Fluid Retention

Fluid retention may occur in any part of the body. It is characterized by swelling due to trapped fluid. The buildup causes that part of the body to swell or become puffed. There are several ways to tell if this condition is occurring.
First, the skin where fluid is trapped looks tight or shiny. It may also bounce back after being pressed for a few seconds. Fluid retention may also present discolored skin or aches and pains in the swollen part and other surrounding areas.
A lot of causes may trigger fluid retention. For one, it may occur due to a heart condition, kidney failure, chronic lung ailment, or thyroid problems. For another, it may appear due to medications, including antidepressants, corticosteroids, and hormone replacement therapies. It may also occur due to vein problems such as a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis. Abnormalities in blood clotting cause fluid to get trapped in the area, leading to puffiness.