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EDEMA EFFUSION SWELLING INFLAMMATION

Definition

Excessive fluid accumulation

within the interstitial space of the

body. Edema may be localized,

affecting only one organ or area of

the body or it can be generalized

where it affects many areas or thewhole body simultaneously.

An abnormal collection of fluid

within a cavity. Sometimes there is

a little fluid within some of these

cavities that is considered to be

normal and is mainly for lubrication

or proection. It is more likely to be

present within double layered sacslike the pericardium (heart), pleura

(lungs) and peritoneum (abdomen).

Enlargement of a body part

or organ beyond it normal

size and usually causing a

distortion of the shape and

structure of the affected

area.

Anacute(short term)

response by living tissue to

any injury. It is usually

followed by repair and

regeneration after the injury,

provided that the tissue was

not severe enough to cause

cell death (necrosis).

Causes Increased hydrostatic pressure Inflammation of the lining of the

respective cavities

Fluid - usually

lymphatic/interstitial fluid,

pus or blood

Physical can be

mechanical as in a car

accident injury or assault or

environmental like severe

cold and heat (burns).

Reduced osmotic pressure Infections at the site & other

inflammatory diseases

Gas - usually occurs is

cavities like the gut. Often

referred to as gas bloating.

Chemical acid burns,

drugs, venom.

Fluid retention Trauma

Mass - tumor or growth

can affect any area within or

on the surface of the body

and is not a true swelling.

Infection bacteria,

viruses, fungi and other

parasites

Submitted and Compiled by: Fairlean T. Bajarias BSPT-3A

DIFFERENTIATION CHART

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Increased vascular permeability Radiation Therapy &

Chemotherapy

In most cases, swelling

refers to fluid accumulation

although the terms

swelling and swollen may

be used for enlargement

due to any cause.

Ischemia lack of or

restricted blood supply

which may eventually lead

to death of t issue (necrosis)

known as an infarct.

Lymphatic obstruction Certain medication Immune autoimmune

conditions and allergies.

Congestive heart failure

Kidney failure

Liver disease

However, specific causes of an

effusion for individual sites may

differ

Types

1.) Pitting edema is the swelling of

a body part where an indentation

will persist after pressure is

applied to the area. This

indentation will slowly disappear

over time. (MC)

1.) Transudates occur with a

disturbance between the

hydrostatic pressure or colloid

osmotic pressure allowing fluid

from the blood vessels to seep out

or fluid from the tissue spaces to be

pushed out into a cavity. It is not

associated with inflammation.

1.) Congenital swellings are

present since birth( e.g.,

hemangioma, meningocele).

Some congenital swellings

may not appear since birth,

but later in life (e.g.,

branchial cyst)

1.) Acute

2.) Non-pitting edema is where

there is swelling of a body part

with no indentation upon applying

pressure.

2.) Exudates on the other hand arise

more commonly with inflammatory

conditions.

2.) Traumatic swellings

develop immediately after

trauma, (e.g., hematoma,

dislocation.).

2.) Chronic

3.) Inflammatory swelling: It

may be either acute or

chronic variety.

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Signs and

Symptoms

Swelling or puffiness of the

tissue directly under your skin Pain Fever Pain

Stretched or shiny skin Swelling Redness Heat

Skin that retains a dimple after

being pressed for several seconds Loss of function Pain Redness

Increased abdominal size Loss of function Swelling

Loss of function

Treatment

Mild edema usually goes away on

its own, particularly if you help

things along by raising theaffected limb higher than your

heart. More severe edema may be

treated with drugs that help your

body expel excess fluid in the

form of urine. One of the most

common diuretics is furosemide

(Lasix). Long-term management

typically focuses on treating the

underlying cause of the swelling.

The treatment is directed at thecause of the effusion. This may be a

combination of medication and

drainage depending on the severity

of the fluid accumulation. Other

types of surgery may also be

indicated depending on the site,

cause and degree of tissue damage.

While it is possible for mild

swelling to go away on its

own, several things can be

done to relieve the

symptoms or hasten the

process. TheRICEfirst aidmethod 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. An

effective option for extrinsic

treatment of swelling and

it's reduction is Kinesio Tape

(KT).

NSAIDs (Non-SteroidalAntiinflammatory Drugs),

Corticosteroids, Anti-

Histamines, Cold and Hot

Therapy which is advised

and prescribed by the

Physician