SWELLING (MEDICAL)

In medical parlance, 'swelling' is the enlargement of organs caused by accumulation of excess fluid in tissues, called edema.
It can occur throughout the body (generalized), or a specific part or organ can be affected (localized). Swelling is considered one of the five characteristics of inflammation; along with pain, heat, redness, and loss of function.
In a general sense, the suffix "-megaly" is used to indicate a growth, as in hepatomegaly, acromegaly, and splenomegaly.
A body part may swell in response to injury, infection, or disease, as well as because of an underlying lump. Swelling — especially swelling of the ankle can also occur if the body is not circulating fluid well.
Generalized swelling, or massive edema (also called anasarca), is a common sign in severely ill people. Although slight edema may be difficult to detect to the untrained eye, especially in an overweight person, massive edema is very obvious.

Contents

Causes

Treatment

See also

External links

Causes

The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of swelling symptoms:
'General possible causes of localized swelling:'

★ Injury ★ Infection

★ Skin swelling ★ Dependent edema

★ Lymphatic obstruction ★ Venous thrombosis

'Some possible causes of skin swelling include:'

★ Skin trauma ★ Skin infection ★ Cellulitis

★ Contact dermatitis ★ Eczema ★ Hives

★ Allergic reaction ★ Insect bite ★ Insect sting

'Causes of generalized swelling:'

★ Edema ★ Premenstrual syndrome ★ Pregnancy ★ Preeclampsia ★ Heart failure

★ Congestive heart failure ★ Kidney conditions ★ Nephritis ★ Glomerulonephritis ★ Nephrotic syndrome

★ Kidney failure ★ Liver condition ★ Cirrhosis of the liver ★ Chronic hepatitis ★ Varicose veins ★ Lymphedema

★ Lymphatic obstruction ★ Filariasis ★ Protein deficiency ★ Thyroid condition ★ Malabsorption ★ Celiac disease

★ Ulcerative colitis ★ Malnutrition ★ Beri-beri ★ Certain medications ★ Excessive IV fluid

'Some possible causes of a swollen limb include:'

★ Venous thrombosis ★ Sunburn ★ Lymphatic obstruction

★ Allergic reaction ★ Cancer

Treatment

While it's possible for mild swelling to go away on its own, several things can be done to relieve the symptoms or haste the process. The ''HI-RICE'' first aid method of rest and protecting the affected area has long been taught as a short term solution.

See also

★ Edema

★
★ Causes of edema

External links

★ NIH/Medline

★ University of Michigan