Consult your doctor if fluid retention is accompanied by sudden weight gain of 2 pounds or more in a day, or 5 pounds or more in a week. This rapid increase could indicate a serious underlying condition.
Signs Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or significant swelling in your legs, ankles, or face alongside fluid retention. These symptoms may signal heart failure or a blood clot. If you have a known heart condition or kidney disease, contact your physician at the first sign of fluid retention.
Persistent fluid retention, despite lifestyle changes like diet and exercise modification over several weeks, warrants a doctor’s visit. Your physician can help determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
