In brief
Swelling caused by fluid building up in body tissues, also called oedema. It is most common in the ankles and feet and has many causes, some of them serious.
- See your doctor straight away or go to the emergency department if you are breathless, the swelling comes on suddenly, or it is in one leg.
- Do not stop or change a medicine without talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Reducing the salt in your diet can help reduce fluid retention.
When to get help
Get help now
- If you might have fluid in your lungs, such as sudden breathlessness, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.
- See your doctor straight away or go to the emergency department if you are breathless, the swelling is sudden, or it is in one leg.
See your doctor if
- You have any symptoms of fluid retention.
Things that can contribute
- Heart failure
- Kidney problems
- Liver cirrhosis
- Pregnancy
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Thyroid problems
- Vein problems
- Some medicines
Questions you could ask your GP
- What is causing the swelling, and do I need heart, kidney or liver tests?
- Could any of my medicines be causing it?
Based on healthdirect Australia, Fluid retention. You can also check your symptoms with the healthdirect Symptom Checker, or speak with a registered nurse on 1800 022 222.
How it works
healthdirect lists causes including heart failure, kidney problems, cirrhosis of the liver, pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, thyroid problems and malnutrition. Leg swelling can also come from a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis), vein problems or lymphoedema.
Some medicines can cause fluid retention, including some heart and blood pressure medicines, some diabetes medicines, corticosteroids, the pill, NSAIDs, some hormone replacement therapies and some antidepressants. Treatment depends on the cause, and less salt, putting your feet up and compression stockings can help.
Connections
5 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Swelling (fluid retention) can be caused by
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) Supported
Thyroid problems are one cause of fluid retention, and a puffy face is a symptom of an underactive thyroid.
Sources: healthdirect Australia, Fluid retention; healthdirect Australia, Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Heart failure can cause swollen ankles, legs or abdomen.
Sources: Heart Foundation, What is heart failure?; healthdirect Australia, Fluid retention
Swelling (fluid retention) is linked with
Heart failure is one cause of fluid retention.
Kidney problems are one cause of fluid retention.
Swelling (fluid retention) can be worsened by
- Salt (sodium) Supported
Higher sodium intake is linked to fluid retention, and eating less salt is one way to manage it.
Sources: Better Health Channel (Victorian Government), Salt; healthdirect Australia, Fluid retention
Medicines and supplements
General education only. Never start, stop or change a medicine without your prescriber.
Sources
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from healthdirect. Sources read on 12 and 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.