What condition are diuretics primarily prescribed for?

Diuretics are primarily prescribed for conditions that cause fluid retention, commonly resulting in swelling of the extremities such as the feet and ankles. This swelling, known as edema, can occur due to various underlying health issues, including heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or certain kidney disorders. Diuretics help the body eliminate excess fluid by promoting increased urine production, which alleviates the swelling.

The other options address conditions that are not the primary focus of diuretic therapy. Low sodium levels in the blood, known as hyponatremia, typically require different therapeutic approaches, often involving dietary changes or electrolyte supplementation rather than diuretics. Low blood pressure can worsen with diuretic use, as these medications can lead to increased urination and a potential decrease in blood volume, thus further lowering blood pressure. Feelings of light-headedness upon standing, known as orthostatic hypotension, can be exacerbated by diuretic use, especially when fluid levels in the body decrease. Therefore, diuretics are specifically aimed at managing edema rather than directly treating these other conditions.