👉 The increase in fluid volume, often referred to as edema, can be attributed to several factors. One primary cause is the imbalance in hydrostatic and oncotic pressures within the blood vessels. Normally, these pressures maintain fluid balance; however, when they shift, fluid can accumulate in tissues. For instance, increased hydrostatic pressure outside the blood vessels (due to factors like inflammation, infection, or heart failure) can push fluid out of the vessels and into the surrounding tissues. Simultaneously, decreased oncotic pressure, often due to low protein levels in the blood (as in liver disease or malnutrition), reduces the attraction of water back into the vessels, further contributing to fluid accumulation. Additionally, impaired lymphatic drainage can exacerbate this issue, as it fails to effectively remove excess fluid from the tissues. These mechanisms collectively lead to an increase in fluid within the interstitial spaces, manifesting as edema.
