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.
Causes of Swelling
- Fluid – usually lymphatic/interstitial fluid, pus or blood
- Gas - usually occurs is cavities like the gut. Often referred to as gas bloating.
- Mass - tumor or ‘growth’ can affect any area within or on the surface of the body and is not a true swelling.
In most cases, swelling refers to fluid accumulation although the terms ’swelling’ and ’swollen’ may be used for enlargement due to any cause.
Definition of Swelling
- Edema is the term for fluid accumulation. Generalized edema throughout the body (body swelling) is referred to as anasarca.
- Swelling due to blood (‘blood swelling’) is referred to as hematocele if it accumulates within a cavity or hematoma if the blood swelling is within tissue.
- Lymphedema is swelling due to the accumulation of lymphatic fluid.
- An abscess is a collection of pus that may cause swelling (‘pus swelling’) and is sometimes commonly referred to as a boil. This type of swelling is usually due to an infection.
Other common terms for swelling : puffy or puffiness, growth, bloat, engorged.
Related Articles :
- Swollen Arm & Swelling of the Hand, Forearm & Fingers
- Swollen Leg & Swelling of the Feet, Ankle & Toes
- Swollen Knee – Causes and Treatment
- Swollen Eyes & Swelling of the Eye
- Swollen Joints – Causes & Treatment of Joint Swelling
- Swollen Lymph Nodes, Glands – Lymphadenopathy & Lymphedema
- Breast Swelling – Tender, Sore, Painful Swollen Breasts
- Causes of Gas & Bloating (Flatulence)
Further Reading :
My mother is ninety six years old almost five days ago she started to swell, from head to toes. she’s never been sick she is still in good health , but what can cause her swelling, it not itchy, her weith lbs. was always one hundred and five, but now she look as if she is one hundred and thirty lbs. this is very serious, what do you think we should do?