What it means
A part of the body that has become bigger than normal. It can come from fluid building up in the tissues (edemaih-DEE-muhSwelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.Full entry ), bleeding under the skin, inflammation from injury or infection, or a growth. It may affect one spot, such as a sprained ankle, or a wide area, such as both legs.
For the nurse
Describe where it is, its size, whether it leaves a dent when pressed, and whether it is warm, red or painful. Compare with the other side. Sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat can block the airway and needs help at once.
At a glance
| Spanish | hinchazón |
|---|---|
| Also written | swellings, swollen |
Related terms
edema
Swelling caused by extra fluid trapped in the body's tissues.
inflammation
The body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.
hematoma
A collection of blood, often clotted, that has leaked out of the blood vessels into the tissue.