Anasarca patient information

Overview

Anasarca is the presence of excess fluid in the interstitial space throughout the body.

What are the symptoms of Anasarca

The following questions should be asked to the patient regarding edema.

• Onset of the swelling: acute or chronic
• Timing of the day when the swelling is worst.
• Location of swelling. Whether it is unilateral or bilateral.
• Tenderness in the swelling.
• Change in color or blisters at the site of the swelling.
• The exacerbation of edema with changes in the position of the patient.
• Dependent edema occurs in venous insufficiency. It improves with the elevation of legs. The edema with reduced plasma oncotic pressure as underlying etiology is not improved by elevating the legs.
• Medication history.
• Medical history. Any coexisting heart, renal, or liver disease.

What causes Anasarca

• Exacerbation of congestive heart failure
• Exacerbation of chronic renal disease
• Hepatic cirrhosis
• Kwashiorkor disease
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Pregnancy
• Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis or urticaria)
• Adverse effects of medications (beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha-methyl dopa, corticosteroids, testosterone, estrogen, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine)

Who is at the Highest Risk

• Poorly controlled underlying systematic diseases.
• Severe malnutrion
• Exposure to allergens