Swelling
Swelling is the enlargement of organs caused by accumulation of excess fluid in tissues, called edema. It can occur throughout the body (generalized), or a specific part or organ can be affected (localized). Swelling is considered one of the five characteristics of inflammation; along with pain, heat, redness, and loss of function. A body part may swell in response to injury, infection, or disease, as well as because of an underlying lump, or tumor in the case of brain disease. Generalized swelling, or massive edema (also called anasarca), is a common sign in severely ill people. Although slight edema may be difficult to detect to the untrained eye, especially in an overweight person, massive edema is very obvious. Brain edema is often treated with steroids, particularly Decadron. A newer drug, Xerecpt, is being tested. Some brain tumor patients use boswellia, a supplement, with some success. Severe brain edema is a serious condition that should be adequately controlled/treated.