Function of the lymph The lymphatic system serves primarily to transport larger substances that cannot pass through the capillary wall back into the blood vessels. These include in particular fats (lipids) and proteins. On the other hand, the lymphatic system is an important part of the immune defence. It transports foreign bodies and germs to … Function of the lymph | Lymph
Summary The lymph is one of the most important systems in the human body and serves not only to transport fats and proteins but also to defend against germs. It is therefore an important part of our immune system. The lymph is created by different pressure ratios between vessels and tissue and then collects in … Summary | Lymph
Definition The lymph (lat. lympha = clear water) is a watery light yellow liquid, which is located in the lymphatic vessels. The lymph is a tissue fluid pressed out of the blood vessels. The many individual lymph vessels and lymph nodes are collectively known as the lymphatic system and, along with the bloodstream, are the … Lymph
Definition Lymphedema is not a disease in itself, but a symptom of many other diseases. It is an underfunction of the lymphatic system. The lymph can no longer be completely removed and accumulates in the tissue. Lymphedema is chronic at the affected site. The causes can be diseases, but also surgical interventions and malformations. As … Lymphedema
The accompanying symptoms Lymphedema itself is not actually a disease, but a symptom. This symptom occurs in many different diseases and depending on the cause, the other symptoms are also different. With all lymphedema, the restriction of movement is a severe side effect. In a congenital malformation, lymphedema is often accompanied only by pain, skin … The accompanying symptoms | Lymphedema
The localization of the edema Depending on the cause of the lymphedema, the legs are often the first part of the body that the affected person notices. The reason for this is that the body has to work against gravity in the legs to transport the lymph and also the oxygen-poor blood back to the … The localization of the edema | Lymphedema
The consequences of lymphedema In the absence of treatment, lymphedema can have many late effects. The skin develops blisters and eczema, which heal worse and worse over time. In the stage of elephantiasis the skin becomes leathery and grey. The pressure can also damage vessels and muscles. The storage of the lymph can make the … The consequences of lymphedema | Lymphedema
Which doctor treats lymphedema? Lymphedema is a disease in whose therapy many different doctors are involved. The first symptoms are often noticed by the patient’s family doctor. After oncological operations, the treating oncologists can also diagnose lymphedema in follow-up examinations. Treatment is sometimes carried out in specialist lymphology clinics and by the patient’s family doctor. … Which doctor treats lymphedema? | Lymphedema
Difference to a lipedema At the beginning of the disease, lymphedema and lipedema are very similar. In both, there is an increase in volume in certain areas of the body. Lymphedema can occur all over the body, while lipedema occurs in the legs in almost all cases. Lymphedema affects both men and women, but lipedema … Difference to a lipedema | Lymphedema
What is elephantiasis? Elephantiasis is a disease in which there is massive swelling of tissue. Typically, the term is used for the final stage of a chronic lymphedema disease. In this case, disturbances in the transport of lymph (tissue fluid) lead to the permanent formation of edema (fluid deposits in the tissue). Over time, this … Elephantiasis
Diagnosis The diagnosis of elephantiasis can initially be made clinically. The criterion of irreversibility of the changes in the skin and underlying tissue must be present in order to be able to speak of elephantiasis. Much more important, however, is the diagnosis before elephantiasis occurs. The earlier the disease of the lymphatic system is discovered, … Diagnosis | Elephantiasis
Therapy The therapy should be started before elephantiasis is present. Elephantiasis is a stage of lymphedema that cannot be reversed. Therefore, an adequate therapy should already be carried out beforehand. This consists of conservative methods such as the consistent elevation of the affected body region. Physical measures such as lymphatic drainage, where the therapists press … Therapy | Elephantiasis
