Clinical Features
What is Generalized Swelling?
Generalized swelling, also called anasarca, is the buildup of fluid throughout the body. It can affect the skin, organs, and extremities, and often signals serious conditions like heart failure, liver disease, or kidney dysfunction.
This page will walk you through the key symptoms, how to recognize them, and what they may indicate.
1. Pitting Edema
Pressing on the skin leaves a visible indentation.
Often found in the legs, feet, back, or sacral area.
Source: Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Edema: Swelling in legs and feet [Photograph]. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/edema/symptoms-causes/syc-20366493
4. Difficulty Breathing (Dyspnea)
Especially when lying down (orthopnea) if fluid builds up in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Common in heart or kidney failure.
2. Skin Changes
Skin appears tight and may feel cool or warm.
Can look glossy due to the buildup of fluid beneath it.
5. Abdominal Swelling (Ascites)
Fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Often seen with liver disease like cirrhosis.
Source: Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Ascites: Abdominal swelling due to fluid buildup [Photograph]. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14792-ascites
3. Rapid Weight Gain
Caused by fluid retention, not fat accumulation.
Weight can increase dramatically over a short period.
Source: Healthshots. (n.d.). Water retention causing sudden weight gain and swelling [Photograph]. Healthshots. https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/can-water-retention-lead-to-sudden-weight-gain/
6. Decreased Urine Output (Oliguria)
Kidneys struggle to eliminate excess fluid.
May signal kidney dysfunction or failure.