The Brain and Spine Institute is made up of experts in the field of neuroscience in order to bring patients the best healthcare in East Tennessee for a full range of neurological diseases and disorders.
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Centers of Excellence
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We provide a comprehensive continuum of cancer services, including prevention, outreach, diagnostic, treatment and support services delivered by our highly skilled staff with compassion and care.
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The Center for Women & Children's Health is a hub for supporting women's and children's individual healthcare needs. The center provides support, research and unmatched patient-centered care.
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Emergency and Trauma Services is the only Level I Trauma Center in the area and serves as the tertiary referral center for medical care in East Tennessee, serving Knox County and 21 surrounding counties.
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The Heart Lung Vascular Institute brings together expertise in clinical care, teaching and research. Patients receive exceptional healthcare combined with patient-centered care.
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Fluid imbalance
Definition
A fluid imbalance refers to an abnormal level of fluids in the body.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Your body is constantly losing fluids through breathing, sweating, and urinating. If you do not take in enough fluids, you may become dehydrated.
Your body may also have a hard time getting rid of fluids, allowing excess fluid to build up. This is called fluid overload.
Many illnesses can cause fluid imbalance:
- It is common to retain large amounts of fluid for several days after surgery (causing swelling of the body).
- In heart failure, fluid collects in the lungs, liver, blood vessels, and body tissues because the heart does a poor job of pumping it to the kidneys where it can be eliminated.
- When the kidneys do not work well because of chronic kidney disease, the body cannot get rid of unneeded fluids.
- The body may lose too much fluid due to diarrhea, vomiting, excessive blood loss, or high fever.
A fluid imbalance is often associated with imbalances of sodium, potassium (see: hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hyperkalemia) and other chemicals that help regulate body fluids.
Symptoms
Signs and tests
Treatment
Refer to the treatment section of the specific condition that is causing the fluid imbalance.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if you or your child have signs of dehydration or swelling, in order to prevent more serious complications.
Prevention
References
Seifter JL. Potassium disorders. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 118.
Verbalis JG. Posterior pituitary. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 243.
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