Anasarca is the medical term for simultaneous swelling throughout the body (generalized edema). The fluid accumulates within the subcutaneous tissue of the skin and gross swelling of the body is evident. There may also be other types of edema occurring simultaneously like ascites, which is fluid accumulation within the abdominal cavity (swollen stomach). Other cavities and organs may also be affected by edema.

There are various diseases that cause edema, some of which result in localized swelling while others can lead to anasarca. This may vary from cardiovascular (heart and blood vessels) to kidney and liver diseases, certain pharmaceutical drugs and different types of autoimmune diseases like SLE (lupus). Anasarca usually indicates severe illness and may often be seen in the end stages of serious chronic conditions.

Anasarca gives the appearance of being swollen or bloated throughout most of the body and should not be mistaken for weight gain. Immediate medical attention is required if anasarca is evident.

Edema is caused by four possible mechanisms. As mentioned in the pathophysiology of edema, the cause of edema may be due to fluid accumulation within the tissue space because  :

1. High pressure within the blood vessels pushes out fluid into tissue spaces (increased hydrostatic pressure).
2. The blood vessel walls are too permeable allowing fluid to easily drain out into the tissue spaces (increased vascular permeability).
3. The osmotic pressure within the blood vessels is not high enough to draw out fluid from the tissue spaces (reduced osmotic pressure).
4. Excess fluid in the body congests the vessels and tissue spaces (fluid retention).
5. The lymphatic vessels cannot drain out interstitial fluid from the tissue spaces (lymphatic obstruction).

Certain diseases may affect the body in a number of ways that can trigger one or more of these mechanisms.

continue reading Diseases That Cause Edema (Localized or Generalized Swelling)

Edema Definition

Edema is the medical term for excessive fluid accumulation within the interstitial space (between cells) or within the cavities of the body. This does not include fluid within the bladder or in the gastrointestinal tract (gut). Edema may be localized, affecting only one organ or area of the body or it can be generalized where it affects many areas or the whole body simultaneously.

continue reading What is Edema (Body Swelling)? – Pathophysiology, Causes, Types

Swelling is the enlargement of a body part or organ beyond it normal size and usually causing a distortion of the shape and structure of the affected area.

continue reading What is Swelling? Definition and Causes of Swelling