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<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeSymptom HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a>Check Your Symptoms</p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">Swelling</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-tp17753"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="b4cb0a40" fingerprint-exact="e7c3d1bb">Overview</h2> <p fingerprint="ae6b5f5d" fingerprint-exact="781742d7">Swelling is an increase in the size or a change in the shape of an area of the body. Swelling can be caused by: </p> <ul fingerprint="f9e93085" fingerprint-exact="b8079334"> <li>A collection of body fluid.</li> <li>Growth of tissue.</li> <li>Abnormal movement or position of tissue.</li> </ul> <p fingerprint="37598590" fingerprint-exact="6ad0bf21">Most people will have swelling at some time. When it's hot and you've stood or sat in the same position for a long time, you might notice <a class="HwLinkMultiMedia" data-hw-type="MultiMedia" data-hw-document-href="tp13680" data-hw-section="tp13680-sec" rel="MultiMedia" hw:document-type="MultiMedia" hw:document-href="tp13680" data-hwid="tp13680" hw:section-href="tp13680-sec" hw:link-type="image" href="?id=tp13680#tp13680-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">swelling in your feet and ankles</span></a>. Staying in one position for any length of time increases the risk that the lower legs, feet, or hands will swell. That's because gravity normally causes body fluid to move down a limb. Swelling can also be caused by heat-related problems. One example is <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="not245134" data-hw-section="not245134-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="not245134" data-hwid="not245134" hw:section-href="not245134-sec" href="?id=not245134#not245134-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">heat edema</span></a> from working or being active in a hot environment.</p> <p fingerprint="3870cbda" fingerprint-exact="47077b0e">Body fluid can collect in different tissue spaces of the body (localized swelling). Or it can affect the whole body (generalized swelling). Causes of <b>localized swelling</b> include:</p> <ul fingerprint="81bc0c5e" fingerprint-exact="4f6a9c11"> <li>Injury to a specific body area. <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="th1562" data-hw-section="th1562-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="th1562" data-hwid="th1562" hw:section-href="th1562-sec" href="?id=th1562#th1562-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Bruising</span></a> (hematoma) from an injury is caused by tears in the small blood vessels under the skin. Bleeding can also affect the joint (hemarthrosis) or the area that cushions and lubricates the joint (traumatic bursitis). Swelling can affect just one area. Or it may involve large sections of the body, such as swelling that occurs after a car crash.</li> <li>Infection. It can occur in a joint or under the skin. An <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123113" data-hw-section="sta123113-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123113" data-hwid="sta123113" hw:section-href="sta123113-sec" href="?id=sta123113#sta123113-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">abscess</span></a> is a pocket of pus that forms at the site of infected tissue. <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stc123671" data-hw-section="stc123671-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stc123671" data-hwid="stc123671" hw:section-href="stc123671-sec" href="?id=stc123671#stc123671-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Cellulitis</span></a> is a skin infection that can cause mild or severe swelling.</li> <li>Burns. They can cause swelling at the site of the burn or in a larger area around the burn.</li> <li> <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sti150782" data-hw-section="sti150782-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sti150782" data-hwid="sti150782" hw:section-href="sti150782-sec" href="?id=sti150782#sti150782-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Inflammation</span></a> that occurs when tissue is irritated by overuse or repeated motion. <ul><li>Swelling of the tendon and swelling caused by a series of small tears around a tendon (tendinosis) can occur together or on their own.</li><li>Swelling of the sac that cushions and lubricates the joint (bursitis) can be caused by prolonged or repeated pressure. It can also be caused by activities that require repeated twisting or rapid joint movements.</li></ul></li> <li>Insect bites or stings. Most insect bites or stings cause a small amount of redness or swelling. Some people have an <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123211" data-hw-section="sta123211-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123211" data-hwid="sta123211" hw:section-href="sta123211-sec" href="?id=sta123211#sta123211-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">allergic reaction</span></a> to a bite or sting. They have a lot of swelling, redness, and itching.</li> <li>Other causes, such as swelling related to a sac-shaped structure with clear fluid, blood, or pus (<a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stc123795" data-hw-section="stc123795-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stc123795" data-hwid="stc123795" hw:section-href="stc123795-sec" href="?id=stc123795#stc123795-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">cyst</span></a>). Or swelling may be from a swollen gland, such as a <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sts14221" data-hw-section="sts14221-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sts14221" data-hwid="sts14221" hw:section-href="sts14221-sec" href="?id=sts14221#sts14221-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">salivary gland</span></a>.</li> </ul> <p fingerprint="ce72702b" fingerprint-exact="609a2412">Causes of <b>generalized swelling</b> include:</p> <ul fingerprint="186b7808" fingerprint-exact="b591cd89"> <li>An allergic reaction. Sudden swelling of the hands and face may be a severe allergic reaction (<a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123242" data-hw-section="sta123242-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123242" data-hwid="sta123242" hw:section-href="sta123242-sec" href="?id=sta123242#sta123242-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">anaphylaxis</span></a>). It needs medical care right away.</li> <li> <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123369" data-hw-section="sta123369-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123369" data-hwid="sta123369" hw:section-href="sta123369-sec" href="?id=sta123369#sta123369-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Autoimmune diseases</span></a>, such as <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stl158197" data-hw-section="stl158197-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stl158197" data-hwid="stl158197" hw:section-href="stl158197-sec" href="?id=stl158197#stl158197-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">lupus</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="str2414" data-hw-section="str2414-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="str2414" data-hwid="str2414" hw:section-href="str2414-sec" href="?id=str2414#str2414-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">rheumatoid arthritis</span></a>, and <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sts14277" data-hw-section="sts14277-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sts14277" data-hwid="sts14277" hw:section-href="sts14277-sec" href="?id=sts14277#sts14277-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">scleroderma</span></a>. These diseases can cause swelling when the body produces antibodies and other cells that attack and destroy tissues in the body.</li> <li> Medicines. Some medicines change how body fluids circulate, causing swelling. Swelling may also occur as an <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123224" data-hw-section="sta123224-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123224" data-hwid="sta123224" hw:section-href="sta123224-sec" href="?id=sta123224#sta123224-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">allergic reaction to a medicine</span></a>.</li> <li>Circulation problems related to certain medical conditions, such as <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1421" data-hw-section="stp1421-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1421" data-hwid="stp1421" hw:section-href="stp1421-sec" href="?id=stp1421#stp1421-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">peripheral arterial disease</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sth123766" data-hw-section="sth123766-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sth123766" data-hwid="sth123766" hw:section-href="sth123766-sec" href="?id=sth123766#sth123766-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">heart failure</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="std120744" data-hw-section="std120744-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="std120744" data-hwid="std120744" hw:section-href="std120744-sec" href="?id=std120744#std120744-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">diabetes</span></a>, or kidney disease. <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stt11581" data-hw-section="stt11581-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stt11581" data-hwid="stt11581" hw:section-href="stt11581-sec" href="?id=stt11581#stt11581-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Thrombophlebitis</span></a> causes swelling of an extremity when a blood clot interrupts blood flow in a vein in the arm or leg.</li> <li>Fluid that accumulates in the belly (ascites) because of other problems, such as malnutrition, cirrhosis, or liver disease.</li> </ul> <p fingerprint="f1db8bf1" fingerprint-exact="47302084">Some people may have swelling as a reaction to a medical treatment, procedure, or surgery. Swelling from a medical treatment may be related to the procedure. Or it may be from a substance, such as dye, used during the procedure. Swelling may occur at an <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sti17216" data-hw-section="sti17216-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sti17216" data-hwid="sti17216" hw:section-href="sti17216-sec" href="?id=sti17216#sti17216-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">intravenous (I.V.)</span></a> site used during a procedure or at an I.V. site used for medicines given at home. Some swelling at the site of surgery is normal, such as swelling of the arm after a <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="tv5936" data-hw-section="tv5936-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="tv5936" data-hwid="tv5936" hw:section-href="tv5936-sec" href="?id=tv5936#tv5936-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">mastectomy</span></a>. <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="tv7071" data-hw-section="tv7071-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="tv7071" data-hwid="tv7071" hw:section-href="tv7071-sec" href="?id=tv7071#tv7071-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Lymphedema</span></a> is swelling that occurs in an area around lymph nodes that have been removed (such as after surgery) or injured (such as after radiation treatments).</p> <p fingerprint="3cd6860e" fingerprint-exact="b5aedd4b">Swelling can also be caused by the rise and fall of hormone levels within the body. Some women may notice swelling from retaining fluid during their menstrual cycles. This may be called cyclical edema, because it's related to the menstrual cycle. Some women have mild swelling in their hands or feet during pregnancy. Swelling in the feet may be more obvious in the third <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stt11640" data-hw-section="stt11640-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stt11640" data-hwid="stt11640" hw:section-href="stt11640-sec" href="?id=stt11640#stt11640-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">trimester</span></a> of the pregnancy. Generalized swelling can be a sign of a pregnancy-related problem called <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stp1755" data-hw-section="stp1755-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stp1755" data-hwid="stp1755" hw:section-href="stp1755-sec" href="?id=stp1755#stp1755-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">preeclampsia</span></a>.</p> <p fingerprint="cb0d1bf9" fingerprint-exact="447c3529">Swelling can occur when tissues move out of their normal position, such as <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sth149784" data-hw-section="sth149784-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sth149784" data-hwid="sth149784" hw:section-href="sth149784-sec" href="?id=sth149784#sth149784-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">hernias</span></a> in the abdomen.</p> <p fingerprint="4306efc1" fingerprint-exact="b0dbf2cf">Most of the time, swelling is mild and goes away on its own. You may not even know what caused it. Home treatment is usually all that is needed to relieve mild symptoms.</p> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionHealthTools" id="sec-swell-HealthTools"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="4f8c76b3" fingerprint-exact="aa5a79d3">Health Tools</h2><p fingerprint="07c09bf8" fingerprint-exact="d28efb5c">Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.</p><div class="HwHealthTools"><div class="HwActionsetTool"><span class="HwHealthToolIntro">Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.</span><div class="HwOptionalAll"><div class="HwHealthToolLinks"><ul fingerprint="c59be052" fingerprint-exact="c41e164d"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Actionset" data-hw-document-href="aa87074" data-hw-section="tp16931" hw:document-type="Actionset" hw:document-href="aa87074" data-hwid="aa87074" hw:section-href="tp16931" href="?id=aa87074#tp16931">Healthy Eating: Eating Less Sodium</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionCYS" id="sec-tp17755"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="1bc87b1b" fingerprint-exact="d719d6f6">Check Your Symptoms</h2><div><div class="HwAsset" hw:assetid="swell"> <div id="HwSxBody" data-hw-version="1.0.0.0"><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion HwSxTopicConfirmationQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion984" data-hw-entity-key="984" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Is swelling your main concern?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">You may have concerns about swelling around the face, in the arms or legs, or in the belly or groin.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2104" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2104" data-hw-parent-entity-key="984">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Swelling is main concern</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2105" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2105" data-hw-parent-entity-key="984">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Swelling is main concern</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxAge" id="HwSxQuestion31" data-hw-entity-key="31" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">How old are you?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxAgeResponse" id="HwSxAnswer72" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer" data-hw-age-range="143"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="72" data-hw-parent-entity-key="31">Less than 12 years</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Less than 12 years</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxAgeResponse" id="HwSxAnswer73" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="73" data-hw-parent-entity-key="31">12 years or older</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">12 years or older</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxNonTopic" id="HwSxQuestion30" data-hw-entity-key="30" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are you male or female?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxGenderResponse" id="HwSxAnswer71" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="71" data-hw-parent-entity-key="30">Male</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Male</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer HwSxGenderResponse" id="HwSxAnswer70" data-hw-type="HwSxDemographicsAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="70" data-hw-parent-entity-key="30">Female</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Female</div></div></div><div id="SxWhyAskDiv"><button id="SxWhyAskAccordianBtn" tabindex="0" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="SxWhyAskBodyDiv" type="button" aria-live="assertive"><div class="SxWhyAskAccordion">Why do we ask this question?</div><div class="SxWhyAskAccordion SxWhyAskAccordionArrow_Down" id="SxWhyAskAccordionArrow"> </div></button><div id="SxWhyAskBodyDiv" role="tabpanel"><div class="SxWhyAskParaChild" id="SxWhyAskHeaderDiv" tabindex="-1"><h4>The medical assessment of symptoms is based on the body parts you have.</h4></div><div class="SxWhyAskParaChild" id="SxWhyAskParaDiv" tabindex="-1"><ul><li>If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you <b>now</b> have in the area where you are having symptoms.</li><li>If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.</li><li>If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as "male" and once as "female"). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.</li></ul></div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion736" data-hw-entity-key="736" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Could you be having a <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf7109">severe allergic reaction</a>?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">This is more likely if you have had a bad reaction to something in the past.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1589" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1589" data-hw-parent-entity-key="736">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer1590" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="1590" data-hw-parent-entity-key="736">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion12" data-hw-entity-key="12" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Are you having <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#abj7485">trouble breathing</a> (more than a stuffy nose)?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer25" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="25" data-hw-parent-entity-key="12">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer26" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="26" data-hw-parent-entity-key="12">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion16" data-hw-entity-key="16" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Would you describe the problem as <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf6939">severe, moderate, or mild</a>?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer39" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="39" data-hw-parent-entity-key="16">Severe</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Severe difficulty breathing</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer38" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="38" data-hw-parent-entity-key="16">Moderate</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Moderate difficulty breathing</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer37" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="37" data-hw-parent-entity-key="16">Mild</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Mild difficulty breathing</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion985" data-hw-entity-key="985" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have pain in the area with the swelling?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2106" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2106" data-hw-parent-entity-key="985">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Pain with swelling</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2107" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2107" data-hw-parent-entity-key="985">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Pain with swelling</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion24" data-hw-entity-key="24" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText"><a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf7017">How bad is the pain</a> on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer58" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="58" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">8 to 10: Severe pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Severe pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer57" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="57" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">5 to 7: Moderate pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Moderate pain</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer56" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="56" data-hw-parent-entity-key="24">1 to 4: Mild pain</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Mild pain</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion986" data-hw-entity-key="986" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you think you may have a fever related to the swelling problem?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">Swelling and fever can be symptoms of infection or other problems.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2108" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2108" data-hw-parent-entity-key="986">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible fever</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2109" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2109" data-hw-parent-entity-key="986">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Possible fever</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1594" data-hw-entity-key="1594" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have swelling all over?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3387" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3387" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1594">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Swelling is all over</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3388" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3388" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1594">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Swelling is all over</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion987" data-hw-entity-key="987" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have swelling in your legs?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2110" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2110" data-hw-parent-entity-key="987">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Leg swelling</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2111" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2111" data-hw-parent-entity-key="987">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Leg swelling</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1593" data-hw-entity-key="1593" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Have you been urinating a lot less than usual lately?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3385" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3385" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1593">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Decreased urination</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3386" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3386" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1593">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Decreased urination</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1595" data-hw-entity-key="1595" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Is the swelling:</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3389" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3389" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1595">Quickly getting worse?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Swelling is quickly getting worse</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3390" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3390" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1595">Slowly getting worse?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Swelling is slowly getting worse</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3391" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3391" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1595">Staying about the same?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Swelling is not getting worse</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion1596" data-hw-entity-key="1596" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you have heart failure?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3392" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3392" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1596">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Heart failure</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer3393" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="3393" data-hw-parent-entity-key="1596">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Heart failure</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion988" data-hw-entity-key="988" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Do you think that a <a class="quickdefine HwSxDefinition" href="#tf7158">medicine</a> may be causing the swelling?</div><div class="HwSxQuestionSubText">Think about whether the swelling started soon after you began using a new medicine or a higher dose of a medicine.</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2112" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2112" data-hw-parent-entity-key="988">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Medicine may be causing swelling</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2113" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2113" data-hw-parent-entity-key="988">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Medicine may be causing swelling</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxQuestion HwSxTrunkQuestion" id="HwSxQuestion989" data-hw-entity-key="989" data-hw-type="HwSxQuestion"><div class="HwSxQuestionText">Has any swelling that does not have a clear cause lasted for more than a week?</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSet"><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2114" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxConfirmation HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2114" data-hw-parent-entity-key="989">Yes</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Unexplained swelling for more than 1 week</div></div><div class="HwSxAnswer" id="HwSxAnswer2115" data-hw-type="HwSxAnswer"><div class="HwSxAnswerText HwSxEntity" data-hw-entity-key="2115" data-hw-parent-entity-key="989">No</div><div class="HwSxAnswerSummary">Unexplained swelling for more than 1 week</div></div></div></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdhealthrisks"><p>Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:</p><ul><li><b>Your age</b>. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.</li><li><b>Your overall health</b>. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.</li><li><b>Medicines you take</b>. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.</li><li><b>Recent health events</b>, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.</li><li><b>Your health habits and lifestyle</b>, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_green" id="HwSxIdgreen"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Try Home Treatment</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.</li><li>Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swell" data-hw-section="tp17762" hw:section-href="tp17762" hw:document-href="swell" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swell#tp17762">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swell" data-hw-section="swell-RelInfo" hw:section-href="swell-RelInfo" hw:document-href="swell" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swell#swell-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf7017"><p>Pain in adults and older children</p><ul><li><b>Severe pain (8 to 10)</b>: The pain is so bad that you can't stand it for more than a few hours, can't sleep, and can't do anything else except focus on the pain.</li><li><b>Moderate pain (5 to 7)</b>: The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it's severe when it's there.</li><li><b>Mild pain (1 to 4)</b>: You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf7158"><p>Swelling can be a sign that you are having an <b>allergic reaction to a medicine</b>. This can happen with almost any medicine.</p><p>Many prescription and nonprescription medicines also may cause <b>swelling as a side effect</b>. A few examples are:</p><ul><li>Corticosteroids.</li><li>Hormones, such as birth control pills and hormone therapy used to treat menopause symptoms.</li><li>Some blood pressure medicines.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdabj7485"><p><b>Symptoms of difficulty breathing</b> can range from mild to severe. For example:</p><ul><li>You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).</li><li>It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf6939"><p><b>Severe trouble breathing</b> means:</p><ul><li>You cannot talk at all.</li><li>You have to work very hard to breathe.</li><li>You feel like you can't get enough air.</li><li>You do not feel alert or cannot think clearly.</li></ul><p><b>Moderate trouble breathing</b> means:</p><ul><li>It's hard to talk in full sentences.</li><li>It's hard to breathe with activity.</li></ul><p><b>Mild trouble breathing</b> means:</p><ul><li>You feel a little out of breath but can still talk.</li><li>It's becoming hard to breathe with activity.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDefinition" id="HwSxIdtf7109"><p><b>Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction</b> (anaphylaxis) may include:</p><ul><li>The sudden appearance of raised, red areas (hives) all over the body.</li><li>Rapid swelling of the throat, mouth, or tongue.</li><li>Trouble breathing.</li><li>Passing out (losing consciousness). Or you may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.</li></ul><p>A severe reaction can be life-threatening. If you have had a bad allergic reaction to a substance before and are exposed to it again, treat any symptoms as an emergency. Even if the symptoms are mild at first, they may quickly become very severe.</p></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_yellow" id="HwSxIdyellow"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Seek Care Today</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, <b>you may need care soon</b>. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.</li><li>If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care today.</li><li>If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.</li><li>If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swell" data-hw-section="tp17762" hw:section-href="tp17762" hw:document-href="swell" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swell#tp17762">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swell" data-hw-section="swell-RelInfo" hw:section-href="swell-RelInfo" hw:document-href="swell" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swell#swell-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_black" id="HwSxIdblack"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Make an Appointment</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.</li><li>If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.</li><li>If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.</li></ul></div><div class="HwSxDispositionLinks"><div class="HwSxHomeTreatmentLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swell" data-hw-section="tp17762" hw:section-href="tp17762" hw:document-href="swell" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swell#tp17762">HomeTreatment</a></div><div class="HwSxRelatedInformationLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="swell" data-hw-section="swell-RelInfo" hw:section-href="swell-RelInfo" hw:document-href="swell" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=swell#swell-RelInfo">RelatedInformation</a></div><div class="HwSxWhereToGoLink"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="abs1987" data-hw-section="abs1988" hw:section-href="abs1988" hw:document-href="abs1987" hw:document-type="Symptom" href="?id=abs1987#abs1988">WhereToGo</a></div></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_red" id="HwSxIdred"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Seek Care Now</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, <b>you may need care right away</b>. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><ul><li>Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.</li><li>If you cannot reach your doctor or you don't have one, seek care in the next hour.</li><li>You do not need to call an ambulance unless: <ul><li>You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.</li><li>You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.</li></ul></li></ul></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div><div class="HwSxDisposition HwSxDisposition_emergency" id="HwSxIdemergency"><div class="HwDispositionTop"> </div><h3 class="HwSxDispositionHeading">Call <span class="HwSxEmergencyNumber">911</span> Now</h3><div class="HwSxDispositionActionText"><p>Based on your answers, you need emergency care.</p></div><div class="HwSxDispositionNextSteps"><p><b>Call <span class="HwSxEmergencyNumber">911</span> or other emergency services now</b>.</p><p>Sometimes people don't want to call <span class="HwSxEmergencyNumber">911</span>. They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call <span class="HwSxEmergencyNumber">911</span> for medical transport to the hospital.</p></div><div class="HwDispositionBottom"> </div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-tp17762"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="1d4dc8a4" fingerprint-exact="5c91135b">Self-Care</h2> <p fingerprint="10e98804" fingerprint-exact="2ed0ab95">Mild swelling will usually go away on its own. Home treatment may help relieve symptoms.</p> <p fingerprint="81a52d75" fingerprint-exact="f0feed5e">Swelling and pain are very common with injuries. When you have swelling, make sure to look for other symptoms of injury that may need to be checked by your doctor.</p> <p fingerprint="aa459024" fingerprint-exact="c18f6e0a">If you have a medical condition that may cause swelling, follow your doctor's instructions on how to treat your swelling.</p> <ul fingerprint="d070b51f" fingerprint-exact="38ed0c19"> <li>Get some rest. <p>Protect a sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. </p></li> <li>Elevate the area if you can. <p>Prop up the injured or sore area on pillows while you apply ice and anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling. </p></li> <li>Keep moving. <p>Don't sit or stand for long stretches of time. Exercising the legs decreases the effect of gravity, so swelling goes down. </p></li> <li>Watch what you eat. <p>A low-sodium diet may help reduce swelling.</p></li> <li>Stay hydrated. <p>Drink plenty of fluids to help prevent swelling caused by <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="std120726" data-hw-section="std120726-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="std120726" data-hwid="std120726" hw:section-href="std120726-sec" href="?id=std120726#std120726-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">dehydration</span></a>.</p></li> <li>Stay cool. <p>Keep your skin cool in hot environments.</p></li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c5b2b5b7" fingerprint-exact="1ca93d88">When to call for help during self-care</h3> <p fingerprint="0c6430b7" fingerprint-exact="37647145">Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:</p> <ul fingerprint="04050152" fingerprint-exact="8cadcef9"> <li>Swelling that increases or spreads.</li> <li>New or worse trouble breathing.</li> <li>New fever.</li> <li>Decrease in urination.</li> <li>Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.</li> </ul> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="c9d246df" fingerprint-exact="236ac716">Learn more</h3> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwSecLinks"> <ul fingerprint="bdf2e0ce" fingerprint-exact="d222e10f"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Actionset" data-hw-document-href="aa87074" data-hw-section="tp16931" hw:document-type="Actionset" hw:document-href="aa87074" data-hwid="aa87074" hw:section-href="tp16931" href="?id=aa87074#tp16931">Healthy Eating: Eating Less Sodium</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="ta1342" data-hw-section="ta1342-sec" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="ta1342" data-hwid="ta1342" hw:section-href="ta1342-sec" href="?id=ta1342#ta1342-sec">Overuse Injuries</a> </li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Focus" data-hw-document-href="tw4354spec" data-hw-section="tp21229" hw:document-type="Focus" hw:document-href="tw4354spec" data-hwid="tw4354spec" hw:section-href="tp21229" href="?id=tw4354spec#tp21229">Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE)</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-tp17764"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="e957cf0e" fingerprint-exact="9f06dbb7">Preparing For Your Appointment</h2> <div class="HwOptionalAll"> <div class="hwSecLinks"> <p fingerprint="9351063e" fingerprint-exact="ae0777b1">You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared for your appointment.</p> <ul fingerprint="b41d9a77" fingerprint-exact="dafa4155"> <li class="HwOptionalAny"> <a data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="hw226888" data-hw-section="acm4246" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="hw226888" data-hwid="hw226888" hw:section-href="acm4246" href="?id=hw226888#acm4246">Making the Most of Your Appointment</a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionRelatedInformation" id="sec-swell-RelInfo"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="d5f858e0" fingerprint-exact="c0ffe04b">Related Information</h2><ul fingerprint="04698ffa" fingerprint-exact="f56c417d"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="allre" data-hw-section="hw67691" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="allre" data-hwid="allre" hw:section-href="hw67691" href="?id=allre#hw67691">Allergic Reaction</a></li><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="anlbt" data-hw-section="hw69417" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="anlbt" data-hwid="anlbt" hw:section-href="hw69417" href="?id=anlbt#hw69417">Animal and Human Bites</a></li><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Symptom" data-hw-document-href="insbt" data-hw-section="hw95886" hw:document-type="Symptom" hw:document-href="insbt" data-hwid="insbt" 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