Anasarca

General swelling throughout the body.

Description

Swelling throughout the body due to fluid buildup in tissues, often caused by a heart, liver or kidney condition and linked to low blood protein levels.

Self-care

Elevate the affected body parts. Do repetitive movements every hour while awake, such as pointing and flexing the ankles or wrists. Try deep belly breathing.

When to seek immediate medical care

See a healthcare professional right away for swelling that:

• Comes on fast.
• Causes pain in the swollen areas.
• Leads to fluid leaking through the skin.
• Occurs with trouble breathing, raspy breaths, fever, bloody cough or vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes.
• Is linked with tenderness in one leg.

When to make a doctor's appointment

See a healthcare professional if:

• The swelling does not go away or becomes worse.
• New symptoms develop with the swelling.
• Medicines may be causing the swelling or making it worse.