Pitting Edema vs. Non-Pitting Edema
Edema is a medical term for swelling which occurs when small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues.
When the swollen skin is pressed with a finger and this may leave a pit in the skin, this is called pitting edema. When the swollen area is pressed and it doesn’t leave a pit in the skin, this is called non-pitting edema.
Learn the difference between pitting edema and non-pitting edema. Understand causes, symptoms, and how each type of swelling responds to pressure.
What is the Difference between Pitting Edema and Non-Pitting Edema?
Pitting edema and non-pitting edema are two types of swelling caused by fluid buildup in the body. The key difference lies in how the skin responds to pressure. In pitting edema, pressing the swollen area leaves a visible dent, while in non-pitting edema the skin remains firm without indentation.
What is Edema?
Edema is a swelling which occurs when the fluid that accumulates in the body's tissues leads to fluid retention or swelling.
Water makes up about 60% of the human body weight. Normally, the majority of the amount of water is inside the cells of the body, and about a third of this amount is outside the cells, while about 25% of this amount constitutes blood fluid (plasma), and the rest of the intercellular fluid.
Edema is characterized by an increase in the amount of cytoplasm (the fluid inside the cell). Edema can be seen in the outward appearance only after a few liters of liquid have accumulated.
Edema is swelling that occurs when small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues. If you are one of those people who are suffering from this condition, then take help from a doctor even if it is online.
Edema appears as local swelling, for example: edema of the abdominal cavity called "ascites", edema of the pleura (The pleura is a thin, fine serous membrane, covering the lungs (visceral pleura) and lining the thoracic cavity (parietal pleura).
There are many things that may cause edema such as warm weather, thyroid conditions, lymphatic system, etc. Edema is classified as pitting edema and non-pitting edema.
Read also: Mechanism of Pitting and Non-Pitting Edema
What is Pitting Edema?
Pitting edema is swelling where pressing the skin leaves a temporary indentation. It often indicates fluid buildup caused by conditions like heart failure, kidney disease, or liver problems.
When the swollen skin is pressed, it may leave a pit in the skin, this is called pitting edema, so it responds well to elevation and diuretics.
Pitting edema is either caused by systemic problems with your heart, kidneys, or liver function or a localized problem with veins in the affected area.
Pitting edema can occur anywhere on the body but it generally affects areas of the lower body including the feet, legs, and ankles.
Pitting edema is most common in the
lower body, particularly in the legs, feet, and ankles.
Swelling in your body can usually
make the skin feel tight, sore, or heavy due to extra fluid collecting in
it.
Symptoms of pitting edema occur case by case, depending on the cause, but they may include:
- Pain and aching in the swollen areas
- Heart murmur, chest pain or swelling in the limb
- Skin that is warm or hot to the touch
- Skin that feels puffy or stiff
- Shortness of breath and unexplained coughing
- Tingling or burning sensations around the swelling
- Fatigue or decreased stamina
- Numbness and cramps
- Bloating and water retention
- Low blood protein, especially if the swelling is in your abdomen
What is Non-Pitting
Edema?
Non-pitting edema is a type of swelling where pressure on the skin does not leave an indentation, often linked to thyroid issues, lymphedema, or chronic inflammation.
When the swollen area is pressed
with a finger and it doesn’t leave a pit in the skin, this is called
non-pitting edema.
In non-pitting edema, once the pressure is removed, the skin returns to its swollen shape and does not create
an indentation in the skin.
Non-pitting edema can be diagnosed
very easily because it is more likely to be caused by three specific
conditions:: lymphedema, myxedema, and lipedema.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is swelling in one of
your arms or legs due to the build-up of lymph fluid in the body or lymphatic
system blockage. Sometimes swelling occurs in both arms or both legs.
Some people are born with lymphedema
while others develop it after surgery or as a secondary condition to a bigger
issue.
Myxedema
Myxedema refers to skin swelling and
inflammation of the soft tissue that occurs when your body does not produce
enough thyroid hormone.
Most people with myxedema suffer
from hypothyroidism – both severe and advanced cases.
Lipedema
Lipedema is a disorder that results
in non-pitting edema. Lipedema usually occurs in women, almost exclusively and
it is characterized by symmetrical enlargement of the legs due to the
accumulation of fat under the skin.
When fat cells build up abnormally
in the hips, buttocks, and legs, they tend to retain more fluid.
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Conclusion
Edema is a common medical condition, but distinguishing between pitting edema and non-pitting edema is crucial for identifying its cause and managing it effectively.
Pitting edema occurs when pressure on the swollen area leaves a temporary indentation, which often indicates fluid retention in tissues due to conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver problems.
On the other hand, non-pitting edema does not leave a dent when pressed and is generally associated with issues like thyroid dysfunction, lymphatic obstruction, or localized inflammation.
Recognizing the type of edema is the first step toward proper diagnosis and treatment. While pitting edema highlights systemic fluid imbalance, non-pitting edema may point to more localized or chronic conditions.
Both forms require medical attention, but the approach to treatment varies significantly based on the root cause.
For example, diuretics may help with fluid overload in pitting edema, whereas compression therapy or thyroid management may be needed for non-pitting edema.
By learning the differences in appearance, causes, and symptoms, patients and caregivers can better understand when to seek timely medical care.
Early recognition not only prevents complications but also ensures targeted treatment for improved overall health and quality of life.