Lymphoedema - Medtick

Lymphoedema

What is it?

A long term condition that causes  swelling of any part of the body usually arms or legs.

It is a result of the obstruction of the lymphatic system, which results in the accumulation of a fluid called lymph in the affected areas.

  • The lymphatic system helps to protect the body against infection and disease.
  • It consists of a network of tubular channels (lymph vessels) that drain a thin watery fluid known as lymph from different areas of the body into the bloodstream, obstruction of these vessels results in lymphedema.

NORD

This condition can lead to a Medical Emergency condition: Elephantiasis if not treated

Do not wait, if one develops swollen lymph nodes, streaks on skin from injury site and feeling unwell, one may have lymphangitis, you will most likely need antibiotics. If antibiotics do not work, it may be fungal and/or viral. Please let the healthcare professional know what may have caused this.

Cause

Medication

Symptoms

  • Swollen ankles?
  • Swollen wrists (watches or wearing bangles feel tight)?
  • Any unknown lumps or swellings on any part of body?
  • Clothes feel tight when wearing?
  • Swelling feels more during the day and feels less at night?
  • Aching, painful muscles, muscle cramps/spasms/stiffness?
  • Difficulty using arms, body and legs, lack of stamina and/or walking difficulties?
  • Repeated skin infections?
  • Hard, tight skin?
  • Folds developing in the skin?
  • Wart-like growths developing on the skin?
  • Fluid leaking through the skin?

Nail changes:

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:

Do not wait, if one develops swollen lymph nodes, streaks on skin from injury site and feeling unwell, one may have lymphangitis, you will most likely need antibiotics. If antibiotics do not work, it may be fungal and/or viral. Please let the healthcare professional know what may have caused this.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Lymphoedema in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).