View source for Swelling (medical)

{{SignSymptom infobox |
  Name        = Swelling |
  Image = MyParonychia.jpg |
  Caption = Left and right [[ring finger]]s of the same individual.  The [[distal phalanx]] of the finger on the right exhibits swelling due to [[acute paronychia]]. |
  ICD10       =  {{ICD10|R|22||r|20}}  |
  ICD9        = {{ICD9|782.2}}, {{ICD9|784.2}}, {{ICD9|786.6}}, {{ICD9|789.3}} |
}}
In [[medicine|medical parlance]], '''swelling''' is the transient<ref>{{DorlandsDict|eight/000103391|swelling}}</ref> enlargement or protuberance in the body and may include tumors. According to cause, it may be congenital, traumatic, inflammatory, neoplastic or miscellaneous.

It can occur throughout the body (generalized), or a specific part or organ can be affected (localized). Swelling is considered one of the five characteristics of [[inflammation]]; along with pain, heat, redness, and loss of function. 

In a general sense, the suffix "-megaly" is used to indicate a growth, as in [[hepatomegaly]], [[acromegaly]], and [[splenomegaly]].

A body part may swell in response to [[injury]], [[infection]], or [[disease]], as well as because of an underlying lump. Swelling — especially swelling of the [[ankle]] can also occur if the body is not circulating fluid well.

Generalized swelling, or massive edema (also called [[anasarca]]), is a common sign in severely ill people. Although slight edema may be difficult to detect to the untrained eye, especially in an overweight person, massive edema is very obvious.

==Causes==
The following medical conditions are some of the possible causes of swelling symptoms:

'''General possible causes of localized swelling:'''
{| border="0"
| valign="top" |
* [[Injury]]
* [[Infection]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Skin swelling]]
* [[Dependent edema]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Lymphatic obstruction]]
* [[Venous thrombosis]]
|}

'''Some possible causes of skin swelling include:'''
{| border="0"
| valign="top" |
* [[Skin trauma]]
* [[Skin infection]]
* [[Cellulitis]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Contact dermatitis]]
* [[Eczema]]
* [[Hives]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Allergic reaction]]
* [[Insect bite]]
* [[Insect sting]]
|}

'''Causes of generalized swelling:'''
{| border="0"
| valign="top" |
* [[Edema]]
* [[Premenstrual syndrome]]
* [[Pregnancy]]
* [[Preeclampsia]]
* [[Heart failure]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Congestive heart failure]]
* [[Kidney conditions]]
* [[Nephritis]]
* [[Glomerulonephritis]]
* [[Nephrotic syndrome]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Kidney failure]]
* [[Liver condition]]
* [[Cirrhosis of the liver]]
* [[Chronic hepatitis]]
* [[Varicose veins]]
* [[Lymphedema]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Lymphatic obstruction]]
* [[Filariasis]]
* [[Protein deficiency]]
* [[Thyroid condition]]
* [[Malabsorption]]
* [[Celiac disease]]
| valign="top" |
* [[Ulcerative colitis]]
* [[Malnutrition]]
* [[Beri-beri]]
* [[Certain medications]]
* Excessive [[IV therapy]]
|}

'''Some possible causes of a swollen limb include:'''
{| border="0"
| valign="top" |
* Venous [[thrombosis]]
* [[Sunburn]]
* [[Lymphatic]] obstruction
| valign="top" |
* [[Allergic]] reaction
* [[Cancer]]
|}

== Treatment ==
While it's possible for mild swelling to go away on its own, several things can be done to relieve the symptoms or hasten the process. The ''[[RICE (medicine)|HI-RICE]]'' first aid method of rest and protecting the affected area has long been taught as a short term solution. The application of oxygen is known to assist in the reduction of swelling.

==See also==
*[[Edema]] 
**[[Causes of edema]]
*[[Carpometacarpal bossing]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{wiktionary|Swelling}}
* [http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003103.htm NIH/Medline]
* [http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/003103.htm University of Maryland]

{{Skin and subcutaneous tissue symptoms and signs}}

[[Category:Medical signs]]

[[ay:P'usu]]
[[ca:Turgència]]
[[es:Turgencia]]
[[fa:تورژسانس]]
[[fr:Turgescence]]
[[id:Pembengkakan]]
[[it:Gonfiore]]
[[pt:Turgidez]]
[[ro:Turgescenţă]]
[[sv:Svullnad]]
[[yi:געשווילאכץ]]
[[Category:2Fix]]