Table of contents:
- Various causes of excess fluid in the body
- 1. Congestive heart failure
- 2. Kidney failure
- 3. Cirrhosis of the liver
- 4. Infusion fluids
- 5. Changes in hormone levels
- 6. Medicines
- 7. Eat too much salt
Did you know that the body can also be over-hydrated? Even if left untreated, this condition called hypervolemia can lead to various complications such as heart swelling, heart failure and tissue damage. In order to avoid this condition, let's first find out what causes excess fluid in the body.
Various causes of excess fluid in the body
Too much fluid in the body can damage health. Here are some reasons why fluid in the body can be excess.
1. Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure is a condition when the heart is unable to pump blood around the body. When the heart's ability to pump blood decreases, the various organs in the body are unable to work optimally, including the kidneys.
Though the kidneys are responsible for removing excess fluid in the body through urine. Finally, fluids will accumulate in the body and damage various tissues in the body.
2. Kidney failure
The kidneys help regulate sodium and fluid levels in the body. As a result, people with kidney problems are at risk of developing hypervolemia. In fact, quoted from Medical News Today, a study stated that people with severe kidney problems tend to be placed in critical care units in hospitals.
The authors suggest that people with kidney failure who have hypervolemia are at increased risk of developing congestive heart failure, intestinal problems, and prolonged wound healing. Not only that, people who have hypervolemia and have end-stage kidney disease can experience sleep apnea.
3. Cirrhosis of the liver
Hypervolemia can occur and occur in people who have cirrhosis of the liver. Cirrhosis is very severe scarring of the liver. This disease is usually caused by excessive drinking or a viral infection. As a result, people who have cirrhosis of the liver have very poor liver function.
The liver cannot store and process the nutrients the body needs. In addition, the liver is no longer able to properly filter out toxins. One of the most common problems is the buildup of fluid in the abdominal area or what is called ascites.
4. Infusion fluids
Intravenous fluids are usually given to help people who are dehydrated or cannot drink enough fluids, for example after surgery. This fluid contains sodium (salt) and water to replenish body fluids and balance levels in the body.
Unfortunately, the body that gets too much intravenous fluids can develop hypervolemia. Especially if you have various other health problems that can increase this risk. This condition generally occurs during and after surgery.
5. Changes in hormone levels
Changes in hormone levels in the body under certain conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pregnancy can make the body retain more sodium and water. This condition eventually makes you experience mild bloating or swelling.
6. Medicines
Certain medications that cause hormonal changes can also cause the body to overflow with fluids. Birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, and other hormonal drugs make the body retain too much salt and fluids. In addition, medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause mild hypervolemia.
7. Eat too much salt
Foods that are high in salt (sodium) can cause the body to retain water. This habit decreases the function of the kidneys to remove excess water in the body. As a result, excess fluid in the body builds up and destroys the balance.
Apart from experiencing hypervolemia, you are also at risk for kidney damage. This is because the excess fluid puts considerable pressure on the blood vessels that lead to the kidneys. As a result, over time the kidneys will be damaged and are no longer able to function properly.
