What anasarca looks like?

Anasarca affects the whole body and is more extreme than regular edema. With anasarca, a person’s whole body — from their head to their feet — will appear very swollen. Symptoms of anasarca include: skin that will show a dimple after you press a finger onto it for several seconds.

What is the cause of anasarca?

The most common causes of anasarca seen by the clinician are heart failure, cirrhosis, renal failure, and pregnancy. Other causes of anasarca are venous obstruction, burns, trauma, malignancy etc.

How would you describe anasarca?

Anasarca is general swelling of the whole body that can occur when the tissues of the body retain too much fluid. The condition is also known as extreme generalized edema.

How do you reduce anasarca?

Treatment of Anasarca

1. Limit salt intake to reduce the swelling associated with anasarca.
2. Gently massage your body in the direction of the heart.
3. Exercise to pump out excess fluid, back to the heart. Talk to your doctor first if you have a heart problem.
4. Increase your protein and fiber intake.

Where does anasarca occur in the human body?

It is the pulling force that keeps the fluid inside the blood vessels. A low osmotic pressure could result to fluid leak out of the interstitium causing edema. You will experience generalized edema or swelling of the body. Anasarca is usually in the form of pitting edema. The swelling starts in the lower extremities, especially the ankles and feet.

What kind of swelling does anasarca look like?

Anasarca is usually in the form of pitting edema. The swelling starts in the lower extremities, especially the ankles and feet. Periorbital edema (swelling around the eyes) is also visible. (4, 5) Anasarca is common in people with diabetes mellitus.

When does anasarca occur in a neonate patient?

Anasarca happens when the body retains a large quantity of fluid for a long period of time. (2, 3, 4) Image 2: A severe form of anasarca in a neonate patient. Picture 3: A comparison image of a normal foot and a foot with severe swelling (anasarca).

Are there any other names for anasarca disease?

Other names for anasarca are generalized edema, massive edema, and dropsy. Anasarca shouldn’t be taken lightly as it is an indicator of a serious health condition.