Recognizing and Treating Edema

4. Abdomen Swelling

Because edema can affect almost any part of the body, the swelling does not always occur in the extremities. Some people have edema that primarily affects their torso, with the swelling focused around the chest and belly that is often at first mistaken for bloating or weight gain. However, if edema is the cause, rapid progression of the swelling should indicate a more serious medical issue. Fluid build-up inside the abdominal cavity is called ascites and is often a sign of liver problems.