Search results
- Dictionaryswelling/ˈswɛlɪŋ/
noun
- 1. an abnormal enlargement of a part of the body, typically as a result of an accumulation of fluid: "painless swellings may appear in the lower abdomen"
adjective
- 1. becoming greater in intensity, number, amount, or volume: "the swelling ranks of Irish singer-songwriters"
Powered by Oxford Dictionaries
People also ask
What does swollen mean?
What is a swelling part of your body?
What is the medical term for swelling?
What causes swelling in the body?
The meaning of SWELLING is something that is swollen; specifically : an abnormal bodily protuberance or localized enlargement. How to use swelling in a sentence.
SWELLING definition: 1. a part of your body that has become bigger because of illness or injury: 2. a part of your body…. Learn more.
- Overview
- Symptoms of swelling
- What causes swelling?
- How is swelling diagnosed?
- How is swelling treated?
- How is swelling prevented?
What is swelling?
Swelling occurs whenever the organs, skin, or other parts of your body enlarge. It’s typically the result of inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Swelling can occur internally, or it can affect your outer skin and muscles.
A range of conditions can cause swelling. Insect bites, illnesses, or injuries often result in external swelling. Internal swelling is often a side effect of a medication or the result of a serious injury.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience rapid, unexplainable swelling, especially if you also experience unexplained weight gain and pain.
Sometimes, instances of slight swelling may go unnoticed. Swelling doesn’t always cause other symptoms.
For external swelling, the enlargement of skin or muscles is usually visible. However, other signs of swelling include the buildup of fluid in the affected area. An imaging scan can show an enlarged organ, muscle, or bone. A scan can help diagnose internal swelling, which is harder to identify.
If your swelling was caused by an injury, sting, or disease, you might experience a wide range of symptoms. These include:
•itching
•vomiting
•flatulence
Inflammation in your bones, tissues, or muscles can result in external swelling. Cysts and tumors may also cause visible swelling. Although fluid retention is an internal condition, it may also cause external swelling.
The most common causes for external swelling include:
•insect bites
•a rash
•hives
•injury
Your doctor may do a variety of tests to diagnose your swelling and its cause. First, they will go over the symptoms you’re experiencing and perform a physical examination to check for tenderness in the affected area.
An imaging test, such as an ultrasound, can offer more information about the cause of the swelling. More specialized tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may also provide information on the cause of the swelling.
Imaging tests might reveal:
•blockages in your arteries and veins
•inflamed muscle or tissue
•bone fractures
Your treatment will depend on the cause of the swelling. If a tumor or abscess is causing the swelling, you may need surgery to remove it.
If the growth can’t be surgically removed because of its size or location, your doctor may order an aggressive treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to shrink it.
Your doctor might also prescribe medication to relieve inflammation or swelling. Over-the-counter antihistamines can relieve itching and swelling caused by rashes or hives.
Topical steroid medication may also be useful in easing skin inflammation. Consult with your doctor if these medications don’t help. They may be able to prescribe a stronger antihistamine.
If a chronic illness is causing external or internal swelling, you may be able to prevent further swelling by properly managing your illness or by taking medications to treat it. Medication is also used when you have internal swelling as a result of inflammation.
Your doctor may also suggest lifestyle changes to prevent internal swelling. Some at-home measures you can take include:
•avoiding salt
•wearing support hose
Jul 13, 2020 · Swelling occurs when a part of the body increases in size, typically as a result of injury, inflammation, or fluid retention. The medical term for swelling is edema. It can occur in the skin ...
Find out about swelling in the ankles, feet and legs (oedema), including what it looks like, common causes and what to do about it.
Jan 3, 2023 · Clinically known as edema, swelling is when fluid collects in bodily tissues. It often occurs in the feet, ankles, or legs, though it can affect any body part. Swelling is a common issue that varies in severity. Mild cases typically arise due to standing for a long time or minor injury.
noun. the act of a person or thing that swells. the condition of being or becoming swollen. swollen. a swollen swollen part; a protuberance or prominence. Pathology. an abnormal enlargement or protuberance, as that resulting from edema. swelling.
