Swelling
Alternate Names : Anasarca, Edema
Definition
Swelling involves the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body structures caused by excessive buildup of fluid in the tissues. This buildup can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short period of time (days to weeks).
Swelling can occur throughout the body (generalized) or it may be limited to a specific part of the body (localized).
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Overview & Considerations
Slight edema of the lower legs commonly occurs in warm summer months, especially if a person has been standing or walking a lot.
Generalized swelling, or massive edema (also called anasarca), is a common sign in severely ill people. Although slight edema may be difficult to detect, especially in an overweight person, massive edema is very obvious. Edema can indicate a chronic and progressive medical illness.
Edema may be generally described in one of two ways:
- Pitting edema -- When you press a finger against a swollen area for 5 seconds and then quickly remove it, an indentation is left that fills slowly.
- Nonpitting edema -- When you press a finger against a swollen area for 5 seconds and then quickly remove it, no indentation is left in the skin.
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