Occasional bloating is usually not a cause for concern, but severe or chronic water retention may indicate an underlying problem.
Your doctor may assess your legs, arms, and feet for excess fluid. These areas may appear swollen or tender to the touch. Also, water retention may occur during bloating. Your doctor may want to discuss your medical history, including recent unexplained weight gain, changes in your diet, and medications you’re taking.
Sometimes the appearance of puffiness on the face or other parts of the body can be caused by too much sodium in your diet. But only your doctor can determine if your water is stagnant (heart, liver, or kidney problems) or if there’s something to worry about (like your rings or shoes being temporarily too tight). We can discuss ways to reduce the problem together.
Your doctor may use one of the following tests to evaluate the cause and severity of your water retention.
Blood work
Urine analysis
Liver function test
Kidney function test
X-ray of the chest
Cardiac function test
Tips to reduce water retention
Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce water retention. Here are some ideas to consider:
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