Children and adults need at least 20 to 30 grams of fiber per day for good health, but most Americans get only about 15 grams a day. Great sources are whole fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and beans. Soluble fiber, which dissolves in water, can help lower glucose levels as well as help lower blood cholesterol.
(Air travelers are generally not at risk for this disorder because commercial airplane cabins are pressurized.) Congestive heart failure due to high blood pressure, aortic or mitral valve disease, or cardiomyopathy is a common cause of pulmonary edema.
Pitting edema, bilateral, as observed in a patient with congestive heart failure. Changes in skin temperature, color, and texture provide clues to the cause of edema. For example, acute DVT and cellulitis (Figure 4) may produce increased warmth over the affected area.