Diuretics: what are they, a list of the best medicines

The article was checked by a cardiologist, member of the European Society of Cardiology, the Eurasian Association of Cardiologists, the Russian Society of Holter Monitoring O.A. Lozbineva. , is for general informational purposes only and does not replace specialist advice. For recommendations on diagnosis and treatment, consultation with a doctor is necessary.

Edema is the medical term for the abnormal accumulation of fluid in certain tissues of the body. Parts of the body swell from injury or inflammation. Medicines, pregnancy and infections can also cause swelling. Fluid accumulation occurs when it is released from small blood vessels into nearby tissues.

Fluid accumulation may occur under the skin, usually in the lower extremities or lungs. The localization area can give the practitioner the first clues as to the main cause of the development of the pathological process in the body.

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What is leg swelling

Swelling of the legs is an external manifestation of the accumulation of fluid in the body. At the same time, the limb itself noticeably increases in size, the skin on it becomes loose, and when pressed, dents appear that do not disappear instantly.

Swelling usually occurs in the evening, although it can still cause discomfort the next morning. It is localized:

• in the feet;
• in the ankles;
• in the legs;
• from socks to knee.

Depending on the reasons, either one leg or both may swell. Symmetrical distribution often indicates generalized edema, which may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition.

If this trouble appears rarely, then you can fight it with folk remedies. The regularity of occurrence indicates a disease of the internal organs. Therefore, it is important to establish the nature of the swelling.

Rating of popular funds

It is worth noting! Modern cosmetic companies offer many types of anti-edema creams, and it is always better to choose them according to your taste. Most products are available at your regular pharmacy.

But there are common products that, judging by consumer reviews, are of better quality and high efficiency than others. The ratings of which are presented below:

1. Isodense Contour Des Yeux . A cosmetic cream that helps replenish moisture deficiency and eliminate swelling that occurs when the water-salt balance is disturbed. The product contains hyaluronic acid, which is considered the safest component of any moisturizing product. You can apply the product two to three times during the day until it is completely absorbed.
2. Arura-Eye-2 . Cream based on propolis and other bee products. Additional components of the product are extracts of medicinal plants and essential oils. It has a thick consistency and is well absorbed without spreading over the face. In addition to the anti-edematous effect, the product also nourishes the skin with all the necessary microelements, normalizing its color and adding firmness and elasticity. In general, the product is suitable as a decongestant and as an anti-aging agent.
3. BioHyaluron 4D . Anti-edema cream-gel, which additionally has a stimulating effect on epithelial tissue cells. As a result, blood flow improves and metabolic processes return to normal. With regular use, toxins are removed from the skin and its protective properties are increased. The composition of the drug includes caffeine, chestnut and eyebright extract and vitamin E. It has been noticed that with prolonged use of the cream, small age wrinkles are eliminated, and the skin acquires a healthy color. Additionally, the gel has a cooling and soothing effect, which is especially useful when the skin is constantly exposed to external negative factors.
4. Ke Ai De Aqua . A good solution for people whose swelling is associated with fluid imbalance. The composition of the drug includes both natural components in the form of herbal extracts and synthetic cosmetic preparations. In combination, such substances have a stimulating effect and can slow down the aging process of the skin. With regular use, there is a decrease in swelling and elimination of bruises of cosmetic origin.
5. Sea buckthorn cream . A product from a domestic manufacturer that specifically targets problem areas. This cosmetic product contains various essential oils and vitamins, as well as milk peptides - proteins that restore cell structure. It is recommended to apply the product once a day, in the evening, and unlike other similar products, it must be thoroughly rubbed in so that the composition penetrates as deeply as possible under the skin.
6. Micrococcus Liteus . This is a probiotic cream made from bacterial breakdown products. The effect of the drug is to renew skin cells and restore local immunity. In addition to eliminating swelling, this product also softens and brightens the skin.

Causes of leg swelling

When there is too much fluid in the tissues, it means that there is a malfunction in the functioning of the body. Most often, swelling is caused by:

• protein metabolism disorder;
• damage to cell membranes, increasing their permeability;
• changes in pressure differences in tissues and vessels;
• impaired blood circulation.

There are many reasons for such failures. Some are temporary (allergic reaction, bruise, infection). Others indicate the development of pathologies of the lower extremities (varicose veins, thrombophlebitis). Still others indicate serious diseases of the internal organs (heart, kidneys, lymphatic system).

A person cannot independently determine why his foot is swollen: because of uncomfortable shoes or because of a blocked blood vessel. Therefore, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor for subsequent treatment.

Flux treatment methods

Treatment should be started as early as possible. If an abscess on the gum opens spontaneously, there is a risk of infection entering the bloodstream. With such an infection, blood poisoning develops, and such a complication can lead to serious consequences, including the death of the patient.

Flux treatment is always complex. The treatment program depends on the degree of tooth decay and the spread of infection.

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Why does one leg swell?

If the swelling is asymmetrical, its cause is localized directly in the affected limb. Swelling may occur due to bruises on the legs or more serious injuries:

• ankle joint injuries;
• meniscus tear;
• separation of the calf muscle;
• bone fracture;
• tissue compression.

Venous edema is also most often unilateral. Varicose veins cause fluid stagnation, but they are localized in one limb where the vessels are affected. This is indicated by the characteristic venous network.

Thrombophlebitis disrupts blood circulation, and at the same time the outflow of fluid from tissues. In this case, swelling is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms: fever, pain, compaction in the blockage area.

Dog-rose fruit

In addition to medicinal diuretics, herbal drugs have a mild diuretic effect. Firstly, it is rosehip. In addition to being a diuretic, it is famous for its general strengthening effect, helping the body resist various infections (also for urinary tract diseases). Rosehip improves the functioning of the digestive and cardiovascular systems. The value of rosehip is that it contains a lot of useful vitamins. Rose hips relieve swelling, reduce cholesterol levels, normalize blood clotting, and help cells recover faster.

Rosehip fruits

OJSC Krasnogorskleksredstva, Russia

For the prevention of hypovitaminosis C and R. In the complex therapy of acute and chronic infectious diseases, asthenic conditions, during the period of recovery after serious illnesses, surgical operations
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Why do both legs swell?

If by the end of the day both lower limbs are swollen, it means that excess fluid is present throughout the body. Most often this condition is caused by:

• heat;
• excessive fluid intake;
• obesity;
• uncomfortable shoes (tight, high heels, completely flat soles);
• flat feet;
• unhealthy diet (lots of salty and spicy foods in the diet);
• standing on your feet for a long time or in an uncomfortable position.

Fluid stagnation in these cases is caused by improper load distribution. None of the above indicates a threat to life, and the swelling goes away in a day or two. For some, it is enough to take off their shoes and relax, while others resort to folk remedies to relieve discomfort. But symmetrically swollen legs can also indicate more serious diseases that require urgent treatment.

When general swelling indicates danger to life

Sometimes swelling of the lower extremities is a symptom of a general imbalance in the body's hydrobalance. In the case of heart failure, the body's main muscle cannot cope with pumping blood. The fluid in the body is distributed unevenly, and too much accumulates at the bottom. If the patient stands or sits in one position for a long time, his feet and legs swell.

Kidney failure can also lead to swelling. It appears not only on the legs, but also on the arms, face (mainly under the eyes), and abdominal wall.

If cardiac edema develops gradually (over weeks), then renal edema develops very quickly. With cardiac diseases, the skin becomes colder, with kidney diseases it maintains a normal temperature.

Fluid retention can also be caused by lymphedema, which is damage to the lymphatic vessels. The swelling in this case is dense; after pressing on the skin, there is no indentation.

Ultrasonic facial cleansing can remove facial swelling

Ultrasonic facial cleansing is a painless method that can deal with the problem quickly and easily. Here, the facial skin is exposed to ultrasound. This procedure can be performed in any salon. The most important thing is that it is carried out by a professional who knows all the indications, contraindications, and subtleties of the work. Then we can talk about effectiveness, high-quality results and the absence of complications. Minor swelling on the face in the morning will disappear for a while. You will need to undergo several sessions to consolidate the results.

Why do feet swell during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, the outflow of fluid is often disrupted. This is explained by large-scale changes occurring in the body:

• weight gain;
• changes in hormonal levels;
• compression of the inferior vena cava by the enlarging uterus;
• decreased mobility;
• diet correction.

In most cases, swelling is considered as a variant of the physiological norm. There is no need to resort to drug treatment; it is enough to keep the situation under control. However, the spread of edema throughout the body can result in serious pathologies, such as preeclampsia.

The expectant mother should monitor the dynamics of the increase in calf circumference, blood pressure and the ratio of fluid consumed and excreted. The kidneys experience increased stress during pregnancy, so at the first alarming symptoms it is better to be examined by a nephrologist.

Juniper fruits

Juniper helps with urinary tract infections by reducing inflammation and destroying germs. And thanks to the diuretic effect, pathogenic microflora is quickly eliminated from the body. Juniper fruits are also used as an appetite stimulant and to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, this herbal preparation stabilizes blood pressure and has a mild laxative effect. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding and childhood.

Juniper fruits

OJSC Krasnogorskleksredstva, Russia

In the complex treatment of edematous syndrome (with heart failure, insufficiency of kidney and/or liver function), cystitis
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Treatment of leg swelling

The treatment package depends on the cause of the unpleasant symptom. If it is not associated with serious diseases, but is caused by improper distribution of the load, it is enough to locally relieve the swelling. This can be done at home.

If it is caused by local reactions (bruise, allergy, infection), then it is necessary to provide the victim with the necessary assistance:

• treat the damaged area;
• apply ice;
• give medicine.

Sometimes this can be done at home, sometimes medical attention is required. After a few days, the swelling will disappear as the tissue heals.

Drug treatment under the supervision of a phlebologist is required for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis. If the disease is advanced, surgery may be required. After restoration of venous tone and normal blood circulation, external symptoms will disappear.

Why does flux form?

Dental diseases are always the precursor to gumboil. Most often lead to suppuration:

• Untreated caries. If caries is not treated, the inflammatory process begins to spread to other tissues. Pulpitis and periodontitis gradually develop.
• Mechanical injury. Injury can lead to more than just crown destruction. Very often, an inflammatory process develops in injured tooth or gum tissues. Without treatment, purulent processes develop and gumboil forms.
• Periodontitis. In more than half of the cases, gumboil develops precisely against the background of periodontitis, as its complication. This is due to the fact that purulent processes from periodontal pockets can spread to the neck of the tooth.
• Poorly sealed canals. Before filling, the canals must be completely cleaned and the filling material must completely fill the cavity. If at least one of the conditions is violated, the infection from the canal spreads to other tissues.

How to relieve swelling after a bruise

Treatment for a leg bruise usually comes down to eliminating pain and swelling. The swelling in this case is caused by damage to the blood vessels and the accumulation of fluid from them under the skin. The latter puts pressure on the nerve endings, hence the pain. So eliminating swelling also helps to get rid of unpleasant sensations.

You can help a bruised limb at home:

• stretch and provide peace;
• apply a wet towel, ice or a heating pad with cold water;
• apply a tight bandage.

You can also resort to drug treatment. External agents containing troxerutin or heparin will help. They strengthen capillaries, optimize blood viscosity and relieve inflammation.

Furosemide

This diuretic is one of the most popular and frequently prescribed, and is a strong diuretic. Furosemide removes excess water and sodium salts from the body well and quickly, and relieves swelling. The drug is indicated for hypertension, poor functioning of the heart, kidneys and liver. Diuretic tablets begin to act 20-30 minutes after administration. Furosemide is usually used in emergency cases. You cannot take the drug without medical supervision, because self-medication can lead to dehydration. Furosemide is inexpensive, acts quickly, but has many side effects, including the removal of potassium and magnesium.

Furosemide

Sopharma, Bulgaria; PJSC "Biosintez", Russia; Binnopharm, Russia; JSC Avexima, Russia; Update, Russia; JSC Pharmstandard-TomskKhimPharm, Russia; "Moskhimfarmpreparaty" named after. N. A. Semashko, Russia; Ozon LLC, Russia; OJSC Borisov Plant of Medical Preparations (Borimed), Belarus; JSC Dalkhimfarm, Russia

Edema syndrome of various origins (with chronic heart failure, cirrhosis of the liver (portal hypertension syndrome); edematous syndrome of renal origin (with nephrotic syndrome, treatment of the underlying disease is in the foreground), acute heart failure, especially with pulmonary edema (used in combination with other therapeutic agents) measures); cerebral edema; severe forms of arterial hypertension; hypertensive crisis; forced diuresis in case of poisoning with chemical compounds excreted unchanged by the kidneys.
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How to relieve leg swelling caused by heat

The best medicine in this case is gravity. Arriving home and throwing away the shoes that have become a vice, it is enough to lie down and place your feet higher (at a minimum - on several pillows, at a maximum - against the wall).

When it becomes easier to move, you need to take a shower. Ideally, a contrasting one that trains blood vessels, but you can limit yourself to just cool. In this case, you should direct the pressure to the feet: such a hydromassage will restore blood circulation.

You can disperse the fluid with light exercises: pulling the toe towards you and away from you, rotating your feet, squatting. But if you don’t have the strength to do this, and your legs hurt, it’s better not to torture them.

Foot baths are also useful. Even plain water will provide relief, but you can enhance the effects with additives. This could be sea salt or herbal infusions. Compresses made from cabbage leaves or bandages soaked in a decoction of birch leaves improve the condition of the limbs.

Treatment of leg swelling due to heart or kidney failure

Patients with heart or kidney failure should be under the supervision of a physician. In acute attacks, resuscitation is required. If the disease takes a chronic form, swelling is removed as it appears with the help of diuretics and nutritional correction. Medicines should:

• stabilize blood pressure;
• remove excess sodium from the body;
• prevent protein loss;
• normalize blood flow speed.

When using diuretics (diuretics), it is important not to exceed the permissible dosage. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting the opposite effect in the form of drug-induced edema during withdrawal. They are caused by the kidneys’ reaction to a sudden change in the mode of fluid excretion.

Selection of diuretics

Regardless of the purpose for which diuretics are used - to stimulate the urinary function of the kidneys, correct chronic heart failure, relieve swelling or treat hypertension (one of the most common purposes when “light” diuretics are used), there are contraindications to their use.

For example, they try not to prescribe diuretics for diabetes mellitus, since many of them reduce the sensitivity of tissues to insulin. Gout and any other condition that causes elevated uric acid levels is also a factor against taking diuretics. An insufficient level of potassium in the blood is another contraindication to the prescription of diuretics - further “washing out” of potassium threatens the development of cardiac arrhythmias.

On the other hand, there is a group of so-called potassium-sparing diuretics that should not be taken if potassium levels are elevated. Liver cirrhosis and liver failure are another contraindication to taking diuretics.

In most cases, when the use of diuretics is contraindicated, the use of diuretic herbal decoctions may be considered.

What to drink for swelling? This is exactly how patients sometimes pose the question, but this is fundamentally wrong. Regardless of the origin of edema, the treatment will be complex, and what will be included in it will depend on the pathology itself and its stage, and only a specialist should decide this. Thus, treatment with these drugs alone, without correction of the ionic composition of the plasma, can lead to a large loss of fluid and mineral salts from the vascular bed, and this output will be greater than from the intercellular space. This can lead to a decrease in the amount of liquid part of the blood, or plasma, a decrease in the pumping function of the myocardium and a sharp drop in blood pressure, which can manifest as collapse. If the patient also has symptoms of heart failure, this will cause a reduced return of venous blood to the heart, and will further aggravate the low cardiac output.

Since there are a lot of options, let’s look at drug therapy regimens using the example of venous, as well as cardiac and renal pathologies as the most striking. The most powerful diuretic is Mannitol, which can be prescribed for any swelling. Also, in case of high blood pressure, it is recommended to use ethacrynic acid. However, it is not recommended to choose and use the drug yourself. At a minimum, you should read the instructions, and best of all, get advice from a specialist.

Doctors also recommend the effective drug Trifas (torsemide), available in tablets. The recommended dose is ½ tablet per day. Side effects may occur when using the drug, so it is better to take it only as prescribed by a doctor. Previously mentioned was Hydrochlorothiazide, which is prescribed in the following cases: arterial hypertension, nephrotic edema, chronic renal failure, liver cirrhosis with ascites, acute glomerulonephritis. At the same time, it reduces swelling and fights other problems. Available in tablets.

Relieving swelling during pregnancy

In the body of a woman carrying a fetus, the concentration of the hormone progesterone increases. It is one of the causes of edema during pregnancy. In no case should it be reduced, because it is this that ensures the attachment of the embryo.

There is no need to fight physiological swelling. The main thing is to prevent it from getting worse. To alleviate the symptoms, you can carry out the mentioned water procedures and adhere to a healthy lifestyle (moderate activity, water consumption within the daily norm, adjusted for restrictions imposed by pregnancy, rest on your side).

The pathological nature of edema can only be determined by a doctor based on test results (in particular, protein in the urine). Having discovered the cause, he will prescribe treatment. It is prohibited to take any medications on your own.

Prevention

Swelling cannot always be prevented, since it can occur under the influence of uncontrollable factors. There is no way to prevent a bruise or insect bite. But in general, maintaining hydrobalance in the body is easy:

• Observe the drinking regime: fully quench your thirst, but do not drink more than you should.
• Stick to a diet during the hot season: minimize the consumption of salty and spicy foods, eat more fruits, drink tea with lemon instead of coffee.
• Arrange water treatments: contrast showers, foot baths.
• Move more: walking, swimming, aerobics do not allow fluid to stagnate.

In summer, you should avoid tight, high-heeled shoes. It is useful to periodically place your feet on an elevation so that fluid concentrated in the lower part of the body drains. There is no need to abuse medications. Urinary and antihypertensive drugs should be prescribed by a doctor. Any diseases that have a similar symptom must be treated in a timely manner.

Tokareva Lyudmila Georgievna, therapist, medical offices 36.6.

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS, BEFORE USE YOU MUST CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST