How does swelling happen

Tap Click to Join! I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Thank you for subscribing! Message and data rates may apply. Nutrition Video Recipe: Carrot Cake. A person should see a doctor if they sustain an injury while playing a sport, exercising, or doing other activities. The doctor can help determine the extent of the injury and provide treatment support.

If other symptoms — such as difficulty breathing, weight gain, or tiredness — accompany the swelling, a person should talk to a doctor as soon as possible. These could indicate an underlying condition that may be causing the swelling. People living with an underlying health condition, such as heart disease or kidney disease, should also talk to their doctor if they experience any new swelling.

Swelling is a common condition. Many people experience swelling for benign reasons, such as standing for too long or sustaining a minor injury. However, in some cases, swelling could be a side effect of a medication or a more serious underlying health condition. A person should talk to their doctor about what is causing their swelling and take steps to treat any underlying conditions.

Swelling can occur for a variety of reasons. For example, a person may have a bone broken, poor circulation, or an underlying health condition. Treatment and prevention should help alleviate symptoms of swelling, but a person needs to receive treatment for any underlying health conditions they have to prevent or reduce future swelling.

There are many explanations for why a person may have swollen feet. Some causes, such as a twisted or sprained ankle, are obvious. Others might be…. Edema, or water retention, occurs when fluid builds up in the tissues of the body.

Learn about edema here. You have to work very hard to breathe. You feel like you can't get enough air. You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly. Moderate trouble breathing means: It's hard to talk in full sentences. It's hard to breathe with activity. Mild trouble breathing means: You feel a little out of breath but can still talk. It's becoming hard to breathe with activity.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction anaphylaxis may include: The sudden appearance of raised, red areas hives all over the body. Rapid swelling of the throat, mouth, or tongue. Trouble breathing. Passing out losing consciousness.

Or you may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless. Seek Care Today Based on your answers, you may need care soon. Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.

If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today. If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning. If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner. Make an Appointment Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care. Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks. If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.

If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. Seek Care Now Based on your answers, you may need care right away. Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.

If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour. You do not need to call an ambulance unless: You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you. You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down. Call Now Based on your answers, you need emergency care. Call or other emergency services now. Home Treatment Mild swelling will usually go away on its own. Home treatment may help relieve symptoms.

Mild swelling Rest and protect a sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and any time you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling. Avoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. Exercising the legs decreases the effect of gravity, so swelling goes down.

A low-sodium diet may help reduce swelling. Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent swelling caused by dehydration. Keep your skin cool in hot environments. Medicine you can buy without a prescription Try a nonprescription medicine to help treat your fever or pain: Acetaminophen , such as Tylenol or Panadol Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs : Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn Aspirin also a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug , such as Bayer or Bufferin Talk to your child's doctor before switching back and forth between doses of acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Safety tips Be sure to follow these safety tips when you use a nonprescription medicine: Carefully read and follow all directions on the medicine bottle and box. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not take a medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past. If you have been told to avoid a medicine, call your doctor before you take it.

If you are or could be pregnant, do not take any medicine other than acetaminophen unless your doctor has told you to.

Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless your doctor tells you to. Symptoms to watch for during home treatment Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment: Swelling increases or spreads. Other symptoms develop, such as pain, fever, trouble breathing, or decrease in urination. Symptoms become more severe or frequent. Prevention The following tips may help prevent swelling. Do not sit with your feet hanging down for long periods of time. Elevate your feet whenever possible.

If you take a car trip, stop and walk around every 1 to 2 hours. If you are traveling in an airplane, be sure to get up and walk around every 1 to 2 hours. Limit the amount of salt in your diet. Exercise regularly. Warm up and stretch before exercising. Swelling is any abnormal enlargement of a body part.

It is typically the result of inflammation or a buildup of fluid. Edema describes swelling in the tissue outside of the joint. Effusion describes swelling that is inside a joint, such as a swollen ankle or knee. Hemarthrosis is a condition where there is blood and swelling within a joint. This indicates either a ligament injury, such as an ACL tear or a fracture.

Hemarthrosis is determined by removing some fluid from the joint with a needle. Acute refers to swelling that occurs within 24 hours of injury. If the swelling occurs within the first 2 hours, it is probably associated with hemarthrosis and should be checked out by a physician. Chronic refers to swelling that occurs over a long period of time and can be difficult for an athlete to detect, but is very harmful if left untreated. The body always responds to an injury with a predictable inflammatory response, as the first step towards healing.

Redness, heat, swelling and pain are associated with this first stage.