Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body
parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The
extra fluid can lead to a rapid increase in weight over a short
period of time (days to weeks). Swelling can occur all over the
body (generalized) or only in one part of the body (localized).
Slight swelling (edema) of the lower legs is common in warm
summer months, especially if a person has been standing or
walking a lot. General swelling, or massive edema (also called
anasarca), is a common sign in people who are very sick.
Although slight edema may be hard to detect, a large amount of
swelling is very obvious. Edema is described as pitting or non-
pitting. Pitting edema leaves a dent in the skin after you press
the area with a finger for about 5 seconds. The dent will slowly
fill back in. Non-pitting edema does not leave this type of dent
when pressing on the swollen area. Follow your doctor's
treatment recommendations. If you have long-term swelling, ask
your doctor about the options to