Is peripheral edema on the right or left side? Understanding Unilateral vs. Bilateral Swelling
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5 min read
Peripheral edema, the buildup of fluid in the extremities, can occur on one side (unilateral), both sides (bilateral), or asymmetrically, depending on the underlying cause. For example, a sudden deep vein thrombosis often causes one-sided swelling, while congestive heart failure commonly leads to fluid retention on both sides.