What Causes Swelling?

Watching one of your body parts inflate to twice its normal size can be a bit disconcerting, especially if you have no idea why this transformation is taking place.

Most adults have had experience with some type of swelling in their lives, be it an injury or illness. This increase in size or change of shape can be caused by the building up of fluid, tissue growth and the movement of tissue.

Picture the scene: It’s a beautiful summer evening. The sun has all but disappeared and you and the family are enjoying the last of the items plucked from the grill and sipping on iced tea, lemonade and various flavored sodas. Nothing could be more perfect. Then it happens. A swarm of mosquitoes swoop down in search of a meal of their own and the perfect evening is no more.

Insect bites and stings often cause swelling. In addition to mosquitoes, ants (particularly fire ants) wasps, bees and many of the other six-legged creatures can leave quite a mark when they hit their target. If the person attacked is allergic, the swelling and skin irritation can be particularly bad.
Other causes of this condition include burns, overuse of a particular part of the body, internal injury and trauma. Disease can be a cause, especially when it affects an organ. Spending extended time in the same position, standing or sitting, can cause fluid buildup in the lower body and result in swelling in the lower legs, ankles and feet.

This expanded state is the body’s way of letting you know something is wrong, so if you don’t know the cause, be proactive and seek medical attention and a diagnosis. This way, at least you can catch it early if there is any serious cause for this condition.