Lymphedema – Causes, Symptoms & Therapy

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a swelling that is easily visible and palpable from the outside due to accumulated lymph fluid (lymphatic congestion). Due to a malfunction, the lymphatic system can no longer transport the fluid (lymph) away quickly enough, which leads to swelling of the affected part of the body.

What is Lymphedema?

The lymphatic system is an essential component of our immune system . Lymphatic vessels or lymphatic channels run through our body like a network. Vital nutrients ( proteins ) are transported via this lymphatic system , but dangerous pollutants ( bacteria , germs) are also transported away via the lymph nodes . Along with the blood, the lymphatic fluid is the most important means of transport for nutrients and waste materials in the human body.

Lymphedema is an accumulation of lymph fluid in the intercellular spaces of the body tissue, which causes a mostly painless swelling of the affected part of the body.

The lymph channels run through the entire body, which is why lymphoedema can in principle occur anywhere on the body. However, it usually occurs unilaterally on the extremities, such as arms and legs.

causes

In the case of lymphoedema, the normal flow of lymph through the lymphatic system is disturbed. The causes are manifold. Usually one or more lymph channels are blocked and the pressure in the lymph vessels increases. Lymphatic fluid then escapes from the vessels and enters the surrounding tissue, the intercellular spaces. The affected tissue swells.In addition, a change in the composition of the lymph fluid can cause lymphedema.

In addition, general diseases with congestion in the venous blood system and hereditary defects are also causes of lymphedema.

The doctor differentiates between primary and secondary lymphedema. Primary lymphedema is congenital lymphedema, while the doctor understands secondary lymphedema to be acquired lymphedema. Injuries, skin inflammation, insect bites or surgical interventions can be the cause here. Lymphedema is also not uncommon after radiation.

When to the doctor?

Swelling on the body is a sign of a health problem. If they occur in the area of ​​the lymph, the cause needs to be clarified. Feelings of tension, pain and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure should be examined. Changes in the complexion, redness or growths are considered to be worrying. If the symptoms persist or increase in scope and intensity, a doctor is needed.

Normally, lymphedema is initially painless. If sudden pain occurs, an immediate visit to the doctor is required, since in this case the disease is already at an advanced stage. If there are problems with blood circulation or irregularities in nerve activity, a doctor is needed.

In the case of erysipelas, there is an acute need for action, since complications are already developing that must be treated as quickly as possible. Restrictions in mobility, abnormalities in the movement sequences or deformations of the physique are further signs of a health impairment. A doctor’s visit is necessary because of the risk of lymphatic congestion.

If there is a drop in the usual performance, general limitations in coping with daily tasks or a diffuse feeling of illness, a doctor is needed. Water retention, an incomprehensible increase in weight and exhaustion are also among the symptoms that should be clarified by a doctor. They indicate the presence of lymphedema and must be treated.

symptoms and course

Lymphedema is always characterized by severe swelling of the affected part of the body. The skin often feels doughy and is visibly filled with fluid.

In general, the patient has no pain in the affected part of the body, but there may be a feeling of tightness and heaviness.

Primary lymphedema are usually ascending, e.g. B. from the toes over the top of the foot to the thighs. Box toes continue to be a typical symptom. When pressure is applied to the toes, they take on a rectangular shape.

Another symptom of primary lymphedema is the so-called Stemmer sign. This denotes the fact that the skin over the affected body part cannot be wrinkled and lifted off.

In severe cases, so-called elephantiasis can occur in the legs, an extreme swelling of the legs due to the disturbed lymphatic drainage. If the feet are affected, incisive transverse folds often appear here. The risk of infection is increased.

Secondary lymphedema more often affects the upper extremities and descends from the armpit to the hand or, if the leg is affected, from the groin to the foot.

The course of your lymphedema depends on the cause and the treatment. An acquired, i.e. secondary, lymphedema can heal completely if the underlying disease is treated successfully and in good time. However, primary lymphedema is more difficult to treat and complete recovery is rare.

Diagnose

If the physical examination reveals the typical symptoms: large and raised skin swellings ( edema ); deeply wrinkled and discolored areas of skin; box toes; Stemmer signs – these are usually clear signs of advanced lymphedema for a doctor.

Lymphedema can hide a variety of different causes or underlying diseases. The fact of how far the lymphedema has progressed is important for successful treatment. It is important that you give the doctor information about any previous illnesses, injuries or surgical procedures.

For a more precise diagnosis, an analysis of various blood values ​​(protein content) and the use of X -rays or ultrasound examinations can help.

complications

Lymphedema can cause various complications. A typical secondary disease is erysipelas . This leads to gastrointestinal complaints, swelling and burning pain. Serious complications of erysipelas are inflammation and the formation of scars. High fever and impaired consciousness can also occur. If the lymphedema increases in size, lymph cysts can form. These can open and lead to what is known as lymphorrhea.

Sometimes the painful edema also causes a fistula , through which fluid leaks into other layers of tissue. As a result, inflammation and further edema can occur. The strong tissue pressure favors the development of benign skin tumors. These growths occur mainly on the toes and cause pain, restricted movement and circulatory disorders .

In rare cases, they can develop into malignant tumors. Finally, lymphedema can promote the development of fungal diseases. This can lead to skin tears, inflammation and erysipelas. Apart from side effects caused by the drugs used, there are no major complications in the treatment of lymphedema. However, if not treated properly, scars may remain.

treatment and therapy

Successful therapy is highly dependent on the stage of development of the lymphedema. In the early stages, the edema can be treated well and completely reversed.

In the case of chronic lymphedema in the final stage (usually characterized by greatly enlarged parts of the body), successful therapy can be achieved through intensive measures, but complete flushing out or regression of the swelling is no longer possible.The primary goal of treatment for lymphedema is to make the lymphatic ducts flow again. In an early stage, the extremities can be elevated. The patient should avoid constricting clothing.

If areas of the body show signs of inflammation in addition to the swelling, such as: redness or excessively warm skin areas, then these should be treated continuously with antibiotic medication.

Of course, the treatment of secondary lymphedema also requires the treatment of the underlying disease.

In the case of severe lymphedema, lymphatic drainage is indicated to improve the drainage of the lymph. Compression therapy using compression stockings or compression bandages is also often useful.

prevention

Unfortunately, there are no preventive measures for primary, congenital lymphedema.

For secondary lymphedema, however, obesity in particular is a very important risk factor. A patient suffering from secondary lymphedema should therefore keep their weight under control and their BMI should not exceed 25.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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