Edema in bilateral hands

Dear Ask The Doctor: I am a 36 year old female and I have had edema in my hands for several weeks for no known reason. I have no health conditions. I am not pre-menstrual or pregnant. Should I bother to see my GP, in the absence of any other symptoms?

Dear Jen: Bilateral hand edema could be a sign of underlying problems such as kidney disease, congestive heart failure, side effects from certain drugs and glomerulonephritis. Treatment of the swelling will depend on the underlying cause and may include blood pressure control, diuretics, antibiotics, elevation and warm compresses of the limb.