What is Lymphedema?
The lymphatic system functions as the second circulatory system and ensures the collection and filtration of interstitial fluid in the body. The lymphatic circulatory system is a circulatory system with functions similar to blood circulation, called the second circulatory system in the body. When there is a disruption in the lymph circulation system, which has various functions in the absorption of fats in the body's immune system and digestive system, a condition called lymphedema occurs. As a result of deterioration in the lymphatic system, local fluid accumulations occur and lymphedema occurs.
Lymphedema is the accumulation of protein-rich interstitial fluid in the skin and subcutaneous tissues due to insufficiency and disorder in lymph circulation in the body. is the situation. As a result of the accumulation in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, swelling occurs in areas with lymph flow disorders. In the first stage, swelling occurs only on the back of the foot and the back of the hand, but may increase towards the leg or arm in the future. In advanced lymphedema patients, swelling may also occur in the abdomen or back area.
What are the Causes of Lymphedema?
The causes of lymphedema are basically divided into two: primary (primary) and secondary (due to another cause).
Primary lymphedema; These are lymphedema conditions that occur due to congenital reasons, not due to some other reasons. Primary lymphedema is lymphedema that occurs due to impaired lymph circulation due to the anatomical structure inherited from birth. Primary lymphedema can occur due to insufficient or no development in the lymph vessels. Depending on the development observed in the lymph vessels, lymphedema may occur during birth or at later ages.
Secondary lymphedema is a condition of lymphedema that is more frequently observed and occurs due to another cause. Secondary lymphedema occurs due to a reason that causes deterioration in lymph circulation. Conditions that cause deterioration in lymph circulation and secondary lymphedema occur, most commonly in the lymph nodes. These can be listed as following surgical operations (breast or ovarian cancer surgeries), radiotherapy, trauma, some tropical parasite infections, cellulitis and lymphangitis infections.
The most common cause of lymphedema is after the removal of lymph nodes, especially in breast and prostate cancer surgeries. It is a common cause of lymphedema. In the same vein, radiotherapy (radiation therapy) used in the treatment of cancer cases may be effective in the emergence of lymphedema in the future.
Another cause of lymphedema is; are vascular problems. Venous insufficiency, which occurs because the veins cannot perform their basic functions and carry blood to the heart sufficiently, is one of the causes of lymphedema. Venous insufficiency, which occurs in the area below the knee, which is the area furthest from the heart, means that the venous system cannot perform its functions. As a result of the venous system not functioning adequately, the lymph system helps send blood to the heart. However, this aid causes overload on the lymph system, causing lymphedema.
Lenoedema can also occur as a result of lipedema formation, which is known as excessive fat syndrome and usually occurs in women. Excessive symmetrical fat formation in both legs after the menstrual period or pregnancy can cause overload on the lymph system and the formation of lymphedema disease.
What are the Symptoms of Lymphedema?
The most important symptom of lymphedema is the swelling that occurs in areas with lymph flow disorders. In this regard, we can list the following as symptoms of lymphedema:
-Feeling of tightness or fullness in the edematous area
-Tingling
-Pain
-Lymph flow Redness and discoloration in the affected area p>
Swelling, which is the most important symptom of lymphedema, progresses slowly. In this regard, it is very difficult to detect unless measurement is made.
Lymphedema Treatment
Whole hair As with health problems, early diagnosis and early treatment of lymphedema is a key point for the success of the treatment. Swelling, which is the most obvious symptom of lymphedema, progresses slowly and therefore cannot be noticed early.
Treatment of lymphedema varies depending on the swelling that occurs in the patient. Early lymphedema cases, where the swelling is not yet visible, can be detected by bioimpedance measurement.
Complex decongestive therapy is used in the treatment of early lymphedema. In complex decongestive therapy, elastic compression clothing and home exercise programs are applied.
In cases where the swelling caused by lymphedema is visible and measurable, treatment is provided by trained physiotherapists through manual lymph drainage therapy, multi-layer bandage application and certain exercises performed under supervision.
In the treatment of lymphedema, the "Manual Lymph Drainage" method appears as an effective method that allows the free flow of blocked fluid by manipulating the lymph system with the hands. With this method, it is aimed to remove the lymph fluid that accumulates in the edematous area and transfer it to the lymph nodes in the healthy functioning areas. With the manual lymph drainage method, unlike massage techniques that have no effect on circulation, light pressure is applied to the superficial lymph vessels located just under the skin.
The aim of the compression bandage and stocking is to preserve the effectiveness of the lymph system activated by the manual lymph drainage method. Bandaging is adjusted evenly, high pressure is applied when the muscles are active and low pressure is applied when the muscles are at rest. Thus, reconcentration of lymph fluid is prevented, especially in the area where accumulation has previously occurred.
On skin with lymphedema, moisturizers with a pH value of 5.5 should be used due to dryness of the skin. In this regard, it is important to follow up lymphedema patients and constantly check whether there is fungus formation in the body folds in the edematous area. should be.
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