Examples of Lymphatic Pathologies

Pathologies of the Lymphatic System

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Oedema

Oedema is the build-up of fluids in between the cells, creating a swollen appearance with smooth and often reddened tight skin. It can be a localised or systemic issue that is associated with a chemical imbalance, genetics genetics, inflammation, bad diet, lack of exercise or poor circulation.

Excess interstitial fluid is picked up in the Lymph Capillaries and when too much fluid has built up within the tissue layers, the circulatory and lymph system deal with this through creating water retention, mainly in the limbs. Once the interstitial fluid volume is about 30% above normal then it becomes visible. There can be varying reasons for this either chemical or mechanical or a combination of both.

Issues of a mechanical nature include a weakened heart, a dysfunctional liver, varying levels of kidney problems or an obstruction to venous or lymphatic return in the form of blood clotting or removed nodes. Tight socks or knee braces can cause distal oedema. An accumulation of salts or proteins within the interstitial fluid creates a chemical response, potentially triggering inflammation.

Systematic oedema is an indication of a major underlying health issue and can affect organs such as the heart, kidneys, or liver. Localised oedema is the term used for dealing with a specific anatomical site. The signs and symptoms depends on the source of the oedema, and the area that is affected can determine the healing time. The area can be hot initially if the oedema is because of a recent injury or infection. If it is due to poor circulation, the oedema will feel cool to touch.

Treatment is determined by diagnosing the cause of the oedema and getting to the root of the problem as it might be symptomatic of a separate condition. For example pregnancy, liver problems or a broken, sprained or dislocated joint are treated differently. Diuretics are often prescribed for complications with organs and analgesics given to reduce swelling, antihistamines for allergic reactions, steroids are anti-inflammatories.

Complementary therapy would be effective in dealing with oedema, especially massage that tackles lymphatic, and recommending the client to keep their feet elevated to reduce weight and tension. The Alexander Technique has positions that help to restore balance and address postural issues which may help reduce swelling.

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a collective name for any cancer that starts within the lymph nodes and is the 5th most common cancer in the UK, and the most common blood cancer. Hodgkin’s, Non-Hodgkin’s, Leukaemia and Myeloma are all examples of Lymphoma.

The most common symptoms of lymphoma are:

Swollen Lymph Nodes – the enlarged and swollen nodes are often in the neck, armpit or groin and are usually painless, but can get quite large and there may be more than one lump. Sometimes the lymph nodes are internal and are not obvious as they cannot be felt, but may cause other symptoms such as a cough, chest pain or abdominal discomfort.

Fatigue – feeling tired, listless and washed out with a heaviness and sluggish metabolism for no obvious reason.

Weight Loss, Itching, Sweats – other physical symptoms include unexplained reduction in weight very quickly, night sweats that has been described as ‘drenching’ and also itching which can also be accompanied by a rash, which can be irritated by heat and warm weather.

Treatment – Radiation is treatment with lasers and radiotherapy. Chemotherapy is treatment with cytotoxic drugs, which stops the cancer cells dividing and trigger cancer cells to die. Often a combination regimen is used, using drugs that target specific cells or creates a programme to target and stop cancerous cells from spreading. Drug combinations include ABVD, R-CVP, CHOP and these systems need to be given more than once to help the body attack the cancerous cells.

However, there are side effects to this as many healthy cells are also attacked, with target areas being the bone marrow, the hair follicles and the lining of the mouth and bowel.

For the Therapist: Massage for those who have cancer is being well studied and is now being developed using techniques such as The Iris. Jennifer Young is a renown expert in oncology treatments and even provides free training to allow for oncology massage to be more accessible for those needing gentle lymphatic care and pampering. Massage is helpful for pain management and lowering anxiety and depression. The therapist should offer a very light touch or even no-touch therapy such as Reiki could be useful or art therapy, meditation, stress management, counselling and other non-physical treatments can be used to relax, balance lift moods and heighten self esteem.

Examples of Lymphatic Disorders

Cellulitis is an infection that is often treated with antibiotics as they are caused by a spread of common bacteria, mainly Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Strep based bacteria spread quickly because of an enzyme in the virus that hinders the ability of skin tissue to fight infection. Staph based bacteria usually occurs in open wounds or pus-filled pockets such as abscesses.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a strain of cellulitis often found in hospitals, and has become resistant to antibiotics. This spreads easily, and the problem with MRSA is that it can spread through the bloodstream and infect distant organs. It can be prevented by keeping clean, hygenic and thoroughly washing hands to prevent the spread of infection.

Symptoms of cellulitis include redness, pain, a rash type redness and tenderness over the skin, which can feel weepy and tight. The skin can become pitted like orange peel and small blistery vesicles can appear on the skin. It commonly starts on the legs and affects one side of the body more than the other.

When cellulitis repeatedly affects the same site, lymphatic tissue can be damaged leaving permanent scars and swelling of the affected tissue.

Cellulitis often gets worse before it gets better, even when treatment with antibiotics starts, as the substances causing tissue damage are released causing a reaction. The antibiotics run a course for approximately 10 days to build up defence, and absesses are cut open and drained. The affected part of the body is also kept clean, immobile and elevated to reduce swelling. Cool, damp dressing can help to reduce inflammation and provide comfort.

Complementary Therapy and natural treatments include using garlic, colloidal silver, lavender and tea tree oil. Consuming turmeric also helps to reduce inflammation.

Glandular Fever

Glandular Fever generally affects children, teenagers and young adults, and is an infection that can last a few weeks but does eventually improve on its own. It also only affects somebody once and the symptoms include a high temperature, swollen glands on each side of the neck, severe sore throat, difficulty swallowing, extreme tiredness and exhaustion and can bring about recurring tonsillitis. However a blood test for the Epstein-Barr virus (a member of the herpes virus) which causes glandular fever can rule out tonsillitis, which has similar symptoms.

The best method of treatment is to keep well hydrated and drink plenty water, rest and sleep more than often, paracetamol and Ibuprofen are effective but be careful not to overdo drugs as the liver can be sensitive and weakened. The spleen can also swell which is why rest is so important.

Glandular fever can lead to other complications such as chronic fatigue and lower levels blood cells, anaemia, lead to pneumonia or even neurological illness with permanent damage such as Bells Palsy or Guillan-Barre syndrome.

It’s a highly contagious disease that is spread through saliva. Hands should be washed regularly and bedding and clothes should be washed at a high temperature to kill bacteria.

Normally energy is restored after 2 weeks, and energy will increase better if a healthy diet and moderate exercise are taken.

Homeopathy, Massage, Herbalism, Aromatherapy and Reflexology are all effective therapies against lymphatic disorders. Relaxation techniques combined with natural remedies such as honey, teatree, lemon and lavender being the most effective oils. Staying hydrated and resting is important, therefore meditation and visualisation may aid sleep.