Fluid retention happens when fluid is not getting removed from the body tissues, which includes the skin too. The causes of water retention swelling include the body’s reaction to high temperature, more salt intake, besides the hormones which are associated with the menstrual cycle. Symptoms of water retention include swelling of body parts like feet, hands and ankles, besides a feeling of stiffness or aching as well as weight fluctuations.
Drinking a lot of water actually helps water retention swelling. Rather, water retention swelling may even be a sign of diseases such as kidney disease, heart failure, besides chronic lung disease, arthritis or even an allergic reaction.
Fluid is leaking into body tissues from the blood, on a regular basis. The lymphatic system refers to a network of tubes which drains this fluid from the tissues and empties it into the bloodstream. Hence, water retention swelling occurs when this fluid is not being removed from the tissues.
This water retention swelling can be put in two broad categories. This includes generalised oedema, when swelling tends to occur throughout the body, besides localised oedema when only some particular parts of the body get affected.
It is always recommended that you should see your doctor regarding water retention rather than self-treat. This is because oedema can even be symptomatic of other serious medical conditions which include heart, kidney or liver disease.
The symptoms of water retention swelling include swelling of affected body parts, which mainly include feet, ankles and hands as being the most commonly affected. These affected body parts may ache and the joints may feel stiff. Besides, there may be rapid weight gain over a few days or weeks. Other symptoms include unexplained weight fluctuations. The common causes of water retention swelling include gravity, which refers to standing up for long periods of time in order to allow fluid to gather in the tissues of the lower leg.