Swelling

Edema; Anasarca

Definition

Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short period of time (days to weeks).

Swelling can occur all over the body (generalized) or only in one part of the body (localized).

Considerations

Slight swelling (edema) of the lower legs is common in warm summer months, especially if a person has been standing or walking a lot.

General swelling, or massive edema (also called anasarca), is a common sign in people who are very sick. Although slight edema may be hard to detect, a large amount of swelling is obvious.

Edema is described as pitting or non-pitting.

  • Pitting edema leaves a dent in the skin after you press the area with a finger for about 5 seconds. The dent will slowly fill back in.
  • Non-pitting edema does not leave this type of dent when pressing on the swollen area.

Causes

Swelling can be caused by any of the following:

  • Acute glomerulonephritis (a kidney disease)
  • Burns, including sunburn
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Heart failure
  • Liver failure from cirrhosis
  • Nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease)
  • Poor nutrition
  • Pregnancy
  • Thyroid disease
  • Too little albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
  • Too much salt or sodium
  • Use of certain drugs, such as corticosteroids or drugs used to treat heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes

Home Care

Follow your health care provider's treatment recommendations. If you have long-term swelling, ask your provider about options to prevent skin breakdown, such as:

  • Flotation ring
  • Lamb's wool pad
  • Pressure-reducing mattress

Continue with your everyday activities. When lying down, keep your arms and legs above your heart level, if possible, so the fluid can drain. DO NOT do this if you get shortness of breath. See your provider instead.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

If you notice any unexplained swelling, contact your provider.

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

Your provider will take your medical history and will perform a physical examination. You may be asked about the symptoms of your swelling. Questions may include when the swelling started, whether it is all over your body or just in one area, what you have tried at home to help the swelling. In an emergency situation (pulmonary edema), rapid diagnosis and treatment is important.

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment may include avoiding salt or taking water pills (diuretics). Your fluid intake and output should be monitored, and you should be weighed daily.

Avoid alcohol if liver disease (cirrhosis or hepatitis) is causing the problem. Support hose may be recommended.

References

McGee S. Edema and deep vein thrombosis. In: McGee S, ed. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 56.

Swartz MH. The peripheral vascular system. In: Swartz MH, ed. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 15.

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Review Date: 10/20/2022

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.


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