Which condition increases the risk of developing edema?

Chronic kidney disease is the condition that increases the risk of developing edema due to the kidneys' impaired ability to filter waste and excess fluid from the body. As kidney function declines, the body struggles to maintain fluid balance, leading to fluid retention and swelling in various parts of the body, particularly in the legs, ankles, and feet.

In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys may also struggle to produce adequate amounts of certain hormones that regulate blood pressure and fluid balance, which can further exacerbate edema. Additionally, the accumulation of proteins, such as albumin, can cause changes in oncotic pressure, contributing to fluid leakage from the blood vessels into surrounding tissues.

While hypertension can affect fluid balance, it is more of a condition that may arise due to fluid overload rather than a direct cause of edema. Asthma primarily affects the respiratory system, and while it can cause breathing difficulties, it does not directly contribute to edema. Diabetes can lead to complications that may affect various systems in the body but is not typically recognized as a primary cause of edema compared to the direct effects seen in chronic kidney disease.