What was dropsy of the heart?
Background: Dropsy was a term used to describe generalized swelling and was synonymous with heart failure. Its treatment options were scanty and were aimed to cause “emptying of the system” or to relieve fluid retention. These remedies were rudimentary, erratic in action, and associated with inconvenient side effects.
Is dropsy congestive heart failure?
Since the mid-nineteenth century, dropsy has been recognized as a sign of underlying disease of the heart, liver, or kidneys, or of malnutrition. Untreated dropsy was, eventually, always fatal. The major underlying causes of dropsy are congestive heart failure, liver failure, kidney failure, and malnutrition.
How is dropsy treated?
Treatment. Dropsy is not easily cured. Treatment is geared toward correcting the underlying problem and providing supportive care to the sick fish. A broad spectrum antibiotic specifically formulated for gram-negative bacteria is recommended, like Mardel Maracyn® 2.
Is there a cure for dropsy in humans?
Mild edema usually goes away on its own, particularly if you help things along by raising the affected limb higher than your heart. More-severe edema may be treated with drugs that help your body expel excess fluid in the form of urine (diuretics). One of the most common diuretics is furosemide (Lasix).
Can dropsy be cured?
Dropsy is not easily cured. Treatment is geared toward correcting the underlying problem and providing supportive care to the sick fish. A broad spectrum antibiotic specifically formulated for gram-negative bacteria is recommended, like Mardel Maracyn® 2.
What is the modern medical term for dropsy?
Dropsy, more often called edema, is the increase of interstitial fluid in any organ.
How is dropsy treated in humans?
Compression stockings
- Movement. Moving and using the muscles in the part of your body affected by edema, especially your legs, may help pump the excess fluid back toward your heart.
- Elevation.
- Massage.
- Compression.
- Protection.
- Reduce salt intake.