Swelling throughout the body due to fluid buildup in tissues, often caused by a heart, liver or kidney condition and linked to low blood protein levels.

Elevate the affected body parts. Do repetitive movements every hour while awake, such as pointing and flexing the ankles or wrists. Try deep belly breathing.

See a healthcare professional right away for swelling that:

• Comes on fast.
• Causes pain in the swollen areas.
• Leads to fluid leaking through the skin.
• Occurs with trouble breathing, raspy breaths, fever, bloody cough or vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes.
• Is linked with tenderness in one leg.

See a healthcare professional if:

• The swelling does not go away or becomes worse.
• New symptoms develop with the swelling.
• Medicines may be causing the swelling or making it worse.