pedal edema

pedal edema

Medtalk The accumulation of fluids in the feet most prominently on the dorsum; PE is characteristic of CHF. See Congestive heart failure.

---

Patient discussion about pedal edema.

Q. My son's face and feet are very swollen when he wakes up. What is it? Can it infect my other boy? My 12 years old son's face and feet are very swollen when he wakes up. I saw it for the first time last week. He feels well and didn't notice anything by himself. Is it normal? I too have a swollen face when I wake up after sleeping with my face on the pillow but my legs are never swollen. Another issue is that this boy sleeps in the same room with his 9 year old brother. Can he infect his brother? Do I need to separate them?

A. Swelling issues can be normal but might be pathologic. the major pathological issues that can cause it are autoimmune and thus not infections.
You should go and seek professional help, but unless the situation is getting worse or your son start develops another symptoms I advise you not to rush to the GP and definitely not to separate the kids.

Q. My left foot is swollen and painful. Can it be flesh eating bacteria? I am a 24 years old lady and my left foot is swollen and painful. To be more specific it is not just swollen it's red, painful and hot. I just saw a TV show few days ago about "flesh eating bacteria". I know it sounds like I have hypochondria but I am very afraid.

A. Don't feel bad for caring for yourself. Yes, the risk that this situation is flesh eating bacteria (FEB) is small (maybe we saw the same show :)) but it's important to find out. I had cellulites (the thing that mimic FEB)once, and you sound to me like you have it too.
FEB is a more systemic illness with fever and with rapid enlargement of the swelling. Mark the red area on your foot. If it grows go to the ER for antibiotic therapy.