What term refers to generalized edema?

The term that refers to generalized edema is anasarca. Anasarca is characterized by widespread swelling due to an accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces throughout the body, affecting multiple areas and organs. This condition typically indicates a severe underlying issue, such as heart failure, liver disease, or renal failure, and is associated with significant fluid retention.

While edema is a broader term that describes the accumulation of fluid in a localized area, it does not specifically imply the widespread nature associated with anasarca. Lymphedema refers specifically to swelling that occurs due to the blockage or damage to the lymphatic system, usually affecting a specific limb or area. Hydrocele, on the other hand, is a localized accumulation of fluid in the tunica vaginalis of the scrotum. Each of these terms has its own specific context and implications, but anasarca best describes the generalized condition of edema throughout the body.