Prosper Swelling Management
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system, or lymphoid system, is an organ system in vertebrates that is part of the immune system and complementary to the circulatory system. It consists of a large network of lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, lymphoid organs, lymphatic tissue and lymph.
What Causes Lymphedema?
Several things may cause lymphedema, including: Breast cancer surgery: Sometimes, breast cancer surgery includes removing lymph nodes under your arms and possibly damaging nearby lymph vessels. Pelvic surgery: Surgery to remove pelvic lymph nodes may cause lymphedema. Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may cause scarring and damage to your lymphatic system, inflaming your skin and placing pressure on your lymphatic circulation system. Trauma: Your lymphatic system is a rich network of vessels that are directly under your skin, as well as deep. Sometimes, trauma to an area of your body may damage lymphatic vessels under your skin, causing lymphedema. Infection: An infection may increase lymphatic system damage. Having obesity: People who have obesity may have excess fat (adipose tissue) that puts pressure on lymph nodes and vessels. That extra pressure may affect lymphatic drainage. Lack of activity: Your leg muscles pump up lymphatic circulation. If you’re not active, you may have swelling in your legs. Tumors: Tumors may block lymphatic drainage. Heart conditions: People who have heart issues, particularly congestive heart failure, may develop lymphedema. Your lymphatic ducts empty lymph back into your heart. If your heart isn’t working as well as it should, you may notice you’re gaining weight or your legs are swollen. Blood vessel issues: Your blood vessels carry between 80% and 90% of fluid throughout your body. When something affects your blood vessels (vascular system), you may develop chronic blood vessel issues. Chronic blood vessel issues may cause lymphedema. Kidney disease: Your kidneys work to remove extra fluid and waste products from your body. If your kidneys don’t function as they should, your body may have trouble removing fluid. Excess fluid may cause swelling that leads to lymphedema.
What Are Symptoms of Lymphedema?
The most common symptom is swelling. Swelling may develop slowly. You may not notice unusual swelling in lymphedema’s early stages. Swelling from lymphedema may also come on suddenly. Other lymphedema symptoms you may notice include: You can’t see or feel the veins or tendons in your hands and feet. Your arms or legs appear to be slightly different sizes. It feels as if your joints are unusually tight or inflexible. Your skin seems puffy or red. Swelling in your arms or legs or other areas of your body. Your arms, legs or other parts of your body feel uncomfortably heavy or full. Your clothes or jewelry fit more tightly than usual. You have a feeling of burning or itching. Your skin becomes noticeably thicker.