Know About Swelling Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Know everything about swelling, its types, causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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3 mins
5-February-2024

Swelling is a common symptom that occurs due to various reasons. In most cases, it is caused by an accumulation of fluid or inflammation in the tissues. Swelling can occur in any part of the body, including the arms, feet, legs, face, and even the internal organs. In this article, we will discuss swelling and its symptoms, along with its causes, treatment, and more.

What is swelling?

Swelling refers to the enlargement or puffiness of a body part caused by the buildup of fluid or inflammation within tissues. It can affect any area of the body, whether internal or external, and may result from injury, infection, or an underlying health condition.

Also known as edema, swelling may be localized—such as in the case of a sprained ankle—or more widespread across the body. Common signs include tight, stretched, or shiny skin, a feeling of heaviness in the affected area, and indentation of the skin when pressure is applied (known as pitting).

Who can get affected by swelling?

Swelling can affect individuals across all age groups and health statuses. It commonly occurs due to injuries, infections, allergies, or underlying medical conditions such as arthritis and heart disease. Certain groups, like pregnant women and those with sedentary lifestyles, are more prone to experiencing swelling.

Symptoms of swelling

Sometimes, mild swelling may not be immediately noticeable and may not always be accompanied by obvious symptoms. While external swelling is often visible as enlargement of the skin or muscles, internal swelling may require imaging tests to detect changes in organs, muscles, or bones. Depending on the cause—such as injury, infection, sting, or underlying illness—various symptoms may appear. Some of the common symptoms of swelling include:

  • Itching: A persistent urge to scratch the affected area due to irritation or inflammation of the skin.
  • Redness or warmth: The skin over the swollen area may appear red and feel warm because of increased blood flow.
  • Pain: Discomfort ranging from mild tenderness to sharp or throbbing pain, especially when pressure is applied.
  • Nausea: A sensation of uneasiness in the stomach that may create the urge to vomit.
  • Vomiting: Forceful expulsion of stomach contents, often linked to internal inflammation or infection.
  • Flatulence: Excess gas buildup in the digestive tract causing bloating and abdominal discomfort.
  • Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or imbalance that may accompany internal swelling or infection.
  • Fever: Elevated body temperature indicating inflammation or infection.
  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or low energy due to the body responding to illness or inflammation.
  • Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often caused by discomfort or pain.
  • Flu-like symptoms: General body aches, chills, weakness, and malaise similar to viral infections.
  • Pain (internal): Deep or persistent discomfort that may signal swelling within organs or tissues.

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What causes swelling?

Understanding the underlying causes of swelling is essential for effective management. Several factors can contribute to whole body swelling:

  • Injuries: Injuries are the most common cause of swelling. Injuries can be anything from a sprained ankle to a broken bone, and swelling is a natural result of the body's healing process.
  • Infections: Infections can also cause swelling. When the body is fighting an infection, it sends extra blood and fluid to the affected area, resulting in swelling.
  • Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions can cause swelling in the face, tongue, and throat. In severe cases, it can lead to a condition called anaphylaxis, which is life-threatening.
  • Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as corticosteroids or calcium channel blockers, may cause fluid retention and subsequent swelling.
  •  
  • Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, can cause swelling in the body.
  • Edema: Edema is a condition where the body retains excess fluid, resulting in swelling. It can be caused by various medical conditions, such as heart, liver, and kidney diseases.
  • Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or infections can trigger swelling as part of the body's natural response to injury or infection.
  • Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a condition where the lymphatic system is unable to remove excess fluid from the body, resulting in swelling. It can occur due to a congenital defect or as a complication of cancer treatment.

How is swelling diagnosed?

To determine the cause of swelling, your doctor may perform several tests. They will begin by reviewing your symptoms and conducting a physical examination to check for tenderness, redness, or other signs in the affected area.

Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, can help identify the underlying cause of the swelling. In some cases, more detailed scans like a CT scan or MRI may be recommended for further evaluation.

These imaging studies can detect:

  • Blockages in arteries or veins
  • Inflamed muscles or tissues
  • Bone fractures

They may also reveal fluid retention or issues such as bowel obstruction. Additionally, blood and urine tests may be ordered to check for infections, organ problems, or other medical conditions contributing to the swelling.

If the swelling is due to a severe allergic reaction, an injection of adrenaline (epinephrine) may be administered immediately to prevent the reaction from worsening before further testing is carried out.

What is edema grading?

Edema grading is a clinical method used to assess the severity of swelling, typically in the lower extremities. It is categorized into grades based on the depth and duration of the indentation left when pressing the skin. The grades are:

  • Grade 1+: Slight indentation with rapid return to normal.
  • Grade 2+: Deeper pit with a few seconds to rebound.
  • Grade 3+: Noticeable deeper indentation with a more prolonged recovery.
  • Grade 4+: Very deep pit with a prolonged rebound, often over 30 seconds.

This grading helps healthcare professionals determine the extent of fluid retention and guide appropriate treatment.

How is swelling treated and managed?

The treatment for swelling depends on the cause of the swelling. Here are some of the common treatments for swelling:

  • Rest and elevation: Resting the affected limb and elevating it above heart level can reduce swelling.
  • Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can reduce swelling and ease the pain.
  • Compression: Compression wraps or stockings can help reduce swelling. The wraps provide pressure to the affected area, preventing the buildup of fluid.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help reduce swelling. Prescription medication may be required for severe swelling caused by a medical condition.
  • Surgery: Surgery may be necessary for swelling caused by a medical condition that cannot be treated with medication or therapy.

How can I prevent swelling?

To prevent swelling, maintain an active lifestyle with regular exercise to enhance circulation and reduce fluid retention. Elevate your legs periodically, stay hydrated, and follow a low-sodium diet. Wearing compression stockings can also help, especially for those prone to edema or who stand or sit for long periods.

Home remedies for Swelling at home

For mild swelling, simple at-home measures can provide relief. Applying a cold compress or ice pack for 15–20 minutes helps reduce inflammation and discomfort. Keeping the swollen area elevated above heart level can minimise fluid accumulation. Gentle compression with an elastic bandage may also help control swelling. Staying well-hydrated and limiting salt intake can reduce fluid retention. If swelling persists, spreads, or is accompanied by severe pain or fever, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Health insurance for swelling

Some health insurance policies cover the treatment of swelling. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to determine what is covered under your policy. In some cases, specialised treatments, such as lymphedema therapy, may not be covered.

When purchasing health insurance with a focus on coverage for swelling-related conditions, there are several key considerations to keep in mind. Here are important factors to consider:

  • Coverage for diagnostic tests: Ensure that the health insurance plan covers a range of diagnostic tests that may be necessary to identify the underlying cause of swelling. Look for coverage for imaging studies, blood tests, and other diagnostic procedures that may be prescribed by healthcare providers.
  • Medication coverage: Check the insurance policy to confirm that it includes coverage for medications commonly prescribed for swelling-related conditions.
  • Specialist consultations: Ensure that the health insurance plan covers consultations with specialists who may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of swelling, such as rheumatologists, nephrologists, or allergists.
  • Hospitalisation benefits: Check the policy for coverage related to hospitalisation if swelling requires inpatient care.
  • Rehabilitation services: If physical therapy or rehabilitation services are part of the recommended treatment for swelling, confirm that the insurance plan covers these services.

Swelling is a common symptom that can occur due to various reasons. Understanding the cause of the swelling is critical to determining the appropriate treatment. Rest and elevation, ice therapy, compression, and medications are some of the common treatments for swelling. If you are experiencing swelling, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and to develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions

What does swelling mean?

Swelling, also known as edema, refers to the abnormal enlargement of body tissues due to the accumulation of excess fluid. It can occur anywhere in the body and is often a response to injury, inflammation, or underlying health conditions such as heart failure, kidney disease, or infections. 

How to reduce swelling?

To reduce swelling, elevate the affected area above the level of the heart, apply cold compresses or ice packs to constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, engage in gentle exercise to promote circulation, and consider using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen. If swelling persists or worsens, consult a healthcare professional.

How do you treat a swollen injury?

To treat a swollen injury, follow the RICE method: Rest the injured area, apply ice to reduce inflammation, Compress the area with a bandage to reduce swelling, and elevate the injured limb above heart level to minimise fluid accumulation. Seek medical attention if swelling persists or worsens.

What is the cause of swelling in the body?

Swelling is usually caused by fluid buildup (edema), inflammation, injury, infection, allergic reactions, or underlying medical conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver disease. It can also occur due to prolonged sitting or standing, high salt intake, or certain medications.

What are the four types of swelling?

The four common types include:

  • Peripheral edema – Swelling in legs, feet, or hands.
  • Pulmonary edema – Fluid buildup in the lungs.
  • Cerebral edema – Swelling in the brain.
  • Macular edema – Swelling in the eye (retina).
How can you reduce swelling?

You can reduce mild swelling by applying cold compresses, elevating the affected area, using compression, staying hydrated, reducing salt intake, and resting. Persistent swelling may require medical treatment.

What are the first signs of swelling?

Early signs include puffiness, tight or shiny skin, a feeling of heaviness, mild discomfort, and a dent in the skin after pressing (pitting).

What are the dangers of swelling?

While mild swelling is usually harmless, severe or sudden swelling may signal serious conditions such as blood clots, infections, heart failure, kidney problems, or allergic reactions requiring urgent care.

Can kidney problems cause leg swelling?

Yes. Kidney issues can cause fluid retention because the kidneys are unable to remove excess fluid properly, leading to swelling—especially in the legs, ankles, and feet.

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