Why Does My Body Become Swollen?

For different individuals, the causes of body edema may vary. However, if the duration of body edema is relatively short, it generally does not cause significant harm to the body. On the other hand, if the edema persists for a longer period, it may indicate potential organ diseases that require attention. So, what factors are related to unexplained body edema? Here are some potential causes:

Various kidney diseases, such as acute glomerulonephritis and chronic glomerulonephritis, can lead to body edema. This type of edema often starts in loose tissues such as the face, eyelids, and ankles, and is more pronounced in the morning. It may decrease after physical activity and later spread to the entire body. Renal edema is characterized by soft and movable tissue, with indentation when pressed with a finger. It is clinically known as pitting edema. Patients with renal edema may also experience symptoms such as proteinuria, hypertension, and tubular urine.

Various heart diseases, including pulmonary heart disease, congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, and pericardial diseases, can lead to generalized edema when right heart failure occurs. Cardiac edema is caused by dysfunction in the heart's contraction and relaxation. It often starts in the lower limbs, and bedridden patients may develop obvious pitting edema in low-lying areas such as the waist and back. Severe cases may affect the entire body. Edema in the lower limbs usually appears in the afternoon, gradually worsens, and may or disappear after rest at night. Severe edema may lead to ascites or pleural effusion, with limited mobility and a firm consistency.

Hepatic edema often occurs in patients with cirrhosis, severe hepatitis, and advanced liver cancer. It is caused by liver dysfunction and a decreased ability of the liver to synthesize plasma proteins. Hepatic edema mainly manifests as ascites, which may initially appear in the ankles and gradually spread upward, while the upper limbs, head, and face are usually unaffected. Patients often have symptoms such as hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, jaundice, and other signs of portal hypertension.

Malnutrition-related edema is often caused by various chronic consumptive diseases and protein-losing gastroenteropathies. Edema usually starts in the feet and spreads to the entire body. Prior to the appearance of edema, patients may experience symptoms such as muscle relaxation, anemia, pale skin, and lack of energy.