Epidemic dropsy – An overview

Epidemic dropsy, an epidemic caused by Argemone oil is an unique and frequently missed entity. The usage of edible oil contaminated with Argemone oil for food or body massage could lead to disastrous effects. The symptoms vary from bilateral leg oedema, diarrhoea, dyspnoea and cardiac failure. The complication of glaucoma and optic disc vasculitis is also worth mentioning because the presentation deviates from the most common alarming symptoms of glaucoma. No specific treatment is known at present. Diagnostic modalities and other precautions are required to prevent the outburst and misery due to this epidemic.