Lymphedema is the buildup of protein-rich fluid in tissue that causes swelling. This fluid collects in the extracellular space outside of your bloodstream and around the cells of your body.
There are two types of lymphedema: primary lymphedema and secondary lymphedema.
Both types are associated with lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes that are missing, damaged, removed, or otherwise damaged.
Primary lymphedema occurs when the lymphatic system is damaged due to a developmental defect. Primary lymphedema can be classified according to the age of onset.
- Congenital: lymphedema is noticeable at birth
- Praecox: lymphedema occurs after birth, but before the age of 35
- Tardum: lymphedema occurs after the age of 35
Primary lymphedema can present as a variety of abnormalities:
- Lymphatic aplasia: rare condition in which parts of the lymphatic system never develop and are missing
- Lymphatic Hypoplasia: This is the most common malformation and refers to the incomplete development of lymphatic vessels and/or nodes. The number of lymphatic vessels and/or nodes is reduced, or may be smaller than normal.
- Lymphatic Hyperplasia: Structural malformation of lymphatic vessels and/or nodes with dilated dilated lymphatic vessels that can cause lymphatic valves to malfunction and compromise lymphatic flow.
Secondary lymphedema occurs due to an external factor that damages or impairs the lymphatic system. Causes of secondary lymphedema include:
Cancer surgery/radiation: Removal of lymph nodes from cancer surgery disrupts lymph flow. Radiation treatment can damage fragile lymphatic vessels and cause lymphedema.
Tumors: Tumors can grow and press on lymph vessels, blocking flow and causing lymphedema. The tumors often cause lymphedema, which differs in that it begins in the upper limb. Other causes of lymphedema usually cause swelling that begins in the lower parts of the limb first.
Trauma: injuries to the body can damage fragile lymphatics and lead to the development of lymphedema.
Infection: Infections can cause inflammation and permanent damage to fragile lymphatic vessels.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency: the venous insufficiency Severe chronic can overwhelm the lymphatics, leading to the development of phlebolymphedema (venous disease with secondary lymphedema). Often, CVI is aggravated by other medical conditions. Phlebolymphedema can develop in patients with normal lymphatics or in patients with damaged lymphatics. Contributing factors include heart failure, renal insufficiencyliver disease, Sleep apnea untreated, obesity, paralysis/paresis, pulmonary hypertension, certain medications.
Obesity: Obesity is an independent risk factor for lymphedema, particularly in cancer survivors. Morbidly obese patients with a BMI > 59 are at high risk of spontaneously developing lower extremity lymphedema.
Filariasis: a parasitic disease found mainly in third word countries and affects the lymphatic system. It is the most common cause of lymphedema worldwide.
The symptoms of lymphedema are:
- Swelling in the arm or leg or affected body part. Swelling of the extremities may include the fingers or toes.
- Sensation of heaviness or feeling of tightness in the skin of the affected area
- Pain or discomfort in the extremity
- Skin dimples like an orange peel
- Recurrent infections in the affected limb or body area
- Hardening and thickening (fibrosis) of the skin
- Decreased range of motion in the affected limb
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folk remedies
Remedy for lymphedema # 1: Do gentle massages with coconut oil on the affected areas.
Remedy for lymphedema # 2: Consume pineapple juice daily.
Remedy for lymphedema #3: Pour 1 handful of corn or choclo beard in a liter of water and boil until boiling. Remove from heat and let cool. Take throughout the day.
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recommendations
Regular moderate exercise such as walking or swimming, as it can really help reduce swelling and accumulated lymphatic fluid, but before starting an exercise program, it is necessary to consult with your doctor. He or she will probably recommend wearing some pressure garments while you work out.
Avoid cross your legs while sitting
Do not spend a long time either sitting or standing. In that sense, you should alter your position every 30 minutes.
Adopt a healthy diet free of saturated fat and excess salt and sugar. Preferably eat food anti-inflammatories I eat vegetables and some fruits daily. It is especially important to reduce your intake of processed foods that are high in sodium, as they can increase the fluid retention.
Quit smoking if you are a smoker
Avoid the consumption of alcoholic drinks.
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Also know
Lymphatic drainage: Benefits and contraindications
Benefits of the red root and its contraindications
Vitamins and minerals for fluid retention
Diuretic infusions for fluid retention, weight loss and more
Remedies for Bouchard’s nodules
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