Submitted and Compiled by: Fairlean T.

Bajarias BSPT-3A

DIFFERENTIATION CHART
EDEMA EFFUSION SWELLING INFLAMMATION

An abnormal collection of fluid Excessive fluid accumulation within a cavity. Sometimes there is within the interstitial space of the a little fluid within some of these body. Edema may be localized, cavities that is considered to be Definition affecting only one organ or area of normal and is mainly for lubrication the body or it can be generalized or proection. It is more likely to be where it affects many areas or the present within double layered sacs whole body simultaneously. like the pericardium (heart), pleura (lungs) and peritoneum (abdomen).

Enlargement of a body part or organ beyond it normal size and usually causing a distortion of the shape and structure of the affected area.

An acute (short term) response by living tissue to any injury. It is usually followed by repair and regeneration after the injury, provided that the tissue was not severe enough to cause cell death (necrosis).

Causes

Physical can be Fluid - usually mechanical as in a car Inflammation of the lining of the Increased hydrostatic pressure lymphatic/interstitial fluid, accident injury or assault or respective cavities pus or blood environmental like severe cold and heat (burns). Infections at the site & other inflammatory diseases Gas - usually occurs is cavities like the gut. Often referred to as gas bloating. Chemical acid burns, drugs, venom.

Reduced osmotic pressure

Fluid retention

Trauma

Mass - tumor or growth Infection bacteria, can affect any area within or viruses, fungi and other on the surface of the body parasites and is not a true swelling.

 Increased vascular permeability

Radiation Therapy & Chemotherapy

In most cases, swelling refers to fluid accumulation although the terms swelling and swollen may be used for enlargement due to any cause.

Ischemia lack of or restricted blood supply which may eventually lead to death of tissue (necrosis) known as an infarct. Immune autoimmune conditions and allergies.

Lymphatic obstruction

Certain medication Congestive heart failure Kidney failure Liver disease However, specific causes of an effusion for individual sites may differ

Types

1.) Pitting edema is the swelling of a body part where an indentation will persist after pressure is applied to the area. This indentation will slowly disappear over time. (MC)

1.) Transudates occur with a disturbance between the hydrostatic pressure or colloid osmotic pressure allowing fluid from the blood vessels to seep out or fluid from the tissue spaces to be pushed out into a cavity. It is not associated with inflammation.

1.) Congenital swellings are present since birth( e.g., hemangioma, meningocele). Some congenital swellings 1.) Acute may not appear since birth, but later in life (e.g., branchial cyst) 2.) Traumatic swellings develop immediately after trauma, (e.g., hematoma, dislocation.). 3.) Inflammatory swelling: It may be either acute or chronic variety.

2.) Non-pitting edema is where 2.) Exudates on the other hand arise there is swelling of a body part more commonly with inflammatory with no indentation upon applying conditions. pressure.

2.) Chronic

Signs and Swelling or puffiness of the Symptoms tissue directly under your skin Stretched or shiny skin

Pain Swelling

Fever Redness Pain Loss of function

Pain Heat Redness Swelling Loss of function

Skin that retains a dimple after Loss of function being pressed for several seconds Increased abdominal size

While it is possible for mild swelling to go away on its own, several things can be Mild edema usually goes away on done to relieve the its own, particularly if you help symptoms or hasten the things along by raising the The treatment is directed at the process. The RICE first aid affected limb higher than your cause of the effusion. This may be a method of rest and heart. More severe edema may be combination of medication and protecting the affected area treated with drugs that help your drainage depending on the severity Treatment has long been taught as a body expel excess fluid in the of the fluid accumulation. Other short term solution. The form of urine. One of the most types of surgery may also be application of oxygen is common diuretics is furosemide indicated depending on the site, known to assist in the (Lasix). Long-term management cause and degree of tissue damage. reduction of swelling. An typically focuses on treating the effective option for extrinsic underlying cause of the swelling. treatment of swelling and it's reduction is Kinesio Tape (KT).

NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs), Corticosteroids, AntiHistamines, Cold and Hot Therapy which is advised and prescribed by the Physician