What is Edema?

The dictionary definition of Edema-A condition characterized by an excess of watery fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body.

This fluid collection causes swelling, which can in turn cause pressure and pain. It can also lead to fluid leaking from the body, most often from the skin.

There are two types of edema. The first is called pitting edema. Pitting is best expressed by the word indentation. When one has pitting edema, if a bit of pressure is applied to the area of swelling and then released, a pitted or indention will be left behind.

Non-pitting edema, would then be edema whereby there is no indentation left behind when pressure is applied to the area of swelling.