ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Edema

Edema happens when your body retains more fluid than usual, causing parts of your body, like your legs or arms, to become swollen.

Think of your body like a water balloon – it can hold a certain amount of fluid before it becomes too full. When your body holds on to too much fluid, it's like your water balloon is overfilled and starts to bulge and swell.

This can happen for many reasons, like if you hurt yourself and your body is trying to heal, or if you have a medical condition that affects the way your body handles liquids. Certain medications or hormonal imbalances can also cause edema.

Although it can be uncomfortable, edema is usually not super serious and can go away on its own. However, if you notice that your swelling is getting worse, or if it's causing you a lot of pain, it's important to talk to a doctor to figure out the cause and get treatment if needed.