Which term among the following describes a swelling condition due to fluid accumulation in tissues?

• A. Dropsy
• B. Inflammation
• C. Arthritis
• D. Ulcer

Answer: (A)

Swelling from fluid buildup in tissue spaces is edema, historically called dropsy. This term directly captures the idea of excess fluid accumulating between cells, leading to visible swelling. It can result from factors like higher capillary pressure, lower blood protein levels, or blocked lymphatic drainage, and it may occur in various parts of the body or more generalized.

This differs from inflammation, which centers on immune-driven redness, heat, pain, and swelling tied to tissue injury; the swelling in inflammation isn’t always due to fluid accumulation in the interstitial spaces in the same way. Arthritis refers to inflammation within a joint, not a diffuse tissue fluid buildup, and an ulcer is a superficial break in the skin or mucous membrane, not a swelling from fluid. So dropsy, describing edema, is the term that best fits a swelling caused by fluid accumulation in tissues.