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Online Medical Symptom Checker  Symptoms & Signs Index
   Swelling
 
Definition:
The enlargement of organs, skin, or other body structures that is caused by excessive buildup of fluid in the tissues. There are two types of swelling:
Generalized Edema: A Swelling that occur throughout the body, as in Nephrotic Syndrome
Localized Edema: A Swelling that is limited to a specific part of the body, as in Phlebitis
 
Medical terms related to Swelling :
Anasarca, Edema, Oedema
 
Common causes of Swelling: 
o Pregnancy
o Phlebitis (Inflammation of a vein)
o Trauma Injury (Contusion, Hematoma)
o Too little albumin in the blood (hypoalbuminemia)
o Too much salt or sodium intake (Salt Retention)
o Acute glomerulonephritis (AGN)
o Burns
o Kidney Failure (chronic renal failure, CRF)
o Congestive Heart Failure(CHF):
A heart that is unable to maintain adequate circulation of blood in the tissues of the body or to pump out the venous blood returned to it by the venous circulation.
o Nephrotic Syndrome:
Nephrotic syndrome is a condition marked by very high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria); low levels of protein in the blood; swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands; and high cholesterol. Nephrotic syndrome results from damage to the kidneys' glomeruli, the tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine.
o Cirrhosis Of The Liver:
Fibrosis of the liver and the formation of regenerative nodules that is usually caused by chronic progressive damages to the liver, e.g. alcohol abuse or hepatitis.

Other Causes of Swelling:
o Leg Vein Obstruction (localized edema)
o Sunburn
o Thyroid disease (e.g. Hypothyroidism)
o Medications that can cause swelling, edema:
-Androgenic and anabolic steroids
-Antihypertensives
-Corticosteroids such as prednisone (causes sodium retention)
-Estrogens
-Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
-Calcium channel blockers
o Malnutrition
o Idiopathic Edema (seen typically in women)
o Cellulitis:
Diffuse and especially subcutaneous inflammation of connective tissue.
o Eosinophilic Fasciitis:
A disease in which the skin of the arms and legs becomes painfully inflamed and swollen and gradually hardens particularly over the inside of the arms and the front of the legs.Eosinophilic Fasciitis occurs mainly in men aged 40 to 50.
o Scleroderma (Dermatosclerosis):
Slowly progressive fibrosis of the skin, internal organs, hand and foot marked by pain upon exposure to cold, and by tightening and thickening of the skin.
 
Call 911 or go to the hospital if Swelling is accompanied by: 
o Sudden facial edema, difficulty in swallowing
o Sudden leg edema, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat
 
Call your doctor if Swelling is accompanied by: 
o High fever
o Recent viral infection
o Blood in urine, burning urination
 
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include: 
o Albumin levels
o ECG
o Serum electrolyte tests
o Urinalysis (UA)
o X-rays
o Liver function tests (LFTs)
o Kidney function tests
 
Medications for Swelling may include: 
o Hydrochlorothiazide (Hydrodiuril)
o Furosemide (Lasix)
o Triamterene And Hydrochlorothiazide, Dyazide
   
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Diagnosis of Swelling, Reasons of Swelling, Prevention of Swelling, Definition of Swelling, Treatments for Swelling, Common Causes of Edema


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