Why does liver impairment results in edema?
There are two types of fluid build up when the liver cells can no longer function well. The first is caused by a lack of protein that the liver usually makes…this is known as albumin. This protein is what keeps the fluid inside our vessels. Since the liver can no longer make this well, it decreases in the body and this fluid in our vessels start to leak out and gathers in the abdominal area. This fluid here is known as “Ascites”. The second type of fluid is known as edema. This is fluid that gathers in the legs, feet, arms and other area of the body. This is caused because people who have scarring inside the liver, known as cirrhosis, hold sodium in their bodies. Too much sodium in the body also holds onto fluid and causes swelling in these areas. They are usually placed on a low sodium diet and, under doctors directions, are also placed on a diuretic so the kidneys can dispose of more of this sodium through their urine.
