What condition refers to the leakage of fluid from the bloodstream into the interstitial space causing swelling?

Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces, which is the area between cells in tissues. This condition occurs when there is an imbalance in the forces that regulate fluid movement between the blood vessels and surrounding tissues. When fluid leaks from the bloodstream into the interstitial space, often due to increased capillary permeability or elevated blood pressure in the vessels, it results in swelling in the affected areas.

In contrast to edema, hemostasis refers to the process that prevents and stops bleeding, ischemia describes a reduction in blood flow to tissues leading to oxygen deprivation, and stasis generally refers to the cessation or slowing of blood flow, but does not specifically describe the leakage of fluid causing swelling. Thus, edema is the appropriate term to describe this condition involving fluid accumulation and swelling.