Swelling

Alternative names:

anasarca; dependent edema; edema; generalized swelling; pitting edema

Definition:

Excessive build-up of fluid in the tissues, or an increase in tissue mass. Swelling can occur throughout the body (generalized swelling) or swelling can be limited to a specific part of the body.

See also:

• ankle, feet, and leg swelling
• angioedema
• swollen gums
• swollen glands
• facial swelling
• swelling in the abdomen
• breast enlargement
• scrotal swelling
• joint swelling

Considerations:

This document primarily discusses overall swelling. See the specific documents listed in the definition for information that is specific to swelling in a specific location.

Slight edema of the legs commonly occurs in warm summer months.

Generalized swelling or massive edema (also called anasarca) is a common sign in severely ill people. While slight edema may be difficult to detect, especially in an overweight person, massive edema is very obvious.

Very often, widespread edema is both long-term and progressive and the causes vary significantly.

Edema may be pitting (when pressing a finger against a swollen area for 10 seconds and then quickly removing it, an indentation is left that fills slowly) or nonpitting (when pressing a finger against a swollen area for 10 seconds and then quickly removing it, no indentation is left in the skin).

Common causes:

• too much salt or sodium
• burns
• sunburn
• too little albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
• malnutrition
• pregnancy
• drugs
  • androgenic and anabolic steroids
  • antihypertensives
  • corticosteroids such as prednisone (causes sodium retention)
  • estrogens
  • anti-inflammatory drugs (see NSAIDs)

• intravenous saline administration or tube feedings
• nephrotic syndrome
• acute glomerulonephritis

Note: There may be other causes of swelling. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for swelling, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.