What is lymphedema and what are the symptoms? – Health news

I start to inquire with the definition of elephant disease, specialist. Dr. Nurhan Barutçu defined the disease as the deterioration of the lymphatic system. By stating that there are lymphatic vessels in all organs and tissues except the central nervous system, bone marrow, eyeball, hair, fingernails, and toenails, Barutçu stated that the lymphatic system collects fluid and waste from cells and tissues, cleans the cells, and protects the skin. body against diseases, and participates in the moisture balance of the body. . Claiming that lymphedema will occur if the lymph fluid exceeds the capacity of the lymphatic system or due to the deterioration of the carrying capacity of the lymphatic vessels, Barutçu stated that an estimated 140-250 million people in the world are affected by lymphedema. “It can be seen in the chest, trunk, arm, hand, face, foot or leg,” he said.

What are the symptoms of lymphedema

Barutçu stated that conditions such as tightness in the arm, feeling of fullness, pain, tingling, swelling and redness, difficulty in moving the arm, hand and wrist, squeezing a watch, ring or bracelet, feeling of tension in the skin are the symptoms of the disease swelling occurs due to accumulation. Due to a late start of treatment, insufficient or incorrect treatment, the swelling of the arms and legs of the patients gradually increases. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment at an early stage. If there are signs of an infection (fever, chills, redness of the skin or increased temperature), if you notice itching, redness, fungal infection or an abnormal change in the skin, if there is an increase in swelling, if you feel pain , a doctor should be consulted.

lymphedema treatment

Referring to the treatment of the disease, Barutçu said:

“Patient education, skin care, self-massage, manual lymphatic drainage massage by trained people, compression stockings or bandages, pressure pumps and exercises are applied in the treatment. Depending on the condition of the person, one or more of these treatments can be applied on the recommendation of the physiotherapist. The globally accepted gold standard treatment for lymphedema is complex decongestive therapy. Complex decongestive therapy; It includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, exercises, skin and nail care.”

What the patient with lymphedema should pay attention to

Physical therapy and rehabilitation specialist Dr., who makes some recommendations for people with elephantiasis. Nurhan Barutçu urged patients to be careful. Barutçu summed up what should not be neglected in the following words:

“Skin injuries should be avoided, mosquitoes should be kept away from the environment, injections in the swollen arm should not be allowed, smoking should not be allowed, blood pressure should not be measured on the affected arm, hot baths and showers should be avoided , must be protected against sunburn. and avoid very tight clothing. Compression garments should be worn all day and a doctor should be seen every 6 months for a check-up. Appropriate activities and exercises should be discussed with the doctor. Swimming, personal manual lymphatic drainage, yoga, water exercises are beneficial activities for lymphedema. Obesity can negatively affect swelling. Ideal weight should be maintained. A low-fat, low-salt, and high-fiber diet is recommended for patients with lymphedema.