Lymphsema & Elephatiasis Flashcards
What is the role of the lymphatic system?
Lymphatic system is the body’s way to stay healthy
Protein-rich lymph cycles through collecting bacteria, viruses, and waste
At the nodes, it is filtered out by lymphocytes
What is lymphsema?
Refers to swelling of upper and lower extremities
Commonly caused by removal/damage of lymph vessels
Blockage of lymph fluid causes build up and edema
What are the symptoms of lymphadema?
Swelling of part or all of your arm or leg, including fingers or toes
A feeling of heaviness or tightness
Restricted range of motion
Aching or discomfort
Recurring infections
Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)
Ranges from mild changes to severe, dramatic changes over night
What are the different types of lymphedema?
Primary: occurs on its own
Secondary: caused by another disease/condition and is more common primary lymphedema
What are the main causes of secondary lymphedema?
Surgey–removal/injury
Cancer
Radiation Therapy
Infection
What are the main causes of primary lymphedema?
Milroy’s Disease (congenital lymphedma)–abnormal growth infancy
Meige’s Disease (lymphedema praecox)–during puberty/pregnancy until 35
Late-onset lymphedema—rarely after 35
What test/diagnosis take action for lymphedema?
MRI Scan
CT Scan
Doppler Ultrasound
Radionuclide imaging
What treatment options are availavable for lymphadema?
Exercises
Complete Decongestive Therapy (High BP, Diabetes, blood clots, infection)
Wrappings
Pneumatic Compressior
Compression Garments
Massage (skin infection,active cancer, blood clots, CHF)
What are some preventions for lymphedema?
Towards cancer patients and surgery
Protect arm/legs from cuts, scrapes, and burns
Rest arms/legs while recovering
Avoid heat/cold
Elevate
Avoid tight clothing
Keep clean
What is Elephantiasis?
Massive swelling of body parts (upper and lower extremities and the genitals)
Skin becomes thickened and darkened
What are the symptoms for Elephatiasis?
Swelling in scrotum
Pain in the Testicles
White urinary discharge
Massively swollen legs, genitalia and breasts
Enlarged groin lymph nodes
Blocked lymph ducts
Fever
What are some of the main causes of elephatiasis?
Parasitic disease, lymphatic filariasis
Repeated streptococcal Infection
Parasitic worms, including Wuchereria Banocrofti, Brugia malayi, and B. timori
Infected female mosquito bites
Hereditary birth defect
What are some immediate treatments for emphysema?
Medicines to treat lymphatic filariasis immediately after infection: U.S. Diethylcarbamazine/ Outside of the U.S. Albendazole and Ivermectin
Bandaging
Surgical treatment for scrotal elephantiasis
What is tonsillitis?
Inflammation of the tonsils due to bacterial/viral infection that can cause pain and difficulty swallowing
What are some of the symptoms for tonsillitus?
Red, swollen tonsils
White or yellow coating or patches on the tonsils
Sore throat
Difficult or painful swallowing
Fever
Enlarged, tender glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
A scratchy, muffled or throaty voice
Stomachache, particularly in younger children
Stiff neck
Headache
What are the causes of tonsillitus?
Can be caused by common viruses
Bacterium causing tonsillitis: Steptococcus pyogenes
What are some treatment options for tonsillitus?
Rest
Fluids
Saltwater garg
Humidifer
Lozenges
Avoid Irritants
Pain killers
Antibiotics
Surgery
What is Appendicits?
Inflammation of the appendix that causes pain in the lower right abdomen that becomes worse over time
What are some of the symptoms of Appendictis?
Sudden pain begins at naval and shifts to lower right abdomen
Pain that worsens if you cough, walk or make other jarring movements
Nasea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever that may worsen as the illness progresses
Constipation or diarrhea
Abdominal bloating
Sudden pain: in lower and right abdomen
What are the causes of appendictis?
Blockage in the lining of the appendix
Results in infection
Bacteria replicate and appendix becomes swollen, inflamed, filled with pus
–if not treated if could rupture
How do you treat appendictis?
Surgery
Appendectomy (Laparotomy 2-4 inces)
Laparoscopic surgery (5-10 centimeters)
Draining of abcess
