Your body depends on fluid to function the way it’s supposed to. In fact, on average, about 60% of your body is composed of fluid, and in some people, that number can be as high as 75%.
While most of us worry about not getting enough fluid to stay healthy, especially during the hot summer months when the risk of dehydration is greater, the opposite condition — having too much fluid in our tissues — can cause very serious health issues.
This is a condition called fluid overload (or hypervolemia), and it often happens because of a problem involving your kidneys and their ability to help your body rid itself of excess fluids. In this post, our team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center reviews the basics of fluid overload to help you understand why it happens, what symptoms it causes, and what we can do to treat it.
When we’re healthy, our heart, kidneys, and circulatory system work together in a coordinated effort to maintain an optimal fluid balance for our organs and tissues. When part of that effort is compromised through disease, injury, or another factor, fluid “backs up” and accumulates, ultimately leading to the condition known as fluid overload.
Too much fluid might not sound like a big deal, but it actually can have devastating consequences. When we can’t eliminate excess fluid, it collects in our tissues, putting added strain on our organs and blood vessels. In some instances, fluid may back up into the lungs or the belly area, or interfere with normal heart function.
Fluid overload is usually a sign of an underlying condition, including kidney problems like kidney failure and nephrotic syndrome. Since your kidneys are responsible for helping your body rid itself of excess fluids, in addition to excess sodium and waste materials, even a small change in kidney function can dramatically increase your risk of fluid overload and its complications.
Heart disease, including heart failure, and liver disease can also lead to fluid overload, especially when these conditions are not being managed effectively. High blood pressure, diabetes, and even pregnancy may also contribute. Certain medications and age-related changes can also make it harder for your organs to function properly.
Not surprisingly, one of the most noticeable symptoms of fluid overload is swelling, especially in your feet, ankles, or lower legs. Initially, swelling can be very subtle. You might notice your shoes feel extra tight at the end of the day, for instance. Eventually, swelling becomes more noticeable, sometimes even occurring in your face, hands, or belly.
Shortness of breath can develop as fluid builds up in or around the lungs, and you might also notice cramping in your abdomen or a feeling of pressure or discomfort in your chest. Headaches, changes in heart rhythm, and rapid weight gain are other symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored.
Without prompt medical care, fluid overload can lead to serious organ problems, including chronic respiratory issues, heart failure, and kidney failure, along with tissue breakdown and delays in healing.
Treatment starts with a comprehensive exam, lab tests, and often imaging tests to evaluate your kidneys, heart, and other organs. If your kidneys are involved, we may perform a biopsy to extract a tiny tissue sample for further analysis that can help guide your treatment.
Many people benefit from medication to help the body get rid of excess fluid, combined with lifestyle changes like a low-sodium diet. For more advanced kidney involvement, we may recommend dialysis or paracentesis to provide additional support. Your treatment plan will largely depend on the underlying factors contributing to fluid retention and overload. Ongoing monitoring plays a key role in making sure your plan stays on track.
If you’ve experienced recent unexplained weight gain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue, or other signs of fluid overload, it’s essential to have your symptoms evaluated as soon as possible to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.
To learn more about how we can help you maintain optimal kidney health and function at every stage of life, request an appointment online or over the phone at our practice locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas, today.
