Edema Center - Leominster, MA
Leominster Internist Doctors for EdemaType of Physician: Internist What is a Internist? A certification by the Board of Internal Medicine; practitioners provide long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common illnesses and complex problems for adolescents, adults, and the elderly. General internists are trained in primary care internal medicine, which incorporates an understanding of disease prevention, wellness, substance abuse, mental health and treatment of problems of the eyes, ears, skin, nervous system and reproductive organs. All internists are trained in the subspecialty areas of internal medicine including emergency internal medicine and critical care. Internists consult with surgeons when surgical management is indicated, and often act as consultants to other specialists. Specialty: Internal Medicine Common Name: Internist Doctors in Leominster * Fallon Medical Center Leominster  Fallon Medical Center Leominster  Fallon Medical Center Leominster  Fallon Medical Center Leominster  Fallon Medical Center Leominster  HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Hospitalist  HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Hospitalist  HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Hospitalist  John J Murphy MD  HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Hospitalist  HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Hospitalist  HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Hospitalist  HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Hospitalist  HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Hospitalist  Maria Del Carmen Al-Homsi MD  William Brodkin MD  Stephen T Child MD  Haberman Kamens & Cotter MDs  Kimberly W Ebb MD & Ronald G Ebb MD  Leominster Medical Associates  Haberman Kamens & Cotter MDs  Haberman Kamens & Cotter MDs  HealthAlliance Hospital  Leominster Medical Associates  Sheryn M Angelis MD & Ralph E Spada MD  Svend W Bruun MD  Vasuki Radhakrishnan MD  Fitchburg Adult Medicine LLC  Fitchburg Adult Medicine LLC  Fitchburg Adult Medicine LLC  Alfredson Ambulatory  VA Clinic  Clinton Medical Associates  Worcester Physicians of North County  Worcester Physicians of North County  Clinton Medical Associates  Raymond K Sauls MD  David A Getz MD  Sprague Family Practice  Michael R Theerman MD  Acton Medical Associates  Acton Medical Associates  Acton Medical Associates  Acton Medical Associates  Acton Medical Associates  Acton Medical Associates  Acton Medical Associates  Chandrika D Jain MD  Nashoba Valley Medical Center Hospitalists Internal Medicine  Nashoba Valley Healthcare Group  John Katzenberg MD  Groton Medical Associates  Groton Medical Associates  Groton Medical Associates  Mathur & Goh MDs  Mathur & Goh MDs  Richard C McMahon MD  Christian L Potter MD  St Vincent Medical Group  St Vincent Medical Group  Jyoti Dhananjay Nagarkar MD  St Vincent Medical Group  St Vincent Medical Group  Laila Attar MD  Jose R Flores Cardillo MD  Ernesto Y Jose MD PC  Fallon Medical Center Worcester  Fallon Medical Center Worcester  Plantation Internal Medicine  Plantation Internal Medicine  Fallon Medical Center Worcester  Plantation Internal Medicine  Fallon Medical Center Worcester  Fallon Clinic Urgent Care  Fallon Medical Center Worcester  Plantation Internal Medicine  Plantation Internal Medicine  Plantation Internal Medicine  Plantation Internal Medicine  Fallon Medical Center Worcester  Plantation Internal Medicine  Fallon Medical Center Worcester  Fallon Clinic Urgent Care  Shrewsbury Internal Medicine  Owen E Christensen MD  Shrewsbury Internal Medicine  Deborah Hazen MD  St Vincent Medical Group  Shrewsbury Internal Medicine  Shrewsbury Internal Medicine  St Vincent Medical Group  Heyward Cardiology  Memorial Medical Group  Memorial Medical Group  Joel A Hurwitz MD  Saqib N Qureshi MD  Memorial Medical Group  Memorial Medical Group  John Stevenson MD  Hahnemann Medical Group Leominster, MassachusettsUpcoming Local Events2012-05-26
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EdemaWhat is edema?Edema is observable swelling from fluid accumulation in body tissues. Edema most commonly occurs in the feet and legs, where it is referred to as peripheral edema. The swelling is the result of the accumulation of excess fluid under the skin in the spaces within the tissues. All tissues of the body are made up of cells and connective tissues that hold the cells together. This connective tissue around the cells and blood vessels is known as the interstitium. Most of the body's fluids that are found outside of the cells are normally stored in two spaces; the blood vessels (as the "liquid" or serum portion of your blood) and the interstitial spaces (not within the cells). In various diseases, excess fluid can accumulate in either one or both of these compartments. The body's organs have interstitial spaces where fluid can accumulate. An accumulation of fluid in the interstitial air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs occurs in a disorder called pulmonary edema. In addition, excess fluid sometimes collects in what is called the third space, which includes cavities in the abdomen (abdominal or peritoneal cavity - called "ascites") or in the chest (lung or pleural cavity - called "pleural effusion"). Anasarca refers to the severe, widespread accumulation of fluid in the all of the tissues and cavities of the body at the same time.
What is pitting edema and how does it differ from non-pitting edema?Pitting edema can be demonstrated by applying pressure to the swollen area by depressing the skin with a finger. If the pressing causes an indentation that persists for some time after the release of the pressure, the edema is referred to as pitting edema. Any form of pressure, such as from the elastic in socks, can induce pitting with this type of edema. In non-pitting edema, which usually affects the legs or arms, pressure that is applied to the skin does not resu... Recommended Reading Related to EdemaWhat happens during a brain hemorrhage?When blood from a trauma irritates brain tissues, it causes swelling. This is known as cerebral edema. The pooled blood collects into a mass called a hematoma. These conditions increase pressure on nearby brain tissue, and that reduces vital blood flow and kills brain cells. Bleeding can occur inside the brain, between the brain and the membranes that cover it, between the layers of the brain's covering or between the skull and the covering of the brain.
What causes bleeding in the brain?There are several risk factors and causes of brain hemorrhages. The most common include:
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Nearby Leominster Hospitals *HealthAlliance Hospital Leominster Campus Health Alliance Burbank Hospital UMass Memorial Clinton Hospital Nashoba Valley Medical Center Heywood Hospital UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital UMass Memorial Medical Center University Campus Westborough State Hospital Adcare Hospital of Worcester Worcester State Hospital UMass Memorial Medical Center Memorial Campus St Vincent Hospital at Worcester Medical Center Fairlawn Rehabilitation Hospital Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital Westborough St Joseph Hospital Emerson Hospital Southern New Hampshire Medical Center HC Solomon Mental Health Center Lowell General Hospital Athol Memorial Hospital MetroWest Medical Center Framingham Union Hospital Saints Medical Center Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Monadnock Community Hospital Kindred Specialty Hospital Natick MetroWest Medical Center Leonard Morse Hospital Lahey Clinic Medical Center Tewksbury Hospital Newton Wellesley Hospital Milford Regional Medical Center Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center McLean Hospital HEALTHSOUTH New England Rehabilitation Hospital Baystate Mary Lane Hospital Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Isham Health Center Winchester Hospital Parkland Medical Center Caritas Holy Family Hospital and Medical Center Caritas St Elizabeth's Medical Center Lawrence General Hospital Mount Auburn Hospital Northeast Rehabilitation Health Network Franciscan Hospital for Children Kindred Hospital Boston Lawrence Memorial Hospital Harrington Memorial Hospital Somerville Hospital Hubbard Regional Hospital VA Boston Healthcare System West Roxbury Campus Arbour HRI Hospital Bournewood Hospital Youville Hospital and Rehabilitation Center Cambridge Hospital Westwood Lodge Hospital Featured Articles*Provider Directory Terms of Use: The WebMD 'Provider Directory' is provided by WebMD for use by the general public as a quick reference of information about Providers. The Provider Directory is not intended as a tool for verifying the credentials, qualifications, or abilities of any Provider contained therein. Inclusion in the Provider Directory does not imply recommendation or endorsement nor does omission in the Provider Directory imply WebMD disapproval. |
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Related Diseases & Conditions
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Congestive Heart Failure
- Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A poor blood supply resulting from congestive heart failure may cause the body's organ systems to fail, leading to a weakened heart muscle and fluid accumulation in the lungs and body tissue. There are many diseases that can impair pumping efficiency and symptoms of congestive heart failure including fatigue, diminished exercise capacity, shortness of breath, and swelling. Treatments include lifestyle modifications, medications, heart transplant, and therapy.
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Kidney Failure
- Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss, dehydration, medication. Some of the renal causes of kidney failure are from sepsis, medications, rhabdomyolysis, multiple myeloma, and acute glomerulonephritis. Post renal causes of kidney failure include bladder obstruction, prostate problems, tumors, or kidney stones. Treatment options included diet, medications, or dialysis.
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High Blood Pressure
- High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. There are two causes of high blood pressure, primary and secondary. Primary high blood pressure is much more common that secondary and its basic causes or underlying defects are not always known. It is known that a diet high in salt increases the risk for high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol. Genetic factors are also a primary cause. Secondary high blood pressure is generally caused by another condition such as renal hypertension, tumors, and other conditions. Treatment for high blood pressure is generally lifestyle changes and if necessary, diet.
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Cellulitis
- Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria Staph (Staphylococcus aureus).
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Cirrhosis (Liver)
- Cirrhosis of the liver refers to a disease in which normal liver cells are replaced by scar tissue caused by alcohol and viral hepatitis B and C. This disease leads to abnormalities in the liver's ability to handle toxins and blood flow, causing internal bleeding, kidney failure, mental confusion, coma, body fluid accumulation, and frequent infections. Symptoms include yellowing of the skin, itching, and fatigue.
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Ascites
- Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is most commonly caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Some of the other causes of ascites include portal hypertension, congestive heart failure, blood clots, and pancreatitis. The most common symptoms include increased abdominal girth and size, abdominal bloating, and abdominal pain. Treatment depends on the cause of ascites.
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Liver
- The liver is the largest solid organ in the body, and is actually an gland. The liver has a wide variety of critical functions such as manufacturing proteins and metabolizing fats and carbohydrates. The liver also eliminates harmful biochemical waste products from the body (alcohol, drugs, toxins). The liver secretes bile that aids in digestion. Examples of diseases of the liver include cirrhosis, hepatitis, cancer, and fatty liver. Symptoms of liver disease include bleeding, easy bruising, edema, fatigue, and jaundice.
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Heart Murmur
- A heart murmur is the sound generated when blood flow within the heart is not smooth. Causes of heart murmurs can be functional, congenital, or caused heart valve conditions. Symptoms of a heart murmur may be none, or may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and arm, leg, and ankle swelling. Treatment of a heart murmur depends on the cause.
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Pulmonary Edema
- Pulmonary edema (swelling or fluid in the lungs) can either be caused by cardiogenic causes (congestive heart failure, heart attacks, abnormal heart valves) or noncardiogenic causes such as ARDS, kidney failure, high altitude, pneumothorax, pleural effusion, aspirin overdose, pulmonary embolism, and infections. The treatment of pulmonary edema depends on the cause of the condition.
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Pleural Effusion
- Pleural effusion is an excess fluid between the two membranes that envelop the lungs. There are two classifications of causes of pleural effusion; transudate and exudate. The treatment of pleural effusion depends on the cause.
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Varicose Veins
- Varicose vein: A dilated (widened) tortuous (twisting) vein, usually involving a superficial vein in the leg, often associated with incompetency of the valves in the vein. These visible and bulging veins are often associated with symptoms such as tired, heavy, or aching limbs. Spider veins are a group of widened veins that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
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Brain Hemorrhage
- A brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke caused when an artery bursts in the brain, causing localized bleeding in the surrounding tissue. Causes of brain hemorrhage include aneurysm, liver disease, brain tumor, head trauma, high blood pressure, and blood vessel abnormalities. Symptoms include sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, tingling, numbness, vision changes, loss of consciousness, and loss of fine motor skills. Treatment depends upon the cause, location, and size of the brain hemorrhage.
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Eclampsia
- Preeclampsia is a condition in pregnant women marked by high blood pressure and a high level of protein in the urine. Eclampsia occurs when preeclampsia goes untreated. Eclampsia can cause coma and death of the mother and baby. Preeclampsia symptoms include rapid weight gain, abdominal pain, headaches, blood in the urine, dizziness, and excessive vomiting and nausea. The only real cure for preeclampsia and eclampsia is the birth of the baby.
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Coma
- Coma is the inability to waken or react to the surrounding environment. The Glasgow Coma Scale is frequently used to measure the depth of coma. Causes of coma include trauma, bleeding, edema, lack of oxygen, poisoning, or hypoglycemia. Prognosis for a patient in a coma depends on the cause of the coma.
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Lymphedema
- Lymphedema is a condition in which one or more extremities become swollen as the result of an impaired flow of the lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphedema; primary, secondary. Filariasis is the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide; however, in the U.S. breast cancer surgery is the most common cause. Symptoms include swelling of one or more limbs, thickening, cracked, and secondary bacterial or fungal infections of the skin. There is no cure for lymphedema.
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Endocarditis
- Endocarditis, a serious infection of one of the four heart valves is caused by growth of bacteria on one of the heart valves; leading to an infected massed called a "vegetation." The infection can be caused by having bacteria in the bloodstream after dental work, colonoscopy, or other similar procedures. Endocarditis symptoms include fever, fatigue, weakness, chills, aching muscles and joints, night sweats, edema in the legs, feet, or abdomen, malaise, shortness of breath and small skin lesions. Treatment for endocarditis is generally aggressive antibiotic treatment.
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Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
- Superior vena cava syndrome is compression of the superior vena cava vein located in the upper chest. Causes of superior vena cava include lung cancer, lymphoma, other cancers in the chest, blood clots in the superior vena cava, or infection. Symptoms of the syndrome include shortness of breath. Superior vena cava syndrome is diagnosed by ultrasound, chest x-ray, CT scan, and in some cases biopsy. Treatment depends upon the cause of the syndrome.
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Cardiomyopathy (Dilated)
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy is a condition where the heart's ability to pump blood is decreased because the heart's main pumping chamber is enlarged and weakened. Symptoms of dilated cardiomyopathy include chest pain, heart failure, swelling of the lower extremities, fatigue, weight gain, fainting, palpitations, dizziness and blood clots.
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Ricin
- Ricin is a biological toxin that can be made from processing castor beans. Symptoms of ricin poisoning include fever, cough, nausea, low blood pressure, diarrhea, seizures and blood in the urine. As there is no antidote, treatment focuses on minimizing the effects of poisoning.
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Cardiomyopathy (Hypertrophic)
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) affects many people today. Many people with HCM have no symptoms or only minor symptoms, and live a normal life. Other people develop symptoms, which progress and worsen as heart function worsens.
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Cardiomyopathy (Restrictive)
- Restrictive cardiomyopathy, the rarest form of cardiomyopathy, is a condition in which the walls of the lower chambers of the heart (the ventricles) are abnormally rigid and lack the flexibility to expand as the ventricles fill with blood. The pumping or systolic function of the ventricle may be normal but the diastolic function (the ability of the heart to fill with blood) is abnormal. Therefore, it is harder for the ventricles to fill with blood, and with time, the heart loses the ability to pump blood properly, leading to heart failure.
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Congestive Heart Failure
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Medications
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