Why does the body tend to swell easily in summer?
May 24, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, during summer, body swelling may occur due to excessive water intake, heavy dampness, skin blood vessel dilation, and other factors. In addition, other causes such as malnutrition, pregnancy, vascular diseases, and lower limb venous thrombosis may also contribute. If swelling is severe and accompanied by discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital to avoid delaying the condition.
Generally, during summer, body swelling may occur due to excessive water intake, heavy dampness in the body, skin vasodilation, and other factors. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Excessive water intake
In summer, the hot climate can lead to excessive sweating and thirst. If a large amount of water is consumed at once and not promptly excreted, it may result in fluid accumulation in the body, making swelling more likely. It is recommended to appropriately promote urination and use methods such as massage to relieve symptoms. If necessary, medications such as spironolactone tablets or losartan potassium hydrochlorothiazide tablets may be used under medical supervision.
2. Heavy dampness
Due to the heat in summer, most people tend to consume cold drinks or raw, cold foods, which can lead to excessive internal dampness. This not only causes bodily edema but may also trigger bad breath, sticky stools, and other issues. It is recommended to develop healthy eating habits and avoid raw, cold, irritating, or overly greasy foods. When necessary, medications such as Shenling Baizhu Pills or Sijunzi Pills may be taken under a doctor's guidance.
3. Skin vasodilation
In high summer temperatures, skin blood vessels may dilate, allowing fluid to leak through the expanded vessels and accumulate in subcutaneous tissues, resulting in swelling. This type of swelling typically resolves naturally when temperatures drop after summer ends. When swelling occurs, resting in a cool environment and engaging in moderate activity may help alleviate reactive edema caused by skin vasodilation. If symptoms persist, medications such as diosmin tablets or phentolamine mesylate tablets may be used under medical supervision.
Besides the three reasons mentioned above, other potential causes include malnutrition, pregnancy, vascular diseases, lower limb venous thrombosis, etc. If swelling is severe and accompanied by discomfort, prompt medical attention is advised to prevent delays in diagnosis and treatment.
