What is swelling?

Swelling happens when fluid collects in small spaces around tissues and organs inside the body. Another word for swelling is “edema.” Some common parts of the body where people can have swelling are the:

• Lower legs or hands
• Belly
• Chest – Swelling can occur in the lungs or in the space around the lungs.

Swelling in the legs, hands, and belly can be uncomfortable and can be a symptom of a more serious condition. Swelling in the lungs can be life-threatening, because it is usually a symptom of a serious heart problem.

What are the symptoms of swelling?

Symptoms of swelling can include:

• Puffiness of the skin, which can cause the skin to look stretched and shiny – This often occurs with swelling in the lower legs or lower back, and can be worse after people sit or stand for a long time (figure 1).
• Increase in belly size (with swelling of the belly)
• Trouble breathing (with swelling in the chest)

What are the causes of swelling?

Different conditions can cause swelling. Some of these include:

• Problems with veins (blood vessels) in the legs – Normally, veins carry blood from the body back to the heart. But if valves in the veins do not work well, the veins cannot pump enough blood back to the heart. This can cause swelling in the lower legs.
• Blood clots – People who have a blood clot blocking a leg vein can have swelling in the feet or ankles.
• Pregnancy – Pregnant people can have swelling in the hands, feet, or face.
• Monthly periods – People can have swelling in different parts of their body before they get their period.
• Medicines – Swelling can be a side effect of some medicines, such as medicines for diabetes, high blood pressure, or pain.
• Kidney problems – People who have certain kidney problems can have swelling in the lower legs or around the eyes.
• Heart failure – Heart failure is a type of heart problem in which the heart cannot pump normally. People with heart failure can have swelling in the legs, belly, or lungs.
• Liver problems – People who have certain liver problems can have swelling in the belly or lower legs.
• Travel – People who sit for a long time when traveling can have swelling in the lower legs.

When should I call my doctor or nurse?

Call your doctor or nurse if you have new swelling:

• In 1 or both of your legs
• In your hands
• In your belly
• Around your eyes

You should also call your doctor or nurse if you travel and sit for a long time, and then have leg pain or swelling that does not go away after a few days.

How is swelling treated?

Doctors can treat swelling in different ways, depending on the cause. Treatment can include 1 or more of the following:

• Treatment for the medical condition that is causing the swelling
• Diet changes to reduce the amount of salt in the food that you eat
• Medicines to help your body get rid of extra fluid
• Special socks called “compression stockings” – These fit tightly over the ankle and leg, and can reduce leg swelling. If your doctor or nurse recommends that you wear them, they will tell you which type to wear and how to put them on (figure 2 and figure 3 and table 1).
• Raising the legs up – Some people can reduce swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet by raising their legs up 3 or 4 times a day for 30 minutes each time. The legs need to be raised above the level of the heart.

Not all types of swelling need treatment. For example, swelling that occurs during pregnancy or before monthly periods usually does not need treatment.

How can I help prevent leg swelling when I travel on long flights?

To help prevent leg swelling on flights that are longer than 6 to 8 hours:

• Stand up and walk around every hour or 2.
• Do not smoke before traveling.
• Wear loose-fitting and comfortable clothes.
• Ask if you can sit in the bulkhead or emergency exit row.
• Point and flex your feet, and bend your knees from time to time.
• Drink plenty of fluids, and do not drink alcohol.
• Do not take medicines such as sleeping pills that can prevent you from getting up and moving around.