Are you swollen? [What about swelling? This is one of the most popular words in recent years. But what should we do when we really face it in our lives?
Why is it swollen?
In terms of formation mechanism, Swelling is mainly caused by excessive accumulation of body fluids between human tissues. It can be manifested as systemic swelling, It can also be more limited to swelling of a certain part of the body, such as swelling of lower limbs caused by acute deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs, and can also be more limited to swelling of a certain area, such as small bags appearing at the bite site after being bitten by mosquitoes.
According to the priority of swelling, it can also be divided into acute swelling and chronic swelling.
- Acute swelling
Most of them are caused by sprain, strain, insect bite, infection, allergic reaction or side effects of the drugs taken.
- Chronic swelling
Hypothyroidism, or chronic diseases such as heart, liver or kidney failure, can cause systemic swelling, usually chronic.
As the etiology of swelling is more complicated, let’s mainly introduce the early first aid measures for acute traumatic swelling. The main principles are to reduce swelling and limit the further development of swelling.
Five Principles of Treatment for Acute Traumatic Swelling
If it is only acute local swelling caused by minor trauma, most of them can be treated by themselves. When necessary, analgesic drugs can be used under the guidance of a doctor to relieve pain. The following five principles should be followed during treatment:
Step 1 Protect the affected part
Beware of another injury to the affected part.
Step 2 Avoid Exercise
Try to avoid exercise, force or load-bearing on the affected part to prevent swelling from aggravating. Within 24 ~ 72 hours after swelling occurs, the affected side should avoid excessive unnecessary exercise.
Step 3 Ice in time
Within 48 hours after swelling occurs, ice compress can be applied in time to reduce swelling, limit swelling potential, and at the same time can play a certain role in analgesic and hemostasis. Generally, towels can be used to wrap ice cubes for about 20 minutes of ice compress, and if necessary, ice cubes can be replaced to prolong the ice compress time appropriately.
Step 4 Stretch bandages
In some cases, such as ankle swelling, the use of elastic bandages to compress the affected part is helpful to improve swelling. However, it is recommended to carry out it under the guidance of a professional doctor to avoid improper operation, causing tissue ischemia and even necrosis.
Step 5 Raise the affected part
It can help reduce swelling, stop bleeding and relieve pain.
Within 48 hours after the injury, avoid the following four things:
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High temperature: Avoid contact with high temperature environment, such as hot compress, soaking in hot bath or sauna, etc.
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Drinking: Drinking can cause vasodilation, which may lead to wound bleeding or swelling.
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Running: Running or other exercises may cause secondary injuries;
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Massage: Massage will accelerate local blood circulation and lead to aggravation of swelling, so do not massage swollen parts at will.
Cases requiring medical treatment
When the following circumstances occur, you should seek medical examination in time and never fool the past at will.
1. Chronic swelling
Swelling does not occur suddenly, but occasionally notices obvious swelling in one’s legs or other parts of the body.
2. No relief for a long time,
After strain or sprain, after following the above principles, the swelling potential still persists.
3. Other symptoms
If dysuria occurs, accompanied by low fever, or the skin color of swollen parts changes, these may be caused by thrombosis or infection. Pain or discomfort in other parts, such as chest pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms;
4. Complicated with chronic diseases
If there is diabetes, kidney disease or heart disease, it is necessary to seek medical treatment in time and actively treat primary diseases to avoid causing more serious problems.
5. Suspected drug-induced
If you suspect that the swelling is caused by the drugs you are taking, whether you are taking prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs, you should go to the hospital to consult and communicate with your doctor.
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