Lymphoedema, Swelling Due to Blocked Flow of Lymph Nodes

Lymphoedema, Swelling Due to Blocked Flow of Lymph Nodes - Lymphoedema refers to swelling that occurs in one arm or leg. Although lymphoedema tend to affect only one arm or leg, both arms or both legs may also swell.

Lymphoedema is not curable, but can be controlled. Control is done by diligent care for the affected limb.

Symptom

Symptoms of lymphedema include:
1. Swelling in the arm or leg or the entire arm or leg, including fingers or toes
2. Feeling of heaviness or tightness in the arm or leg
3. The limited range of motion of the arm or leg
4. Pain or discomfort in arms or legs
5. Recurrence of infection in the affected limb
6. Hardening and thickening of the skin on the arm or leg



Swelling caused by lymphoedema ranged from changes in the size of the arm or leg that is lightweight and almost invisible to extreme swelling to not be able to use the affected limb.

If lymphoedema caused by cancer treatment, the swelling may only appear several months or years after treatment.

Cause

The lymphatic system is essential to keep your body healthy in a way drain protein-rich lymph fluid throughout the body, collecting bacteria, viruses and waste products.

The lymphatic system carrying liquids and hazardous substances through the lymph vessels. Waste is then filtered by lymphocytes, infection-fighting cells that live in the lymph nodes and eventually memerahnya of the body.

Lymphoedema occurs when lymph vessels can not drain lymph fluid from the arm or leg. Primary lymphedema occurs in the lymph system itself, whereas secondary lymphedema caused by other diseases.

Secondary lymphedema is much more common than primary lymphedema.

Causes of secondary lymphoedema

Any conditions or procedures that damage the glands or lymph vessels can cause lymphedema, such as:
1. Surgery.
Lymphoedema can develop if the lymph nodes and lymph vessels removed or cut. For example, breast cancer surgery may include removal of one or more lymph nodes in the armpit to look for evidence that the cancer has spread.

If the gland and the remaining lymph vessels can replace the functions that have been removed, lymphedema may menyeran arm.

2. Radiation treatment of cancer.
Radiation can cause scarring and inflammation of glands or lymph vessels thus limiting the flow of lymph fluid.

3. Cancer.
If the cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels, lymphedema can occur. For example, tumors that grow near the gland or lymph vessel could become large enough to block the flow of lymph fluid.

4. Of infection.
Infection of the lymph nodes can restrict the flow of lymph fluid and causing lymphedema. Parasites also can block lymph vessels. Lymphoedema is the most common infection occurs in tropical and subtropical regions and is more likely to occur in developing countries.


The cause of primary lymphoedema

Primary lymphedema is rare and usually caused by impaired development of lymph vessels in the body. Primary lymphedema occurs most often in women.

Specific causes of primary lymphedema include:
1. Milroy disease (congenital lymphedema).
Congenital abnormalities that begin in infancy and causes the lymph nodes are not formed normally, causing lymphedema.

2. Meige disease (lymphoedema praecox).
Often causing disruption in childhood lymphoedema or around puberty, but can occur also at the age of 20's or early 30's. This causes the lymph vessels to form without the valves that keep lymph fluid to flow backwards, making it difficult for the body to drain lymph fluid from the legs properly.

3. Late onset lymphedema (lymphoedema tarda). Rare and usually begins after age 35 years.

Treatments and drugs

There is no cure for lymphedema. Treatment focuses on reducing the swelling and controlling pain include:

1. Exercise.
Exercise lightly move arm or leg may encourage movement of the affected lymph fluid out of the leg.

These exercises should not be too heavy or tiring. Exercises should focus on the contraction of smooth muscles in the arms or legs. Your doctor or physical therapist can teach exercises that can help.

2. Wrapping an arm or leg.
The bandage is wrapped around the entire leg will encourage lymph fluid to flow out of the affected limb. When bandaging, start by making a tight bandage around the fingers and toes.

Wrap the bandage more loosely as moving the arms or legs. A lymphedema therapist can show you how to wrap legs.

3. Massages.
Special massage technique called manual lymph drainage may encourage the flow of lymph fluid out of the arms or legs. This will shake hands massage affected areas to gently move the lymph fluid to healthy lymph nodes in order to diasring.

Avoid massage if you have a skin infection, active cancer, blood clots or congestive heart failure. Avoid massaging the body parts that have received radiation therapy.

4. Pneumatic compression.
In pneumatic compression procedure, the patient will wear pads on the affected arm or leg. Pads connected to a pump that develops short arm and leg press.

This development led to the lymph fluid moving far enough away from the finger or toe, thereby reducing swelling in the arms or legs.

5. Palaian suppressor.
Pressing the arm or leg will push the lymph fluid out of the affected limb. After reducing the swelling in the arm or leg through other measures, the doctor may recommend wearing compression garments to prevent future extreme swelling.

Combination therapy bebgerapa is called complete decongestive therapy or complete decongestive therapy (CDT). CDT is not recommended for people who have high blood pressure, diabetes, paralysis, heart failure, blood clots or acute infection.

In cases of severe lymphedema, your doctor may consider surgery to remove excess tissue in the arm or leg to reduce swelling is severe, but can not cure lymphedema.

Sources: MayoClinic