{"id":1942,"date":"2020-11-24T16:21:41","date_gmt":"2020-11-24T15:21:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/venosan.us\/content?page_id=1942"},"modified":"2023-11-10T20:50:53","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T19:50:53","slug":"what-is-lymphedema-venosan","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/venosan.us\/content\/your-health\/what-is-lymphedema-venosan\/","title":{"rendered":"Lymphedema"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lymphedema<\/h4>

Understanding the lymphatic system and why lymphedema occurs<\/p>\n<\/p><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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The Lymphatic System<\/h4>\n

The human vascular system is composed of three main parts: the arterial system, the venous system and the lymphatic system. Arteries carry oxygen to cells and veins carry deoxygenated blood back to the lungs and heart. This flow of blood is constantly providing oxygen and nutrient rich fluid to every cell in the body. This fluid exits the blood capillaries to nourish and bathe the cells and tissues. It is then absorbed by the lymphatic capillaries, which are finger-like tips of the lymphatic vasculature that are positioned near the blood capillaries.<\/p>\n

This lymph fluid then flows through a series of lymph nodes that filter it before it returns back into the circulatory system. As the fluid is filtered, the immune cells within lymph nodes are able to detect and mount an immune response to any bacteria or viruses that have entered the body. Some of the lymphatic system\u2019s main roles are to provide immune functions that protect against the environment, remove wastes from the fluid that bathes your cells, and manage fluid volume in the tissues.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Up to 10 million Americans suffer from lymphedema and lymphatic diseases.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Lymphedema<\/h4>\n

Up to 10 million Americans, and hundreds of millions of people worldwide, suffer from lymphedema and lymphatic diseases. More people suffer from these diseases in the U.S. than suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, ALS, Parkinson’s disease and AIDS \u2013 combined. Lymphedema is poorly understood by the general public and grossly under-diagnosed or misdiagnosed by medical professionals.<\/p>\n

Simply put, lymphedema is caused by excessive fluid trapped in the tissue of the body. Lymphedema that persists in the tissues causes chronic inflammation that can change the way the skin looks and feels. While skin may feel flexible at first, it can progressively become thicker or firmer (fibrotic). This is a sign that the delicate lymphatic system is damaged and these areas of skin are more susceptible to infection.<\/p>\n

Often, lymphedema is represented by severe disfigurement or only relative to cancer treatment and lymph node removal. However, all swelling is lymphatic edema and so lymphedema will most likely affect every person at some point in his or her life. It is important to understand the difference between transient and chronic lymphedema and also when intervention is needed to prevent the harmful effects of lymphatic failure. MCS are an important part of maintaining a healthy lymphatic system, as well as reducing the symptoms of lymphedema.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n

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Lymphedema & Chronic Venous Disease<\/h4>\n

In the U.S., the number one cause of leg lymphedema is Chronic Venous Disease (CVD). CVD is a vascular disorder affecting more than 80% of the world\u2019s population. This is also significantly impacted by obesity, which is a major contributor to both venous and lymphatic disease.<\/p>\n

Over time, increased work of the lymphatic system causes damage to the delicate lymphatic capillaries and vessels. These vessels have to work harder when blood circulation is poor, resulting in high venous pressures, leading to swelling. The lymphatic capillaries must then absorb this excess fluid, filter it, and transport it back into the circulatory system.<\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Common symptoms of CVD include:<\/strong><\/p>\n