Water retention occurs when the body retains an unnecessary amount of water; it is a disorder that creates discomfort and can cause the sensation of swelling or enlargement, especially in the face, hands, abdomen, breasts and feet. There are many ways to treat it, but it is essential to go to your doctor and find the cause first. If you are taking any medications that are responsible for water retention, talk to your doctor to find ways to reduce this side effect.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Examine Medical Problems
Step 1. Contact your doctor
The first thing to do if you suffer from water retention is a visit to the doctor; he can perform a physical examination and undergo tests to define the etiology. There are many different diseases that can be responsible for this disorder, including:
- A heart disease, such as heart failure or cardiomyopathy
- Kidney failure;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Cirrhosis of the liver;
- A disorder of the lymphatic system;
- Deep vein thrombosis;
- Excess fat in the legs
- A burn or other type of injury
- Pregnancy;
- Overweight;
- Malnutrition.
Step 2. Assess whether hormones are the cause
It is not uncommon for women to experience water retention in the days leading up to menstruation due to a hormonal change. Contraceptives can also lead to this disorder, as can any other type of hormonal drug, including those used in replacement therapy.
- If you have water retention before your period, this is usually a short-lived discomfort that quickly disappears as soon as your period ends.
- However, if the problem is persistent and bothersome, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic, usually in the form of pills, which increases the body's water process by causing you to excrete the fluids that have been retained so far.
Step 3. Ask your doctor about medication side effects
If you eat a healthy diet and don't lead a sedentary lifestyle, water retention could be the result of one or more medications you are currently taking. If your body continues to retain fluids for more than a few days, make an appointment with your doctor and find ways to limit this side effect. The drugs most likely to cause this problem are:
- Antidepressants;
- Chemotherapy;
- Some pain relievers;
- Hypotensive.
Step 4. Ask your doctor if the problem may be due to heart or kidney failure
Both of these serious conditions can be responsible for water retention. In such cases, the disorder can come on suddenly and be severe: you may notice a rapid and noticeable change in the body with a large amount of fluids being retained, especially in the lower extremities.
If you are concerned that you are suffering from either of these two diseases, contact your doctor as soon as possible; these are life-threatening conditions and the sooner they are diagnosed, the more effective the treatment can be
Method 2 of 2: Reduce Water Retention
Step 1. Walk and move all day
In people who lead very sedentary lives or in those who do a job that involves sitting for many hours, the force of gravity can carry liquids towards the lower extremities, thus inducing water retention in the feet, ankles and legs.. You can avoid this by walking often throughout the day; keeping the blood circulation active prevents liquids from stagnating in the lower extremities of the body.
- It is a disorder that also occurs during a long flight, when you remain stationary for many hours.
- If you have to do an intercontinental flight, make sure you get up, stretch, or walk a little at least a few times.
Step 2. Lift and squeeze the swollen extremities
If you are concerned about water retention in your feet, ankles, and lower legs, you can lift them; in this way, the force of gravity helps the drainage of liquids from these areas by redistributing them throughout the body.
For example, if you find that your feet are swollen in the evening, lie down on a sofa or bed with the ends resting on a pillow
Step 3. Put on the graduated compression stockings
If you notice that your feet and ankles are constantly swollen due to water retention when you are sitting or standing, for example at work, you can buy these socks that offer support for the legs, putting the right pressure on the feet and calves and thus avoiding accumulation. of liquids.
