Swelling
Edema; AnasarcaSwelling 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)
Acute glomerulonephritis
Acute nephritic syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur with some disorders that cause swelling and inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidney, o...
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Burns
Burns commonly occur by direct or indirect contact with heat, electric current, radiation, or chemical agents. Burns can lead to cell death, which c...
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- Heart failure
Heart failure
Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...
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Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease)
Nephrotic syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms and abnormal test results that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high ch...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Poor nutrition
- Pregnancy
- Thyroid disease
- Too little albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
Albumin
Albumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood. Albumin c...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - 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.
Shortness of breath
Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathing Uncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleWhen 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.
Physical examination
During a physical examination, a health care provider checks your body to determine if you do or do not have a physical problem. A physical examinati...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleTests that may be done include:
- Albumin blood test
- Blood electrolyte levels
Blood electrolyte levels
A comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...
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Echocardiography
An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a s...
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Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Kidney function tests
Kidney function tests
Kidney function tests are common lab tests used to evaluate how well the kidneys are working. Such tests include:BUN (Blood urea nitrogen) Creatinin...
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Liver function tests
Liver function tests are common tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:AlbuminAlpha-1 antitrypsinAlkaline phosphata...
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Urinalysis
Urinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...
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X-rays
X-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...
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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.
Liver disease
The term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain or swelling...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSupport hose
You wear compression stockings to improve blood flow in the veins of your legs. Compression stockings gently squeeze your legs to move blood up your...
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleReferences
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.
Pitting edema on the leg - illustration
Pitting edema occurs when fluid collects in the tissue. By pressing a thumb or finger firmly against the tissue for a few seconds, a dent can be produced. When the finger is withdrawn the dent may persist for several minutes.
Pitting edema on the leg
illustration
Pitting edema on the leg - illustration
Pitting edema occurs when fluid collects in the tissue. By pressing a thumb or finger firmly against the tissue for a few seconds, a dent can be produced. When the finger is withdrawn the dent may persist for several minutes.
Pitting edema on the leg
illustration
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.