What is the medical term meaning abnormal or excessive fluid in tissues?

This is called edema. Cutaneous edema is referred to as "pitting" when, after pressure is applied to a small area, the indentation persists after the release of the pressure. Treatment may also involve positioning the affected body parts to improve drainage. For example, swelling in feet or ankles may be reduced by having the person lie down in bed or sit with the feet propped up on cushions. It often is seeing pregnancy and can be due to an imbalance in water homeostasis in that too much water is retained and not enough is removed. Often a diuretic will be prescribed.