphoedema. All these conditions can lead to the onset of water retention and edema, for varying different reasons. Arthritis is another potential cause of water retention and edema. Some people might also suffer from allergic reactions that lead to the onset of this condition. In this case, the reaction can be extreme, but the water retention and edema that results is usually not long lasting.