In most cases, a doctor should determine the cause of pitting edema and, if necessary, refer a person to a specialist. Some accompanying symptoms require urgent care. Anyone experiencing shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or swelling in a single limb should seek immediate medical attention.
When should you go to the ER for pitting edema?
Get help for pitting edema right away if you have chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, trouble breathing, dizziness, confusion, or fainting spells. These are signs that you might have a serious heart problem or a blood clot in your lungs.
How do you know if edema is serious?
When to See Your Doctor about Edema
- You have a fever.
- The skin on or around the edematous area is red and warm to touch.
- You have open sores in or around the edematous area.
- You have a history of kidney, heart or liver disease.
