Edema
Disease Information
Overview
Edema refers to swelling in the body’s tissues caused by a build up of fluid, most often in the feet, ankles, face, eyelids or abdomen.
It can have many causes, including:
- sitting or standing in one position for too long
- eating salty food
- some medications
- sunburn
It can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as:
- heart failure
- kidney disease
- liver disease
How Boston Children’s Hospital treats edema
The multidisciplinary nature and pediatric expertise of Children’s means that our health care teams are able to quickly and efficiently diagnose and treat edema in children, no matter what its cause. Your child is in good hands with us.


