Anasarca (Generalized Body Swelling): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Anasarca is a medical condition characterized by severe, generalized swelling of the entire body due to excessive fluid accumulation in the tissues. Unlike localized edema, anasarca affects multiple body parts simultaneously and usually indicates an underlying systemic disease.
What Is Anasarca?
Anasarca refers to extreme and widespread edema caused by fluid leakage from blood vessels into surrounding tissues. It is commonly associated with heart failure, kidney disease, liver disorders, and severe protein deficiency. The condition often reflects advanced disease and requires urgent medical evaluation.
Causes of Anasarca
- Heart Failure: Reduced cardiac output leads to fluid retention in tissues.
- Kidney Disease: Impaired filtration causes sodium and water accumulation.
- Liver Cirrhosis: Low albumin levels reduce plasma oncotic pressure.
- Severe Malnutrition: Protein deficiency (hypoalbuminemia).
- Sepsis: Increased capillary permeability.
- Pregnancy-related complications: Such as preeclampsia.
- Adverse drug reactions: Especially corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs.
Common Symptoms
- Swelling of legs, arms, face, and abdomen
- Rapid weight gain due to fluid retention
- Shiny or stretched skin
- Difficulty breathing (if lungs are involved)
- Reduced urine output
- Fatigue and weakness
How Anasarca Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis focuses on identifying the underlying cause. Common investigations include:
- Blood tests (albumin, kidney & liver function tests)
- Urine analysis
- Chest X-ray
- Ultrasound or CT scan
- Echocardiography (for cardiac causes)
Treatment Options
Management of anasarca primarily involves treating the underlying disease:
- Diuretics: To remove excess fluid
- Salt restriction: To prevent further fluid retention
- Albumin infusion: In severe hypoalbuminemia
- Heart failure management: ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers
- Dialysis: In advanced kidney failure
Prevention & Lifestyle Measures
- Early treatment of heart, kidney, and liver diseases
- Adequate protein intake
- Limit salt consumption
- Regular medical checkups
- Avoid self-medication
When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if swelling is sudden, severe, or accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or reduced urine output.
Related Internal Resources
- Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (HFrEF)
- Spinal Cord Compression
- Syringomyelia
- HMPV Virus Infection
Trusted External References
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is anasarca life-threatening?
Anasarca itself is not a disease but a sign of severe underlying illness. If untreated, it can become life-threatening.
Can anasarca be cured?
Yes, if the underlying cause is identified early and treated appropriately.
What is the difference between edema and anasarca?
Edema is localized swelling, while anasarca refers to widespread, generalized swelling of the body.
Does anasarca always indicate kidney disease?
No. It can also result from heart failure, liver disease, malnutrition, or systemic infections.