What Harvard Health Publishing And 3 Other Doctors Think: What Is Anasarca And How Can It Be Treated?
Generalized Body Swelling image
Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine
M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA
Anasarca refers to the accumulation of excess fluid throughout the tissues in the body leading to very significant weight gain. Anasarca is most often due to heart failure, very low levels of the protein albumin in the blood, cirrhosis or certain types of kidney disease. Diuretics (“water pills”) are almost always needed. But to control the excess fluid, the underlying condition causing the anasarca also needs to be addressed.
Answered by Dr. Marcella Abunahman Pereira
Specialization in Clinical Cardiology · 12 years of experience · Brazil
Anasarca is a generalized swelling in the body that occurs due to fluid buildup. It is caused by various health problems like heart, kidney or liver failure, cancer, allergic reaction, vitamin deficiency, among other causes. A diuretic is indicated to help eliminate the fluid but the effective treatment will depend on the underlying disease.
→ Learn more about generalized body swelling: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
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Answered by Dr. Ilya Aleksandrovskiy
M.D., MBA · 5 years of experience · USA
Diuretics are medications that doctors frequently prescribe. Diuretics function by assisting the kidneys in releasing more salt into the urine, causing urination to produce more fluid. Potassium-sparing diuretics and loop diuretics are the two major kinds of diuretics used to treat anasarca.
Answered by Dr. Alex T. Thomas
MD · 40 years of experience · USA
Severe instances of anasarca require diuretics that assist the body to excrete the extra fluid in the form of urine.
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