Anasarca is the clinical term used to describe the overall swelling of the entire body, usually due to abnormal liquid retention in the tissues. Anasarca differs from other conditions that cause swelling; with these, the swelling would most likely be isolated to a specific region or part of the body.
It may also be called massive Edema or generalized Edema. The term Edema implies swelling. When Anasarca is present, it’s usually an indication of a significant sickness or infection in the body, meaning that it’s not to be taken lightly.
Everyone happening swelling in their bodies from time to time. It can occur due to:
- Monthly cycle
- Pregnancy
- Medication
- Diet
- Lack of hydration
- Overhydration
- Injury
Source: Wikipedia
Another Underlying Clinical Condition
This type of swelling is called Edema. It regularly affects the hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs; however, it can happen in any part of the body.
In some cases, Edema can be severe and affect the entire body. When that occurs, the skin and its underlying tissues will retain rock salt and water, causing swelling everywhere on the body. This state is called Anasarca, also known as extreme generalized Edema.
Table of Contents
1. What is the Difference Between Edema and Anasarca?
Most cases of Edema influence 1 or 2 areas of the body (for example, one or both lower extremities). Anasarca affects the entire body and is more extreme than regular Edema. With Anasarca, a whole individual body — from their head to their feet — will appear exceptionally swollen.
2. What Are the Symptoms of Anasarca?
Symptoms include are:
- Skin that will appear a dimple after you hold down a finger onto it for a few seconds
- High or low blood pressure
- Slow or quick heart pulse rate
- Failing organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys
3. What are the Causes of Anasarca?
The most common causes of Anasarca include:
Excess administration of intravenous liquids: Intravenous fluids are regularly controlled in the hospital to treat few conditions, such as shock, lack of hydration, and infection. But if the body cannot adjust to the fluids given, it can lead to extreme Edema.
Kidney infection: When kidney work is impaired, fluid is not eliminated from the body satisfactorily, which can cause Anasarca.
Cirrhosis: Cirrhosis can happen due to liver failure. Liver infection can cause changes in the hormones that affect liquid regulation in the body. When the liver doesn’t function as efficiently as it should, it can cause fluid to leak into the tissues.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition, specifically protein deficiency in the eating diet, can cause the liquid to accumulate in the tissues. In extraordinary cases, it can lead to Anasarca.
Low artwork: When the heart muscle doesn’t work accurately, it affects how well the heart pumps blood throughout the body. If the heart is not pumping effectively, it can cause fluid to develop in the tissues.
Allergic reaction: Swelling of the body can happen due to an allergic reaction. In severe reactions, Anasarca can develop.
There are quite a few illnesses or conditions that specifically cause Anasarca. The following list includes many of these causes; however, it is not exhaustive:
- Congestive (chronic) cardiovascular failure
- Eclampsia or pre-eclampsia
- Hookworm
- Liver failure because of cirrhosis
- Kidney illness or kidney failure
- POEMS syndrome
- Extraordinary malnutrition
- Extraordinary protein deficiency
- Systemic amyloidosis (abnormal protein development in the organs)
- Systemic capillary leak syndrome (otherwise called Clarkson syndrome)
4. How is it Diagnosed?
If you have some of the indications of Anasarca, you should schedule plan an appointment with your doctor. They will initially perform a physical examination and ask about your clinical history. The objective of the meeting is to determine what underlying condition is causing your Anasarca. To do this, your medical practitioner will run a variety of tests. These may include:
- A blood check series to check heart work condition, liver function, kidney function, and hemoglobin levels
- A CT scan to see at your chest cavity (heart, lungs, and related anatomy)
- A heart ultrasound called an echocardiogram
- A stress test to check heart working condition
- Allergy tests
5. Treatment of Anasarca
It is necessary to find out what is causing it to treat it correctly. For example, if kidney illness is causing it, treatment is needed to help kidney function.
Also, specialists often recommend medications to treat severe swelling.
a. Diuretics
Doctors regularly endorse drugs called diuretics. Diuretics work by helping the kidneys discharge more salt into the urine, which causes more liquid through urination.
The two main types of diuretics recommended for Anasarca include potassium-sparing and loop diuretics. Diuretics are either taken by mouth opening or given through an intravenous line (IV).
The choice of diuretic, the quantity, and the route of administration vary according to the severity of the swelling and the absolute position causing Anasarca.
b. Albumin
Albumin is a protein made by anatomy. That is essential for a variety of crucial functions, including balancing fluid. In cases of poor nutrition and certain severe medical conditions, albumin can become too low.
When this happens, fluid from the bloodstream is pushed out into the tissues causing swelling. In some cases, put back albumin can help correct this problem.
c. Recovery
A specialist may recommend different home treatments to speed recovery. Observing fluid and salt intake is essential to prevent any swelling from getting worse. RockSalt can increase fluid retention, which is why individuals who have severe Edema need to reduce their salt intake.
6. Home Treatments For Anasarca
The following home-care tips may also momentum the treatment of your Anasarca:
Keep moving: Exercise can help pump extra fluid back to your heart. Yet if you have heart issues, be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning a workout regimen.
Massage: Gently massaging your tissue in the direction of your heart may help decrease swelling.
Reduce salt intake: Decreasing the amount of rock salt you eat can sometimes reduce swelling related to Anasarca.
