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Edema

Meaning

Edema is a clinical term defining the pathological condition characterized by an abnormal and palpable accumulation of excess fluid within the interstitial spaces, the microscopic areas located between cells and outside the circulatory system. This fluid retention typically manifests as noticeable swelling, most frequently observed in the lower extremities, but it can occur in any tissue or organ. Edema reflects a critical imbalance in the physiological forces that govern fluid exchange between the capillaries and the interstitial compartment. While often a localized symptom, generalized edema frequently signals underlying systemic dysfunction, such as significant cardiovascular, renal, or hepatic disease, and sometimes involves hormonal dysregulation of fluid balance.