Dropsy and Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits
Dropsy is swelling that takes place as a result of fluid becoming trapped in the tissues of your body. Dropsy refers to large amounts of fluid that are retained in your circulatory system or the spaces between the cells of your body. In most cases, dropsy takes place in your feet, legs and ankles. However, dropsy may also develop in other areas of your body, such as your face and hands. It is important to understand that dropsy is not a disease or a disorder. Dropsy is a sign or symptom of an underlying problem that is causing it. In fact, dropsy may be the primary sign or symptom of the underlying difficulty that is responsible for it. If dropsy is chronic (long-term, ongoing) and widespread, it may be a sign of a serious underlying medical problem. Dropsy is an older term that is used for swelling in your soft tissues. This condition is also known by other names. It is referred to as fluid retention, edema, swollen legs, hydropsy and swelling. Dropsy is a condition that can take place in anyone at any time. However, dropsy occurs most of the time in women who are pregnant and older adults. Dropsy is a result of tiny blood vessels (capillaries) in your body leaking fluid. This fluid leakage may be caused by damage to or increased pressure in your capillaries. This leakage may also be the result of lowered levels of serum albumin. Serum albumin is one of the proteins in your blood. The fluid that leaks from your capillaries gets into your surrounding tissue. When this happens, the tissue begins to swell. As mentioned earlier, dropsy is a sign or symptom of an underlying problem that causes your capillaries to start leaking. There are several things that can do this. Some of these include:- Congestive heart failure
- Medications, such as corticosteroids, calcium channel blockers and NSAIDs
- Brain tumors or head trauma
- Pregnancy
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Cirrhosis of the liver
- Allergic reactions
- Critical illness, such as life-threatening infections or burns
- Obstruction of the flow of liquid from a body part
- Stretched or shiny skin
- Swelling or puffiness of the tissue that is located under your skin (subcutaneous tissue)
- An increase in the size of your abdomen
- Your skin continuing to keep a dimple even after it has been pressed for several seconds.
- Indications of dropsy in your lungs include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Having trouble breathing
