Types of Edema and Pitting Edema Scale

Types of Edema

• Cerebral Edema: Accumulation of fluid within the brain, often leading to increased intracranial pressure and neurological symptoms.
• Dependent Edema: Occurs in body parts that are lower than the heart, commonly seen in the feet and sacrum due to gravity's effect on fluid distribution.
• Peripheral Edema: Fluid retention specifically in the extremities, including feet and hands, often indicating underlying health issues.
• Pitting Edema: A condition where pressure applied to an edematous area leaves an indentation, assessed based on the depth of the pit.
• Generalized Edema (Anasarca): Severe, widespread swelling due to fluid retention, often associated with chronic conditions like renal disease.

Pitting Edema Scale

• Grade 1+: Slight pit observed with a normal contour; the indentation gently rebounds.
• Grade 2+: Deeper pit present but maintains a fairly normal contour; indentation takes slightly longer to return.
• Grade 3+: Noticeable puffiness with a significantly deeper pit; pronounced swelling.
• Grade 4+: Extremely deep pit observed; the affected area is clearly swollen and may indicate severe fluid retention.