What is lymphangitis? This is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, which can occur for various reasons. Its appearance is accompanied by a number of characteristic symptoms.
No one is safe from this ailment, and therefore it will now be told about why it may arise, by what signs it is realistic to determine it, and also how diagnostics and treatment are carried out.
Manifestation of the disease
To begin with, it is worth a little more detail about what lymphangitis is. This is a chronic or acute inflammation of the lymphatic capillaries or trunks, which occurs a second time. A purulent-inflammatory process always precedes it.
This phenomenon is accompanied by swelling along the inflamed vessels, which is noticeable to the naked eye. Edema is also possible. Often lymphadenitis also forms - an inflammation of the lymph nodes of a purulent nature.
It is important to note that with this disease, completely different vessels located at any depth can be affected. As a rule, inflammation concentrates on the limbs, and this is logical - because they are injured most often.
The doctor should be consulted, having barely noticed the weak manifestations of lymphangitis, the photo of which shows a truly unpleasant sight. If a person begins to progress this disease - then the primary pathology is progressing.
Etiology
Many people know that the lymphatic system is a complex vascular structure. When pathogenic bacteria and viruses enter the body, immune cells are produced in the lymph, which become an obstacle for them, and also purify the blood.
If there is no such protection (the reason is severe infection and a weakened immunity), then this “barrier” does not arise.
As a result, bacteria from the purulent focus enter the interstitial space. And from there - into the lymphatic system. As a result, the endothelium of small vessels is affected and inflammation occurs. First, net lymphangitis is formed, and then - stem.
Causes
As mentioned earlier, lymphangitis (ICD-10 - I89.1) develops a second time. The prerequisite is a deep or superficial purulent-inflammatory focus. In general, the reasons can be distinguished in such a list:
- Infected wound or abrasion.
- Phlegmon.
- Carbuncle.
- Abscess.
- Furuncle.
If we talk about pathogens, then they are the following pathogens:
- Staphylococcus aureus.
- Proteus.
- Beta hemolytic streptococcus.
- E. coli.
It is important to make a reservation that specific lymphangitis usually occurs in patients who have had tuberculosis.
Symptoms
There are several signs by which the presence of lymphangitis can be determined. Symptoms are as follows:
- High temperature, reaching 39-40 ° C.
- Severe superficial hyperemia observed around the infectious focus.
- The presence on the skin of narrow strips of red that stretch to the regional lymph nodes.
- Soreness, tightness, swelling of the cords.
- Tension and swelling of the surrounding tissue.
- Painful seals along the vessels, resembling rosaries or cords.
- Chills.
- Strong headache.
- Weakness.
- Sweating.
Symptoms worsen over time. A sharp pain is observed, lymphedema begins to develop, some areas are transformed into an abscess or phlegmon. If they are not opened, sepsis may develop.
Diagnostics
Lymphangitis of the lower extremities or any other parts of the body can be determined by a specialist during a visual examination. The difficulty lies in only one thing - the disease must be differentiated from superficial phlebitis and erysipelas. And here the identification of the inflammatory focus helps.
It will be difficult to identify deep lymphangitis. What it is? This is the name of the disease in which pronounced leukocytosis can be detected in the peripheral blood. That is why it is necessary to take this biological fluid for analysis.
In addition, the lymphologist must take into account the results of laboratory and instrumental studies and clinical and anamnestic data.
Also, the patient is sent to undergo the following diagnostic procedures:
- Duplex scanning.
- USDG.
- Computer thermography.
- Bacterial sowing.
All this helps to determine changes in the lymphatic vessels, narrowing of the lumen, the depth and severity of lymphangitis, and also to determine which microorganism was the causative agent.
Treatment principles
So, based on the foregoing, we can understand what lymphangitis is. This is a serious disease, and it is better not to delay it with its treatment.
The first step is to eliminate the primary focus, which supports inflammation in the lymphatic vessels. To do this, the doctor treats infected wounds, opens phlegmon, felon, abscesses, and then drains them and sanitizes.
Then the affected limb is fixed in a slightly elevated position. A person will have to observe motor rest.
Many people do not immediately see a doctor, and prefer to be treated independently. So, this cannot be done! The following actions are still strictly prohibited before the autopsy (and after):
- Rubbing ointments.
- Warming the affected area.
- Massage.
Drug treatment is indicated, but only a lymphologist prescribes it, and only after examining the patient.
Drug therapy
Now we can talk about the treatment of lymphangitis. After the above actions are completed, the rehabilitation period begins, during which the person must drink the course of drugs. He may be assigned:
- Cephalosporins: "Cefazolin" or "Cefotaxime". They have a bactericidal effect.
- Macrolides: Erythromycin or Azithromycin. They have a bacteriostatic effect.
- Aminoglycosides: "Gentamicin" or "Netilmicin." Effective in treating infections.
- Antihistamines: Suprastin or Tavegil. Suppress the effects of free histamine.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Nimesil or Ibuprofen. They relieve redness, swelling, pain and inflammation.
Also, the patient may be recommended to irradiate with ultraviolet or laser. These procedures significantly speed up the healing process, and also improve the general condition.
Chronic and persistent course
These are special cases. To cure a patient who is faced with a chronic or persistent course of lymphangitis of the limbs (or another part of the body), appoint:
- Local ointment dressings.
- Mud treatment.
- Compresses with dimethyl sulfoxide or the addition of alcohol.
- Ural Federal District.
- X-ray therapy.
Also a special case is venereal infectious lymphangitis. This is a difficult case, but the treatment here is simple - it is aimed at eliminating STDs.
Which drugs a venereologist will prescribe depends on the pathogen. Some medications help in the fight against gonorrhea; other medications will be needed to treat syphilis - all very individually.
Penile non-venereal lymphangitis
This ailment deserves a separate consideration. With it, usually vessels around the coronary sulcus or along the trunk of the organ are affected. Most men who have encountered this problem, before its occurrence, had:
- Frequent and long intimate acts.
- Unusual postures, because of which the penis was bent.
- Enhanced masturbation.
Specific symptoms include the following:
- Sharp soreness in the inguinal region.
- Purulent discharge.
- Swelling and tightening of the penis.
- The appearance of painful and purulent infiltrates.
- General intoxication.
Non-venereal lymphangitis of the penis is treated in the same ways as inflammation that occurs in another part of the body. However, in this case there are specific recommendations.
To prevent inflammation in such an intimate place, any penis injuries and long masturbation should be avoided. It is necessary to adhere to a measured sexual life, as well as hygiene.
Lymphangitis
This is a specific, particular inflammation that can become cancerous. With this ailment, metastases spread through the lymphatic vessels of the lungs. In these cases, primary cancer occurs in the pancreas and mammary gland, colon or stomach.
The following symptoms are observed:
- Persistent dry cough.
- Weakness.
- Dyspnea.
- Low-grade body temperature.
- Respiratory failure.
- Hyperchromic anemia.
Often a person is unsuccessfully treated for tonsillitis and bronchitis, as the symptoms are similar. But here it is necessary to conduct an x-ray examination. It is it that allows you to notice the transformation of the pulmonary pattern, as well as other changes.
X-rays need to be recorded immediately. It is better to err in assumptions than to allow the enlargement of the lymph nodes to such sizes that they begin to appear on the tomogram.
Folk remedies
They can be used during the rehabilitation period only after the permission of the doctor. Such tools are popular:
- Freshly squeezed beet juice mixed with carrot in a ratio of 1: 4. This drink is a natural "supplier" of chlorine to the body, necessary for the activity of the lymph nodes.
- Dried walnut leaf baths. It is necessary to take them in an amount of 1 kg, add water (2-3 l) and boil for 45 minutes. of this volume is enough for a foot or sitting bath. In the usual you have to pour the whole broth.
- Nettle broth. This plant has a great anti-inflammatory effect. Need to take 1 tbsp. l nettle leaves and brew 1 cup boiling water. Give 30 minutes to brew. Strain and drink half a cup twice a day before meals.
- A decoction of dandelion. This plant is a storehouse of vitamin C and antioxidant luteolin. Need to take 1 tsp. dandelion leaves, pour a glass of boiling water and insist for 20 minutes. Then strain. Drink ¼ half an hour before meals three times a day.
- Tincture with aloe. This plant is used to treat various serious ailments, even pneumonia and radiation sickness. You need to rinse several aloe leaves and squeeze the juice - it should turn out 150 ml. Then mix with 1 cup of honey, dilute cahors (350 ml). Insist the mixture for 5 days in a dark place. Then take 1 tbsp. l three times a day half an hour before a meal.
These are good remedies, and with their help you can strengthen the immune system, but they are not a substitute for medical treatment. This must be remembered.
Complications
If a person does not ignore the symptoms, begins treatment on time, then the disease can be eliminated without consequences. Otherwise, he will suffer from complications, among which:
- Circulatory disorder.
- Lymphedema.
- The growth of lymphatic vessels.
And these complications, in turn, are fraught with grave consequences. Lifedema, for example, is almost always removed surgically - vessels are crossed with subsequent coagulation of the central ends and the creation of anastomoses.
A circulatory disorder is completely fraught with the release of blood outside the vessels and a change in its volume.
That is why it is important to immediately seek help from a doctor. Once started, an untreated infection can lead to very serious, dangerous to health and life consequences.
Prevention
Well, about this in the end. The main preventive measure is a timely visit to a doctor in case of suppuration of soft tissues, as well as completing the treatment of an infectious disease. Do not quit therapy just because "it’s already easier."
Also, it is impossible to create lymph outflow of additional obstacles. Cross your legs while sitting, for example, or carry a heavy bag on your arm.
It is still necessary to observe hygiene, dress warmly and avoid stress. And, of course, it is advisable to regularly undergo a general examination.
It is better to identify an ailment at an early stage than to treat an advanced stage later. It always brings a considerable amount of trouble, takes a huge amount of time, nerves and money.