What is lymphedema?

Excess fluid: There are 2 circulation systems in the body, the vascular, arteries and veins, and the lymphatic. Fluid leaks out of the veins slowly all day long, and it should be picked up by the lymph circulation, and returned to the vascular system. The immune system also uses the lymphatic circulation to move infection fighting cells. Damage causes the fluid to back up, and causes swelling.

Swelling: Lymphedema is simply fluid accumulating in some part of the body quicker than the body can drain it off. It can be due to impaired drainage or too much fluid accumulation and should be checked out with your doc.

Specific swelling: Lymphedema is swelling due to an abnormal collection of lymph fluid in the interstitial tissue. Lymph fluid is similar to blood plasma or serum but not exactly the same. Interstitial tissue is body tissue outside of blood vessels. As drs. Miller, nguyen and point said, lymphedema occurs when the body isn't able to drain all the lymph fluid it makes bad into the blood stream.

Lymphedema: lymph fluid build up in the extremity

Lymphedema explained: Lymphedema is extremity swelling due to obstruction of channels which drain lymph fluid from the intercellular spaces back to the heart. Causes are mechanical or surgical interruption or parasitic infections. One or both legs or arms can be affected.

Hello. Lymphedema is swelling due to the tissues’ abnormal accretion of fluid. It can sometimes occur after skin or breast cancer surgery since it involves the removal of lymph nodes.

Therapy: There is physical therapy directed to improve this and also sleeves you can wear find a lymphedem clinic in your area. www.drlugo.com.

Lymphatic Pump: If it is bad enough, you can rent or even buy a machine called lympha press that helps squeeze the edema down. It can be expensive but some insurances will cover it. Working with a physical and occupational therapist is very helpful also. There is surgery that tries to remove the lymphatic tissue, but is offered in the most severe cases - generally not recommended.

Decongestion: The mainstay is decongestive therapy. This includes wearing elastic compression stockings, using non-elastic circ-aid garments, sequential compression devices, lymphatic drainage/massage, diet and exercise. Going to a lymphedema clinic is helpful if you have one close. A great source of info is www.Lymphnet.Org.

Reduce Swelling: Lymphedema is due to increased back pressure in either the lymphatic or venous systems or a combination of both. It can occur in any extremity and most commonly in the legs. The goal of treatment is to reduce the pressure by several modalities-elevation, compression stockings or bandages, lymphedema massage and sequential segmental pumps. Unfortunately, lymphedema is a chronic condition.

Lymphedems: Compression stockings is the first line of treatment,placing them on legs prior to daily activity