Other symptoms of swelling
On the one hand, swelling can occur in isolation; this would be the case, for example, with oedema swelling that is not caused by inflammation. However, a swelling can also have some accompanying symptoms. Very often, pain and redness accompany the swelling.
The reason is that inflammatory cells are infiltrated into a certain area of the body by the immune system in order to eliminate pathogens that have entered the area. In order to ensure this as quickly as possible and to bring the blood to its destination quickly, the blood vessels in this area are dilated. More blood flows into the area and gives the already swollen area a reddish color.
Depending on where the swelling occurs on the body, it can also cause discomfort during exercise. For example, swelling of the eyelids can narrow the field of vision. Swelling caused by an allergic reaction is often accompanied by itching due to other immunological cells that have been infiltrated into the area.
This itching is caused by the body’s own substance histamine. In case of an allergic reaction, this substance is washed out many times over, which can lead to severe itching. In addition to the itching, a rash can also be caused by the allergy. In the case of strong allergic reactions, so-called anaphylactic reactions, there are also life-threatening general symptoms that can accompany swelling. These include a fast pulse rate, high blood pressure, sweating, restlessness and shortness of breath.
How do I recognize a swelling?
The swelling itself is a gaze diagnosis.However, in addition to the examination, the examiner will always palpate the conspicuous area to assess the consistency of the swelling. It is decisive for the clarification of the cause whether the swelling is firm, hard, soft, painful or shiftable and whether a dent remains after pressure. It is also always important for the investigation of the cause of the swelling to know where it is located.
Slight swellings of the ankles or ankles, which occur especially on warm days, do not need to be treated further without complaints. On the other hand, unilateral swelling of the legs must be clarified by an ultrasound examination (Doppler examination) with regard to a possible formation of thrombosis. Edema in the face should be examined with regard to a protein deficiency through the blood.
Rough hardenings in the armpit or groin area indicate a swelling of the lymph nodes, which can be normal in an infection and disappear within a few days. However, if the swelling remains, an ultrasound should be performed in this area to clarify the cause of the long-lasting lymph node swelling. All other suspicious swellings on the body can in principle also be diagnosed well by an ultrasound examination.
Fluid appears dark in the ultrasound image, whereas an interplay of light and dark areas is more likely to indicate tissue proliferation. Every diagnosis must of course be supported by a detailed patient survey. For example, the patient should be asked whether there are any allergies, how long the swelling has existed and whether he or she has had such complaints before.
