Anasarca is the medical term used for describing general swelling of body. It is the collection of fluid in the cellular spaces of the body leading to massive swelling. This condition is totally different from slight swelling of body in specific parts like feet etc. Patients with heart failure or kidney failure may experience anasarca or massive swelling of the body. This is a severe illness and the affected patient needs immediate medical care. Unusual swelling can be the result of liver cirrhosis or temporary renal failure also.
Anasarca is not a disease but it represents the medical condition of generalized swelling or edema of the body. Gross swelling becomes evident in the body and several organs may be affected due to edema. Several types of diseases like cardiovascular and kidney problems may cause anasarca. At this stage, there would be effusion of fluid in the skin tissues. Anasarca can also be the outcome of increased retention of salt and water by the body. It is a chronic condition that requires long term care and treatment.
Symptoms :
The major symptom of anasarca is swelling of body and effusion of fluid beneath the skin all over the body. Some of the symptoms may vary depending on the root cause of the problem. For people with kidney problems there will be additional symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal cramps, reduced urine output, extreme tiredness, and swelling of feet and shortness of breath. For people who have chronic heart failure in addition to anasarca, there may be symptoms like shortness of breath, decreased appetite, body weakness and not getting quality sleep.
Causes :