Swelling, also known as edema, can be a sign of something serious. It presents itself as swollen skin, organs, or extremities. Swelling usually occurs when there is inflammation of a buildup of fluid in the body.
While edema is often the result of injuries or bites, it can also be a sign of lots of conditions. So, it’s essential to know the possible culprits and seek medical attention if it’s persistent. Here are some common but weird reasons for swelling you might not know about:
1. Improper skincare routine
Cleaning your face in the wrong way can result in swelling in your face. Sometimes, facial swelling could be provoked by being too rough on the skin, whether from using a loofah, harsh cleansers, or astringents. To fix the problem, you need to use a gentle facial cleanser, wash it with your hands (not a washcloth or scrubbing device), and avoid touching your face during the day.
2. Untreated dental problems
Remember that delaying your dental visits is a bad idea. Swelling in the lower face, especially if it’s on one side, could be a sign of dental abscesses. So never let a cavity go untreated. Your dental appointments aren’t just about cleanings and X-rays. Dental specialists often check for a wide range of health problems, from issues that can make your face swell to serious health problems like oral cancer.
3. Standing for long periods of time
Standing for long periods of time or walking around more than usual could be a culprit of swollen legs. This could occur when you stand for hours on end and might be exacerbated by vein weakness and varicose veins. If you suspect you have any of these problems, talk to a vein specialist. Fluid buildup in the legs can also be provoked by inactivity or being overweight.
4. Frequent consumption of foods containing artificial sweeteners
According to a study in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, two or more servings of dietary soda (that contains artificial sweeteners) a day can contribute to up to a 30 percent decrease in kidney function.
With poor kidney function, there’s less fluid in your blood vessels than usual. So, your body becomes more prone to swelling. Your best bet is to limit your consumption of foods and beverages that contain saccharin, aspartame, or sucralose. Diet soda can also slow your metabolism.
5. High-sodium diet
Consuming too much salt and monosodium glutamate can trigger body swelling. Regardless of swelling, it’s wise to limit your consumption of foods with a high salt and MSG content. Adults should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium daily. Ideally, it’s recommended to consume barely 1,500 mg per day. Reduce your intake of pre-packaged and processed foods which are loaded with sodium.
6. Heart issues
In some cases, swelling can be an emergency symptom. Swelling that’s accompanied by fatigue and shortness of breath, could be the result of heart failure. But there are lots of other explanations for edema. So, if you have persistent swelling, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider.
7. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can contribute to swelling due to fluid retention. Medications designed to treat high blood pressure and diabetes can also lead to fluid retention. The same goes for antidepressants.
8. Insulin resistance
If you have insulin resistance, which is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes, you might develop body swelling. Insulin resistance makes the body retain sodium which in turn results in edema. If you experience insulin resistance, now’s the time to get regular exercise, maintain healthy blood pressure, reduce stress levels, and get a full night’s sleep.
9. Some dangerous conditions
In some cases, your edema might stem from something more serious. A red flag symptom is one-sided swelling. Swelling in a single extremity might be an indication of a skin infection or even a blood clot. Swelling in one leg could be a signal of prostate cancer. It could also be triggered by DVT (deep vein thrombosis), which is a medical emergency.
