Swelling (Edema) Overview
Swelling which is also referred as edema, occurs when a part of the body increases in size, typically as a result of injury, inflammation, or fluid retention. This condition usually occurs in the feet, legs, or ankles. But it can also occur in the hands, the face, or any other part of the body.
Edema refers to swelling and puffiness in different areas of the body. It most often occurs in the skin, especially in the hands, arms, ankles, legs, and feet. However, it can also affect the muscles, bowel, lungs, eyes, and brain.
Swelling (edema) mainly occurs in older adults and pregnant people, but anyone can experience it.
There are different causes and types of edema. For example, pulmonary edema affects the lungs, while pedal edema causes swelling in the feet.
Edema usually starts slowly, but onset can be sudden. It is a common condition, but it can also be a sign of a serious condition.
Signs and Symptoms Swelling (Edema)
Signs and symptoms of swelling (edema) depend on the underlying cause, but swelling, tightness, and pain are common.
A person with edema may also notice:
- Aching body parts and stiff joints
- Decreased urine production
- Fuller hand and neck veins
- Puffiness of the ankles, face, or eyes
- Skin that retains a dimple after a few seconds of pressure
- Swollen, stretched, and shiny skin
- Visual anomalies
- Weight gain or weight loss
Symptoms can also depend on the type of edema a person has and which part of the body it affects.
Causes of Swelling (Edema)
Following are some potential causes of swelling, along with their associated symptoms:
Injury
Swelling is sometimes associated with inflammation from an injury. When a part of the body sustains an injury, the immune system instigates an inflammatory response that helps heal the injury and protect against infection.
This inflammatory response may cause noticeable swelling in the injured area.
Some other symptoms associated with injury include:
- A visible enlargement of the area
- Pain
- Skin warmth
Internal Swelling
Swelling can also occur internally. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, heart, liver, and kidney diseases can cause all swelling to occur in different parts of the body, including the organs.
Symptoms of internal swelling can include:
- A cough that gets worse at night
- Difficulty breathing
- Tiring easily
- Weight gain
Swelling in the Legs and Lower Extremities
There are several potential causes of swelling in the legs. Causes of leg or lower extremity swelling can include:
- Chronic lung conditions
- Heart failure
- pregnancy
- Standing for long periods
- Low protein levels
- The small valves in the leg veins becoming weaker
Other causes of swelling in the legs or lower extremities can include:
Swelling from Cancer and its Treatment
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cancer and certain cancer treatments can cause swelling.
If cancer treatments cause swelling, a person may experience the following symptoms:
- A cough
- An irregular heartbeat (Arrhythmia)
- Swelling in the abdomen or face
- Puffy or shiny skin
- Swelling in the hands, arms, legs, ankles, or feet
Cancer treatments that may cause swelling include the following:
- Chemotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Surgery
- Pain and bone-strengthening medications
- Steroids
- Radiation therapy
Diagnostic Tests
A person can talk to a doctor about the symptoms they are experiencing. The doctor will likely perform a visual examination of the area in which swelling is occurring.
In addition to a visual examination, the doctor will likely order tests to determine what is causing the swelling. Some tests they may order include:
- Blood tests
- Doppler ultrasound
- CT scan
- Electrocardiogram
- Urine tests
- Urinalysis
- X-ray
More advanced imaging tests can show a doctor if there are inflamed tissues or organs, blood blockages, or breaks in the bones or joints.
Treatment of Swelling (Edema)
The best treatment for swelling will depend on the cause. If a person has an underlying health condition, such as kidney disease, they will need to receive treatment for the underlying condition. Treating or controlling any underlying conditions can help reduce swelling.
If a person’s feet or legs swell due to standing for a long period, they should be able to reduce the swelling by sitting with their feet resting on a chair. A person can also try lying on a bed with their feet elevated and wearing compression stockings.
Swelling due to injury, such as a sprained ankle, requires rest. A person can also reduce swelling by applying ice to the area and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Prevention of Swelling (Edema)
To prevent whole-body swelling, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) recommends the following:
- Avoiding crossing the legs when sitting
- Exercising regularly
- Reducing or limiting sodium intake
- Raising the feet when sitting or lying
- Taking medications as a doctor directs
- Wearing special compression stockings
- Not wearing tight-fitting clothes or shoes
- Talking to your doctor about using diuretics
Prognosis of Swelling (Edema)
Swelling is a common condition. Many people experience swelling for benign reasons, such as standing for too long or sustaining a minor injury.
However, in some cases, swelling could be a side effect of a medication or a more serious underlying health condition. A person should talk to their doctor about what is causing their swelling and take steps to treat any underlying conditions.
How effective the treatment will be depends on the person’s overall health, their age, and whether or not they have any underlying conditions that are causing the swelling.
Most people find some relief by making lifestyle changes and following their doctor’s recommendations.
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