Lymphangitis

The Lymphangitis is an inflammation in the lymphatic system caused by invading pathogens or toxic substances. It is treated with antibiotics and usually heals completely. If the cause is not treated, the disease can become chronic.

What is lymphangitis?

Lymphangitis is a serious disease of the lymphatic system. Early diagnosis prevents serious complications and greatly improves the chances of recovery
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The Lymphangitis is inflammation in the lymph vessels. These run through the body in lymph channels and transport the lymph, a yellowish liquid that contains lymph plasma and lymphocytes (white blood cells).

The lymph is transported to various lymph nodes, where harmful substances are removed and cleaned. The lymph vessels are an essential part of the human immune system. The most important lymph nodes are easily palpable on the neck, in the groin and under the armpits.

In lymphangitis, pathogens or harmful substances, such as snake venom or chemical substances, enter the lymphatic system and cause inflammation. A distinction is made between acute and chronic lymphangitis. The acute form usually starts from an inflamed wound, while chronic lymphangitis is caused by changes in the tissue of the lymph vessels.

causes

The cause of an acute Lymphangitis is either inflamed tissue in the immediate vicinity of the lymphatic system or there are pathogens or harmful substances that have penetrated the lymphatic system. In acute lymphangitis, there is usually a bacterial inflammation on the skin or on neighboring organs.

Most often it is caused by staphylococci or streptococci. The inflammation can spread to the lymphatic system, especially if pus forms or an abscess develops. Acute lymphangitis can also be caused by parasites or fungi, but this is rather rare.

Another possible trigger is insect or snake poison. Chronic lymphangitis can develop from acute lymphangitis that has not healed. But it can also arise from a defect in the lymphatic system. If the flow in the lymphatic system is disturbed, congestion and tissue changes occur, which can trigger inflammatory processes.

Finally, chronic lymphangitis can also be caused by surgical interventions in which parts of the lymphatic system had to be removed.

Typical symptoms & signs

• red stripe pointing in the direction of the heart (inflamed lymphatic vessel)
• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• fever
• chills
• Pus blisters
• Lymphedema
• Heavy legs
• Reddening of the skin
• Itching

Diagnosis & course

Schematic representation of the anatomy and structure of lymph nodes. Click to enlarge.

As symptoms of an acute Lymphangitis At first, tiredness and fatigue, fever and chills, and sometimes tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) appear.

The area around the infected wound is swollen, warm and red and the affected part of the body is painful. A red streak runs from the wound towards the heart. This stripe is commonly assumed to be a sign of blood poisoning, but it is the reddish inflamed lymphatic system that is visible through the skin. The lymph nodes in the immediate vicinity are swollen and respond to pressure with pain.

In chronic lymphangitis, the symptoms of the acute form occur again and again and, as the disease progresses, lymphedema (accumulation of fluid in the lymph vessels) can be recognized by swelling in the affected area. The skin changes and itchy eczema forms.

Lymphangitis is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and a history of the disease. A blood test can be used to determine if there is inflammation in the body. With further physical examinations, sonography and computed tomography, the doctor can find out what caused the lymphangitis.

Complications

Lymphangitis leads to various complaints, which can still be different in severity. In most cases, those affected will suffer from a fever and severe fatigue. Fatigue also occurs and those affected no longer actively participate in life.

There is also chills and continued itching or reddening of the skin. The patient's legs feel heavy from the lymphangitis and pain in the extremities occurs. Furthermore, palpitations can occur and thereby significantly reduce the patient's quality of life. The lymph nodes themselves can show pressure pain.

Lymphangitis is treated with the help of antibiotics, without any particular complications or restrictions. As a rule, the symptoms go away relatively quickly and there are no further symptoms. If there is no treatment, the disease can develop into a chronic course. The life expectancy of the patient is usually not reduced by this disease. In severe cases, abscesses may need to be removed by surgery.

When should you go to the doctor?

Lymphangitis is a serious disease of the lymphatic system. Early diagnosis prevents serious complications and greatly improves the chances of recovery. Anyone who suspects they have an inflammation of the lymphatic system or another disease of the lymphatic system should speak to their doctor. The doctor can quickly diagnose the disease based on the clear symptoms and suggest a suitable therapy. Medical help is necessary at the latest when the characteristic stripe moving towards the heart is noticed.

Acute lymphangitis is often noticed by those affected, while the chronic form shows no clear symptoms at the beginning. Both forms must be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Patients over 40 or with previous cancer treatment are among the risk groups and should inform the doctor of any abnormalities. The family doctor will consult a lymphologist and other internists depending on the type and severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are related to a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, see the gynecologist.

Treatment & Therapy

Treatment of the acute Lymphangitis depends on the cause. If the inflammation originates from an infected wound or an inflamed organ, antibiotics are given to contain the infection.

In most cases, this drug therapy is sufficient. In addition, the affected part of the body should be immobilized, cooled and, if necessary, disinfected compresses should be applied. Applying anti-inflammatory ointments also helps healing. If the lymphangitis is already advanced and an abscess with pus has formed, it must be removed in a surgical procedure.

If the lymphatic vessels are badly damaged by the inflammation, the affected parts must be removed. If edema has formed in chronic lymphangitis, lymphatic drainage is often used as a therapy. A special technique is used to transport the fluid that has accumulated in the tissue to the lymph nodes. In addition, special gymnastics helps with chronic lymphangitis, which prevents new congestion.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against swelling of the lymph nodes

Outlook & forecast

The prognosis for lymphangitis is favorable. There is an inflammatory disease that can be cured with medication. If left untreated, the symptoms increase. With a healthy and stable immune system, healing is still possible without the administration of medicines. Under these circumstances, the healing process is longer and the risk of complications is increased.

If the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, therapy can be started immediately. Under optimal conditions, the patient is usually released from treatment as cured within a few days or weeks. There may be delays in the event of severe damage to the lymph vessels or a weakened immune system. People who have a not yet fully developed or very weak body's own defense system are often subject to a severe course of the disease or suffer from the inflammation spreading in the organism. This can lead to other diseases that must be taken into account when making a prognosis. If drug therapy is not sufficient, further treatment measures, such as lymphatic drainage, can be initiated.

In very rare cases, pus forms and enters the blood system. There is a possibility of developing sepsis. Blood poisoning is a potentially life-threatening condition for those affected and needs intensive medical treatment.

prevention

One can against Lymphangitis prevent by properly treating wounds and injuries so that they do not become infected. If there is already an inflammation, you should consult a doctor immediately. With the right therapy, lymphangitis can be prevented.

Aftercare

The quality of life of those affected is significantly reduced by the disease from lymphangitis. The sick are permanently bound to the help and support of family members, as everyday life can no longer be mastered independently. Follow-up care therefore focuses on the complete recovery of the usual everyday life.

If the treatment with the help of antibiotics has been completed, a gentle mode should still be used so as not to overwork the body. Getting plenty of sleep and exercise will help you recover. The pain usually goes away after treatment, so those affected should focus fully on improving their wellbeing. Immune-strengthening sports exercises such as yoga or walking are recommended. The life expectancy of those affected is not shortened by lymphangitis.

You can do that yourself

In most cases, lymphangitis can be treated relatively well, although the treatment can also be supported by means of self-help. However, it is not possible to treat lymphangitis by self-help alone.

If the disease occurs because of a wound, those affected are dependent on taking antibiotics. Furthermore, the patient should protect the wound from inflammation or other infections and therefore cover it with a sterile bandage. It is also advisable to immobilize the affected region. Any pain that occurs can be relieved by cooling.

It should be ensured that the cooling material is not placed directly on the affected area in order to avoid burns. If the lymphangitis progresses further or if pus develops, a doctor should always be consulted, as this usually requires a surgical procedure.

Since lymphangitis can in some cases limit the patient's everyday life, those affected have to rely on the help of other people. Above all, the help of friends or family has a very positive effect on the course of the disease and can possibly also avoid psychological complaints.