Fluid retention
Key facts
- Fluid retention is also called oedema or water retention.
- Fluid retention causing swelling is most common in your ankles and feet.
- There are many causes of fluid retention, including heart failure and kidney disease.
- Treatment for fluid retention depends on the cause.
- It's important to see your doctor if you have fluid retention, and see your doctor urgently if you also have shortness of breath.
What is fluid retention?
Fluid retention is also called oedema or water retention. It occurs when parts of your body swell due to a build-up of trapped fluid.
The fluid gets trapped and makes the area swollen or puffy. Fluid retention is most common in your ankles and feet. This is called 'peripheral oedema'.
Sometimes if you have fluid retention you may also have a build-up of fluid in your lungs — this is called 'pulmonary oedema'
What symptoms are related to fluid retention?
If you suspect that you or someone else has pulmonary oedema, go to your nearest hospital or call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Signs of fluid retention in your lower legs and feet can be:
- swelling or puffiness of your skin
- skin that looks or feels tight or shiny
- skin that does not bounce back if you press it for a few seconds
The swelling may be worse after sitting for long periods, and at the end of the day. Your legs may feel weak or heavy.
Some people notice swelling in their back after lying down. This is called 'sacral oedema'.
If you have fluid retention you may notice your weight has increased. You may also notice your clothes or jewellery are tighter than usual.
Pulmonary oedema (fluid in your lungs) can cause shortness of breath, especially when you lie down.
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What causes fluid retention?
There are many causes of fluid retention.
Conditions that can cause fluid retention
Fluid retention can be caused by:
- heart failure
- kidney problems
- cirrhosis of the liver
- pregnancy, or as a complication of pregnancy
- premenstrual syndrome (in females)
- thyroid problems
- malnutrition
Peripheral oedema (most often, swelling of your legs) can also be caused by:
- deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot, usually in your leg)
- problems with the veins in your legs
- lymphoedema (a problem with your lymphatic system, which drains fluid from your tissues)
Medicines that can cause fluid retention
Some medicines that can cause fluid retention are:
- some heart and blood pressure medicines
- some diabetes medicines
- corticosteroids
- the pill
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- some hormone replacement therapies
- some antidepressants
How is the cause of fluid retention diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. They will want to know where the swelling is, and if you have any other symptoms. They will also want to know how quickly any swelling started.
They may recommend some tests to check for the cause of your fluid retention, such as:
- blood tests
- urine tests
- a chest x-ray
- an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- an ultrasound scan of your legs
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When should I see my doctor?
See your doctor if you have any symptoms of fluid retention. This includes gradual swelling in your legs and feet.
When to seek urgent care
See your doctor straight away or go to the hospital emergency department if you:
- are feeling breathless
- develop swelling suddenly
- have swelling in one leg
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How is fluid retention treated?
Treatment of fluid retention depends on its cause.
If your doctor thinks your fluid retention is caused by a medicine, they may ask you to stop the medicine. Or reduce the dose.
But always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before stopping or changing your medicines.
Self-care at home
Reducing the amount of salt in your diet can help reduce fluid retention. Talk to your doctor about how much salt you eat. They may recommend a low-salt diet.
Medicines for fluid retention
Some people need medicines called diuretics. These medicines help your body get rid of excess fluid via your urine (wee).
Other treatment options
If you have peripheral oedema (fluid in your legs and feet) your doctor may recommend:
- putting your feet up when you can
- massaging your legs to help move the fluid
- doing exercises as advised by your doctor
Your doctor may also recommend that you wear compression socks or stockings.
Can fluid retention be prevented?
Fluid retention has many different causes, some of which can be serious.
If you have had problems with fluid retention with certain medicines, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about it.
Complications of fluid retention
Complications of peripheral oedema can include:
- skin wounds
- skin infections
- problems with your circulation
If you have fluid overload and pulmonary oedema, you can also have a pleural effusion. This is a build-up of fluid in the space around your lungs.
Resources and support
You can call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2024
