Swelling, or anasarca, is a condition where excessive fluid builds up in the body’s tissues, causing rapid weight gain. It can be localized or generalized and caused by various diseases, medications, or lifestyle factors. Severe swelling requires immediate medical attention.
Swelling, also known as anasarca or edema, is a medical condition characterized by excessive fluid buildup within the body’s tissues. This can cause a person to rapidly gain weight over a short period of time, ranging from days to weeks. The most commonly affected areas of the body are the skin, organs, glands, breasts, ankles, legs and feet. The swelling can be generalized throughout the body or localized to a single area.
There are two basic types of swelling: pinpoint and non-point edema. Pitting edema leaves an indentation in the skin when the swollen area is pushed for five seconds and then quickly removed. Non-pitting edema, on the other hand, does not leave a pit.
A certain amount of slight swelling is considered normal during the warmer months. This is especially true for people who walk or stand a lot during the day. Also, a pregnant woman may experience some of the stress of carrying a baby. Either way, there’s generally no cause for concern.
It is also possible that the swelling is caused by a serious disease, particularly when it is generalized. This type is usually quite obvious and can be easily detected, even in overweight individuals. A person suffering from severe swelling should see a doctor immediately, as it can indicate a serious progressive or chronic disease.
Some diseases that can cause swelling include heart failure, chronic kidney disease, acute glomerulonephritis, nephritic syndrome, thyroid disease, and liver failure resulting from cirrhosis. Burns, whether from fire or the sun, can also cause this condition. Other possible causes are malnutrition, excessive salt intake and low amount of albumin in the blood.
Swelling can also be caused by certain medications, including antihypertensives, androgenic steroids, anabolic steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and calcium channel blockers. Corticosteroids can also cause bloating, as they promote sodium retention.
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