What is the term for severe generalized edema?

Anasarca is the term used to describe severe generalized edema, which is characterized by widespread swelling throughout the body due to the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces. This condition typically results from various underlying health issues, such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver cirrhosis. The use of "anasarca" is specific and medically accurate, distinguishing it from other related terms.

Oedema is a broader term that refers to fluid retention in the tissues and can occur in localized areas or throughout the body, but it does not specifically denote the severity or widespread nature implied by anasarca. Hydrops generally refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in body cavities, such as in the case of hydrocephalus (fluid in the brain) or hydrothorax (fluid in the pleural cavity), rather than generalized swelling of the whole body. Swelling is a nonspecific term that can describe any increase in size due to fluid accumulation, but without the clinical specificity of anasarca. Thus, anasarca best captures the severity and extent of the edema being described in the question.