Associated symptoms | How dangerous is lymphangitis?

Associated symptoms

The doctor usually makes the diagnosis on the basis of the physical examination and the medical conversation with the patient (anamnesis). In particular, the doctor will ask about any previous injury or insect bite. In addition, the affected area of the body is examined and the responsible lymph node region, i.e. the nearest lymph nodes in the direction of lymph flow, is palpated for enlargement and pressure pain.

If necessary, the doctor also takes a sample from an existing wound to have it examined for certain bacteria. If, for example, there is a suspicion due to fever or chills that pathogens may already have entered the bloodstream, a so-called blood culture can also be applied. This involves taking blood in two special vials and examining them for the growth of possible bacteria.

When should a doctor be consulted?

Lymphangitis that originates from a wound or cut should be examined by a doctor and treated according to its severity. So if you notice a typical red and painful stripe on your body, you should have yourself examined and be advised by your doctor on how to proceed. An emergency visit to a doctor (for example, in the emergency room of the nearest hospital) is particularly urgent if lymphangitis is accompanied by fever and chills. A pronounced allergic reaction after an insect bite that leads to shortness of breath or circulatory collapse is also a medical emergency.

Treatment/Therapy

Therapy for lymphangitis depends on the trigger and the severity of the clinical picture. In mild cases, basic measures such as immobilisation of the affected body region and treatment with disinfectant bandages and anti-inflammatory drugs are sufficient. If the inflammation is more pronounced or if there are risk-increasing circumstances (for example, if the patient is diabetic), treatment with antibiotics is used if the lymphangitis has a bacterial cause.

If the trigger is a focus of infection such as an abscess (purulent tissue inflammation), surgical treatment may also be necessary. For example, a pus cavity is cut, cleaned and emptied under local anesthesia. Since lymphangitis is usually caused by bacteria, treatment with antibiotics is often necessary.

If the symptoms are mildly pronounced, treatment can also be attempted by immobilization and anti-inflammatory drugs alone. However, if this does not result in healing or even worsening, an antibiotic should be taken in addition to these basic measures. The physician estimates the severity of the lymphangitis and, when recommending therapy, also takes into account the patient’s accompanying circumstances such as age and other illnesses. If he prescribes an antibiotic, it is usually taken in tablet form.