Lymphostasis is a disorder of lymphatic outflow due to improper functioning of the lymphatic system. Against the background of this process, fluid retention and edema formation occurs, which can cause pain, heaviness and discomfort, and also increases the risk of infection. Treatment requires referral to a doctor for the prescription of drugs, physiotherapy, massage.
Causes
Primary lymphostasis is associated with abnormalities of the organs of the lymphatic system, such as missing lymph nodes. Congenital lymphedema is extremely rare: 0.02% of cases.
Secondary lymphedema is caused by the following factors:
- trauma;
- vein and vascular diseases;
- parasitic and bacterial infections;
- obesity;
- protein deficiency;
- tumors of the lymphatic system.
Heart and kidney failure are considered dangerous causes of lymphatic stasis.
Symptoms of lymphostasis
Symptoms of lymphostasis can be identified after examining and interviewing the patient. The disease can manifest itself both on one half of the body and on both sides. The main complaint of patients is a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the affected limb, especially increasing towards the end of the day.
If lymphostasis affects the hands, the first manifestation is a slight swelling, which progresses over time. As the disease progresses, the skin begins to acquire an appearance reminiscent of orange peel – with dimples that do not disappear. Further, the skin becomes coarser and thickened, and fibrosis appears.
If the swelling does not disappear after a long rest and continues to intensify every day, this may indicate the transition of the disease into an irreversible stage. During this period, you can conduct a simple test: pinch the skin at the base of the second finger of the hand. If this can not be done, it means that problems with the lymphatic system are present. A clear sign of lymphostasis of the lower extremities is swelling on the back of the foot, which prevents the patient from wearing even his shoes.
The main symptoms of lymphostasis are:
- A feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the affected limb, increasing towards the end of the day.
- A small swelling on the hands as an early symptom of the disease.
- Dimples on the skin, resembling the peel of an orange, which do not disappear.
- Thickening and coarsening of the skin, the appearance of fibrosis.
- Swelling that does not go away after a long rest, and increases every day.
- Swelling on the back of the foot makes it difficult to wear closed shoes.
Over time, the initial symptoms can develop into a chronic form of the disease known as elephantiasis. In this stage, sores and cracks appear on the skin and a yellow fluid is secreted on the surface.
If the disease lasts untreated, complications such as angiosarcoma can occur. In the early stages, lymphostasis is difficult to diagnose because the swelling may be similar to that of obesity, venous insufficiency, or varicose veins. The main distinguishing sign of lymphostasis is the lack of improvement after prolonged standing with the legs elevated. While swelling from other conditions disappears, swelling caused by lymphostasis remains.
Stages of development of lymphostasis
The disease runs in three stages, and at the initial stage it is not easy to identify the lesion of lymphatic vessels, and patients rarely pay attention to the symptoms of the disease at the first stage, writing off everything to fatigue. At the same time on the skin when pressing remains a trace, and the swelling itself decreases if the limbs are raised above the level of the heart.
In the second stage, the swelling becomes permanent, it does not disappear, even if you keep the legs above the level of the heart for a long time. In addition, there is a constant accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space, there are problems with walking, and it is impossible to do anything with your hands if the upper limbs are affected.
The third stage is particularly severe. Here the symptoms of elephantiasis, trophic disorders in the nutrition of tissues, there are overgrowths that resemble warts, and the increase in the limb is more than 40%.
What doctors to consult
Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of lymphostasis is performed by a lymphologist in close cooperation with a phlebologist. Consultations with other specialists may be recommended: surgeon, obstetrician-gynecologist, mammologist, oncologist, endocrinologist, nephrologist, cardiologist.
Lymphostasis Treatment
Lymphostasis is considered an incurable disease and treatment is directed at the symptoms. It can be conservative or surgical.
Conservative therapy includes patient education, massage, weight control, diet, and regular exercise (after consultation with a doctor). Wearing knitted bandages is also recommended.
- Medications are prescribed by a doctor, as there are no effective medications to treat lymphostasis.
- Surgical treatment is performed at the second or third stage of the disease, when conservative therapy does not help.
What to do in lymphostasis
In order to stabilize the condition in lymphostasis recommended:
- hypocaloric diet and normalization of weight;
- avoid injuries to the limbs (cuts, burns, abrasions, calluses, burrs, etc. e), burns, excessive insolation to prevent secondary infection;
- avoid invasive procedures (blood draws, injections) on the affected limb if possible;
- avoid physical overloading of the limbs;
- provide an elevated position of the affected limb during night sleep and about one hour during the day;
- use individually selected compression knitwear;
- conduct regular therapeutic exercises for 10-15 minutes several times a day, visit a swimming pool at least once a week;
- follow-up with an angiosurgeon once a year.
Conclusion
Lymphostasis is a serious condition associated with impaired lymphatic outflow that can lead to swelling, pain, and chronic complications. The causes of the disease can be both primary (congenital anomalies of the lymphatic system) and secondary (injuries, infections, vascular diseases, obesity). Early detection and timely treatment, including conservative therapy and, in more advanced cases, surgery, play a key role in preventing disease progression. It is important to monitor your health, follow the recommendations of doctors and avoid factors that contribute to the worsening of the condition. Regular medical check-ups and prevention can significantly improve quality of life and prevent serious complications such as elephantiasis and angiosarcoma.
