Swelling
Alternative Names:
Edema, Anasarca
Definition:
Swelling is caused by the accumulation of extra fluid in the body’s tissues. Fluid can build up and cause enlargement of the organs, skin, or other body parts. This fluid retention can cause a rapid weight increase over a short period of time.
The following are common swelling conditions:
- Angioedema – swelling under the surface of the skin
- Ankle, feet, leg swelling – occurs naturally, especially in the elderly and during pregnancy
- Breast swelling – occurs during the second half of the menstrual cycle
- Facial swelling
- Joint swelling – often occurs in conjunction with joint pain, usually associated with infection or arthritis conditions
- Scrotal swelling – swelling of the sac surrounding the testicles
- Abdominal swelling – usually results from over-eating, only serious when there is an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen
- Swollen glands – lymph nodes may swell from infection, inflammatory conditions, cancer, or an abscess
- Swollen gums – may be a sign of infection or gingivitis
Symptoms:
Stretched and shiny skin may be a sign of swelling. Pushing your finger gently on the swollen area for about ten to 15 seconds and then removing your finger will leave a dimple in the skin if you have excess fluid retention. This is referred to as “pitting edema”. However, not all swelling will leave a pit in the skin when touched.
Exams/Testing:
With the exception of emergency situations, your doctor will most likely obtain your medical history and perform a physical exam to determine the proper course of treatment for your swelling symptoms.
The following questions may be asked to diagnose the cause of swelling symptoms:
- When was the swelling first noticed?
- Are your symptoms constant?
- How much swelling is present?
- When you press on the swelling, does it leave a dent?
- Is the swelling confined to a specific area of the body?
- Is there anything that makes the swelling better or worse?
- Are there any other symptoms coupled with the swelling?
Your doctor may also decide to perform the following tests:
- X-ray
- Urine tests
- Blood tests
- Echocardiography – creates a picture of the heart
- Echocardiogram – monitors the electrical activity of the heart
- Liver function tests
- Kidney function tests
Outlook/Prognosis:
Swelling can usually be treated by limiting salt intake and taking diuretics to increase the kidneys’ water and sodium output. Patients who have swelling should keep their arms and legs above heart level when lying down to encourage drainage.
When a medication is at the root of swelling, a doctor may recommend changing prescriptions, altering the dose of the drug or stopping use of the medication altogether.
Causes (specific drugs):
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