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Dyspnea

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Definition

Edema is an abnormal accumulation of body fluid in tissues. An edema can be as trivial as a blister on your thumb or as life-threatening as a constriction of your airway caused by swelling of your throat tissues.

Additional Information

This condition is less commonly referred to as dropsy, a shortening of the earlier Middle English word, hydropsy, which in turn was ultimately derived from Greek for water, hydro.

As in real estate, the three factors that determine the dangers associated with an edema are location, location, location.

Keep informed about workplace hazards with proper labeling techniques and safety posters available from Safety Emporium.

SDS Relevance

Edema usually appears in Section 11 (toxicological information) of a Safety Data Sheet as a symptom of exposure. It may also be mentioned in Section 4 (first-aid measures).

Exposure to toxic chemicals can cause a variety of edemas. Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs) is particularly dangerous if not treated. Be sure to avoid inhalation of chemicals whenever possible and use proper protective measures such as fume hoods, respirators etc. as suggested in Section 8 (exposure controls/personal protection) of the SDS.

Further Reading

• Edema at MedicineNet.com. A very readable discussion of the types, causes and treatments.
• Everything you need to know about edema at MedicalNewsToday.
• Edema at eMedicineHealth.
• What Is Edema at WebMD.
• Edema - Pathophysiology and Treatment, by Donald E. Kohan, M.D., Ph.D.

See also: inflammation, vesicant.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

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