Swelling Health Article

Definition

Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by build up 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 throughout the body (generalized) or only in a specific part of the body (localized).

See also:

• Angioedema
• Ankle, feet, and leg swelling
• Breast enlargement
• Facial swelling
• Joint swelling
• Scrotal swelling
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Swollen glands
• Swollen gums

Alternative Names

Edema; Anasarca

Considerations

Slight swelling (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, a large amount of swelling is very 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.