Final answer:
Edema is an abnormal accumulation of non-inflammatory tissue fluid causing swelling, often due to underlying health issues and marked by symptoms like pitting. It requires identifying and treating the root cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
An abnormal accumulation of non-inflammatory tissue fluid resulting in swelling is known as edema. Edema is the accumulation of excess water in the tissues, commonly found in the soft tissues of the extremities. It can be caused by water leakage from blood capillaries and is typically due to an underlying medical condition, certain drugs, pregnancy, injury, or an allergic reaction. Symptoms include swelling, enlarged limb size, and stretched, tight skin. Notably, a persistent indentation after pressing is an indicator of pitting edema. Systemic edema refers to fluid retention that affects large areas of the body, especially the lower extremities. Treating edema involves addressing the underlying cause, which can range from hypertension and heart failure to renal failure and severe protein deficiency.