Lymphoedema

What causes lymphoedema?

Primary lymphoedema

Primary lymphoedema happens because of changes, or mutations, in the genes responsible for building the lymphatic system. As a result, the lymphatic system either does not develop the way it should, or it develops but does not function properly.

This form usually runs in families. If a parent has the condition, it does not mean every child they have will develop it too.

Secondary lymphoedema

Secondary lymphoedema is different: it develops in people whose lymphatic system was working normally before. This is actually the more common of the two types.

It can be brought on by a number of things, including:

• cancer treatment, such as surgery or radiotherapy
• infections, such as severe cellulitis
• inflammation, such as from rheumatoid arthritis or eczema
• abnormal or damaged veins, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or varicose veins
• obesity
• trauma or injury affecting the lymphatic system
• not moving or exercising enough

আপনার উপসর্গগুলো সম্পর্কে জিজ্ঞেস করে এবং আপনার রোগের আগের ইতিহাস জেনে নিয়ে ডাক্তার অনেক সময়েই লিম্ফিডিমা শনাক্ত করতে পারেন। এরপর তিনি আক্রান্ত জায়গাটি পরীক্ষা করে দেখেন এবং মেপে দেখেন সেখানে ফোলা আছে কি না।

আপনি যদি ক্যান্সারের চিকিৎসা নিয়ে থাকেন, তাহলে আপনার লিম্ফিডিমা হওয়ার ঝুঁকি থাকতে পারে। এ কারণে চিকিৎসা-পরবর্তী যত্নের অংশ হিসেবে এ বিষয়টি নজরে রাখা হতে পারে। মনে কোনো দুশ্চিন্তা থাকলে আপনি যেকোনো সময়ই আপনার চিকিৎসক দলের সঙ্গে কথা বলতে পারেন।

Lymphoedema cannot be cured, but the main treatment, called decongestive lymphatic therapy (DLT), can help keep symptoms under control.

DLT has 4 parts:

• compression bandages and garments: these move fluid out of the affected limb and stop more from building up
• skin care: this keeps the skin healthy and lowers the risk of infection
• exercises: these work the muscles in the affected limb to improve lymph drainage
• manual lymphatic drainage (MLD): a special type of massage that helps fluid flow through the lymphatic system and reduces swelling

There are things you can do that may lower your chances of developing lymphoedema, or keep it from getting worse.

What you can do

• eat a healthy diet
• keep to a healthy weight
• exercise regularly

Helping prevent infections

A few simple habits can lower your chance of getting a skin infection. It helps to:

• treat cuts and scratches straight away with an antiseptic cream
• use insect repellents to avoid insect bites
• moisturise your skin every day; ask your healthcare team to help you find the right cream
• avoid very hot baths and showers, since heat from saunas, steam rooms and sun beds can also make swelling worse
• use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) to prevent sunburn
• wear gloves for gardening and household chores to avoid cuts, if your arms or hands are affected
• use anti fungal powder to prevent fungal infections of the skin or feet, if your legs or feet are affected
• cut your nails with nail clippers
• see a chiropodist for foot and nail care, and make sure you let them know you have lymphoedema
• wear shoes that fit well and support the top of your feet, if your legs or feet are affected
• use an electric razor if you need to shave, to lower the risk of cutting yourself
• avoid tight fitting clothes or jewellery

Cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, is a common complication of lymphoedema. When fluid builds up in the tissues, the risk of infection goes up as well.

Living with a long-term condition like lymphoedema can also take a toll on your mental health. If you're feeling low, or if lymphoedema is making daily life difficult, it's worth speaking to your GP practice about it.

It can also help to talk to others who understand what you're going through. The Lymphoedema Support Network offers information and advice, and they can put you in touch with a support group near you.

When reaching out, avoid sharing personal information such as your name, location, or details of any personal health conditions.