Lymphedema Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Lymphatic obstructive disease or lymphedema is a condition in which there is a blockage or obstruction in the body’s lymphatic system. The lymphatic system of the body consists of lymph nodes and vessels that drain lymphatic fluid from the body’s tissues. This fluid carries toxins and other waste products to the lymph nodes before the body eliminates them.
Lymph nodes are basically scattered all over the body – starting from the neck, armpits, and groin. The shape of the lymph nodes resembles a bean and is small in size. These glands are important and are included in the immune system. The main job of this gland is to produce blood cells that are useful to help fight infection.
If there are obstacles or blockages in the lymph nodes, this can cause swelling of the body’s tissues due to lymphatic fluid. Swelling can occur in parts of the body such as hands and feet. This condition is known as lymphedema.
Symptoms
The symptom of lymphatic obstruction is lymphedema. Lymphedema is usually marked by swelling of the hands and feet down to the fingers and toes. Swelling can limit the patient’s movement. Sufferers can also feel pain due to swelling.
Signs of primary lymphatic obstruction appear at a young age or at the start of puberty. Meanwhile, in secondary lymphatic obstruction, symptoms appear at any time after surgery, which can be within two to three years.
Accompanying symptoms due to infection usually also appear. Infection of the lymphatic system is referred to as lymphangitis. Symptoms of infection include red lines or dots or patches on the affected limb, fever, itching, and chills accompanied by swelling.
There are three classifications of lymphedema based on its severity:
-
Level 1
This is the lightest stage. Usually, the hands and feet are normal size in the morning but start to swell during the day. The network will enter into if pressed.
-
Level 2
This level belongs to the medium level. Usually, the hands and feet are swollen that cannot return to normal. Feet and hands feel like springy when touched.
-
Level 3
This is the most severe stage. Swelling that occurs in the affected limbs such as hands and feet hardens and grows in size.
Reason
Lymphatic obstructive disease or lymphedema may occur primary or secondary. Primary lymphedema occurs when sufferers are born with obstructed lymphatic systems. This condition is less common.
The risk will increase if there are family members who experience this condition. Usually caused by a genetic disorder. Two rare genetic conditions that cause lymphedema are Milroy disease and Meige disease.
Secondary lymphedema is usually a complication of cancer treatment. The most common cause of secondary lymphedema is mastectomy. Mastectomy is often also done by taking lymph tissue from under the arm, to take cancer tissue from the breast.
The fluid flowing from the arm should pass through the armpit. If lymph nodes are removed from the area, lymphatic obstruction and swelling in the arm may occur.
Cancer and radiation therapy can also cause secondary lymphedema. Cancer and scar tissue that occurs due to radiation or surgery can also cause blockages.
Diagnosis
The doctor will determine the diagnosis of lymphatic obstruction from a medical interview and physical examination. Further tests, such as a lymphangiogram examination, can also be done to support the diagnosis.
A lymphangiogram is a type of X-ray that uses contrast to color the lymph nodes and their vessels. The dye will be injected through the veins between the toes. Examination lymphangiogram can show a blockage in the lymphatic system.
Treatment
The goal of treating lymphatic obstruction is to reduce swelling as much as possible. In addition, treatment is also important to maintain the range of motion of the affected limb.
Lymphatic obstruction accompanied by infection requires treatment to treat the infection first with antibiotics. The goal is to control pain and swelling in the limbs and prevent the spread of infection.
Lymphatic obstruction can be treated by means of compression or pressing. The pressure from the compression forces the lymphatic fluid to move to the trunk in a more normal circulation. Wrapping the hand or leg tightly with an elastic bandage or wearing a compression garment applies continued pressure to the swollen area.
The compression garment can be a sock, stocking or sleeve that can be worn over the swollen upper limb. Compression garments are also available in a variety of sizes depending on the severity of the swelling that occurs.
Another form of compression therapy is called pneumatic compression. Pneumatic compression uses an inflated vest or sleeve and stimulates the proper flow of lymphatic fluid.
Exercise can also help reduce lymphatic obstruction. Your muscles contract during exercise. These contractions put pressure on the lymphatic vessels. This helps fluids move through the vessels and reduces swelling.
Simple range of motion exercises such as knee bends or wrist twists are designed to maintain flexibility and mobility. Do exercises such as walking, yoga, low-intensity aerobics and swimming for 20 to 30 minutes most days of the week. These gentle exercises can also stop fluid from pooling in your arms or legs.
If compression therapy is not helpful, the patient may require manual drainage or removal of lymphatic fluid. The trick is to use special massage therapy performed by experts. This therapy should not be used when the patient has cellulitis or other skin infections.