Fluid retention, also known as edema or water retention, occurs when fluid builds up in the bodys tissues. There are many causes of fluid retention, including:

• Gravity: Standing up for long periods of time allows fluid to "pool" in the tissues of the lower leg.

• Dietary deficiency: Insufficient protein or vitamin B1 (thiamine) in the diet.

• Medications: Certain drugs, including high blood pressure medication (antihypertensives), corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are known to cause fluid retention.

• Chronic venous insufficiency: Weakened valves in the veins of the legs fail to efficiently return blood to the heart. The pooling of blood can result in varicose veins.

• Kidney disease: Kidney disease can cause fluid and salts in the blood to build up. Edema linked to kidney disease usually occurs in the legs, ankles, and feet.

• Heart conditions: Congestive heart failure causes one or both of the hearts lower chambers to stop pumping blood well. As a result, blood can back up in the legs, ankles, and feet, causing edema. Congestive heart failure can also cause swelling in the stomach area. This condition also can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, known as pulmonary edema, which can lead to shortness of breath.

• Pregnancy: Pregnant people also sometimes have fluid retention.

• Other medical conditions: Other medical conditions that may cause fluid retention include liver damage from cirrhosis, malnutrition, thyroid problems, and skin ulcers.

If you suspect that you or someone else has pulmonary edema, go to the nearest hospital or call emergency services immediately and ask for an ambulance. If you notice unexpected swelling in a part of your body and you are not pregnant, contact your healthcare provider for an exam, as edema could be a sign of an underlying health condition.