What causes swelling?

Swelling, or edema, is a common symptom caused by an accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues. It can be the result of several different factors ranging from pregnancy to infection to injury.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, increased levels of hormones and pressure on the blood vessels can lead to water retention and swelling in some women. Swelling is especially common during the third trimester when hormone levels are at their highest and the baby’s weight puts extra stress on your body.

Infection: Bacterial and viral infections are often accompanied by swelling as your body's immune system fights off invading organisms. The bacteria or virus release toxins that cause inflammation which leads to swelling of nearby tissues, particularly in areas such as joints or around eyes.

Medications: Certain medications such as steroids can also lead to swelling because they encourage your body to retain more salt and water than it normally would otherwise do so naturally. This excess water accumulates throughout your body resulting in swollen feet, ankles, hands etc., depending on one’s individual medical condition .

Allergies : Allergic reactions may lead to tissue inflammation which results in localized swelling, often near where contact with an allergen occurred (such as insect bites). In extreme cases known as anaphylaxis , symptoms may include widespread swelling throughout the entire body including face and throat closing up potentially leading to life-threatening situations if not treated quickly enough with epinephrine injections among other treatments .

 Injury : If you suffer an injury , whether due a fall , sporting incident or any other cause , this can affect circulation causing pooling of blood beneath injured areas resulting in heat , redness and sometimes visible sign like bruising - all linked together with mild-severe level of pain sensation followed even by temporary or permanent paralysis (depending upon severity) - ultimately leading towards swellings near affected parts eventually developing into localized hematoma/fematoma .