Some people experience swelling or holding fluid in their bodies that can be unsightly, uncomfortable, and bothersome. Do you have swollen ankles or increased abdominal size for an unknown reason? You might have an underlying medical condition that needs diuretics. There are instances when doctors prescribe diuretics to eliminate a patient’s extra fluid and salt in the body. But, what are diuretics, and how do they work?
In this article, you’ll learn the important things about diuretics to increase your understanding of this substance and how it can affect your health. Here are the things you need to know:
When it comes to the diuretic definition, this term refers to a substance triggering diuresis or increased urination. Diuretic medications are also called water pills. Some diuretics include alcohol, caffeine, some herbs, and drugs such as blood pressure medications (like beta-blockers) and water pills for weight loss.
Diuretics help the kidneys produce more urine to flush out excess water and salt in the body. In this way, the heart can pump blood properly without increasing blood volume. Here’s how diuretics affect the body:
Your doctor can prescribe diuretics if you show signs of fluid retention, such as swelling of the extremities or abdominal fullness. People need to take diuretics to treat fluid retention for different medical conditions, such as the following:
The best diuretic for a patient depends on the condition being treated. Each type of diuretic affects the kidneys in different ways to help regulate blood circulation and blood volume. The doctor can use two or more types of diuretics as needed. The different types of diuretics include the following:
Like any other medications, diuretics have side effects such as dehydration, dry mouth, weakness, and muscle cramps. But, you can prevent them by knowing what to do when you’re taking them.
Here are some tips when taking diuretic medications:
Diuretics will make you pee more often to get rid of extra fluid and salt in your body, especially if you have edema due to a heart or kidney problem. There are different types of diuretics that work in various parts of the kidney. It’s crucial to increase potassium in your diet if you’re taking potassium-wasting diuretics like thiazide or loop diuretics. Also, avoid too much salt and alcohol when taking diuretics.
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