Edema

What Causes Lymphedema | Futher Complications | Treating Lymphedema

Edema is best described as pronounced swelling, often of the extremities. This swelling is actually an accumulation of excess fluid in the body tissues. Edema can result from venous insufficiency causing blood flow to slow and blood to “pool” or fail to return to the heart, surgical procedures or injury to an affected area. Most extreme conditions of edema are actually known as Lymphedema. It is important to note that Lymphedema is one of the most misdiagnosed diseases today.

Lymphedema is the build up of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissues. Under normal body function, nearly 90% of the water found in our blood is being filtered through the lymphatic system. However, when the lymphatic system is malformed or damaged, blockages can result and the fluids from that particular area cannot be filtered and circulated adequately.

As fluids build up and produce swelling, the resulting condition is called lymphedema. The swelling can cause the affected limb to become extremely large and heavy, causing disfigurement and inhibiting the use of the extremity or can remain just minor edema. Whether an extreme case or just an extreme nuisance, Lymphedema, if left untreated will in most cases continually worsen and could cause further problems.

There are 2 basic types of Lymphedema as listed below. While the causes can vary, compression therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat this condition by reducing swelling and promoting circulation of the lymphatic fluid.
• Primary Lymphedema: as caused by a Congenital Abnormality-(Milroy’s, Praecox, Tarda Proximal/Distal Obliteration). Basically, your body’s lymphatic system has broken down over time or did not correctly form at birth.
• Secondary (Acquired) Lymphedema: as caused by but not limited to: Cancer Surgery, Lymph Node Dissection or Removal, Radiation Therapy, Surgeries or Injuries that scar the lymphatic channels, or infections.

Over time, lymphedema can lead to a number of other complications. Proteins accumulate in the trapped fluid, which can lead to fibrosis, a hardening of the surrounding tissues, making the drainage process even more difficult. This protein-rich fluid also provides ideal growing conditions for bacteria that lead to infection. Furthermore, edema inhibits blood flow and circulation, which slows the healing process of wounds and can be a contributing factor in the development of venous disorders such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). In cases where CVI is already present, lymphedema can exacerbate the symptoms and complications associated with this disease.

When planning to treat lymphedema, there are a few things that must first be taken into account. If the symptoms have occurred because of infection, an antibiotic must first be prescribed in order to clear up the infection prior to the lymphedema treatment. Lymphangitis and Cellulitis are examples of infections and inflammations that can be either a cause or a complication of lymphedema. The importance of clearing up this infection prior to treatment is that you don’t want to spread the infection during treatments. Once the infection is properly treated then treatment can begin to reduce the effects of the lymphedema.

If the lymphedema was not caused by infection or the infection is being medically treated, then an approach to reducing the swelling can be taken. This approach has been defined in a number of different ways and is usually determined by your doctor. Most of the time however it is based on Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) methods. These methods include but are not limited to manual lymph drainage, proper skin care and diet, bandaging, compression garments, self-manual lymphatic drainage & bandaging and the topic of our discussion today, Pneumatic Compression Pumps.

Since using the pump, my arm has decreased considerably in size. It feels good, no pain or cramping. The pump is easy to set up and use. -- D. Benson

Pneumatic Compression Pumps are one of the best ways to manage this disease.
Gradient, segmental, intermittent, compression therapy (the therapy provided by these pumps) is medically recognized as a non-invasive treatment for the complications associated with lymphedema and other venous disorders including wound healing. This therapy can also improve the calf muscle pump function thus lowering the rate of venous thrombosis of the lower extremity.

Pneumatic Compression Pump therapy will significantly reduce the swelling caused by lymphedema and can be done in the privacy of your own home. Typical therapy sessions are only 30 to 60 minutes in length and are recommended twice daily.

Medical Solutions Supplier’s policy is to get a pump to any persons in need. Period. It is our highest goal to see people improve their quality of life and get the treatment they need. Most major insurance companies, including Medicare, will cover this equipment; and Medical Solutions Suppliler will deal directly with your insurance company and physicians to make the process of getting a pump as quick and easy as possible.
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