Lymphatic system diseases affect your immune system! How? Your lymphatic system is a component of your immune system. It works with your cardiovascular system to keep you healthy. You can check out this article to learn the main functions of your lymphatic system.
So what happens when your lymphatic system is not working properly? When your lymphatic system does not work properly, it can lead to various health issues. A dysfunctional lymphatic system makes you prone to recurrent infections.
Some lymphatic system diseases are preventable, some are genetic, and some are more common than you may think. This article is about 5 of these lymphatic system diseases.
Lymphatic System Disease #1: Lymphangitis
This refers to an inflammation of the lymphatic system caused by an infection.
Lymphangitis occurs when bacteria, viruses and sometimes fungi enter the lymphatic vessels through infected lymph fluid collected from infected wounds or cuts.
This condition can be an indication that you have a skin infection that is getting worse. If the bacteria enter your bloodstream, they can lead to a life-threatening complication called sepsis where your entire body is infected.
Lymphangitis can be prevented with proper wound care.
Lymphatic System Disease #2: Lymphadenitis
An infection in one or more lymph nodes causing inflammation of the lymph nodes – lymphadenopathy.
Lymphadenitis is caused by an infection with bacteria, viruses, or fungi that started somewhere else in the body.
There are two types of lymphadenitis:
- Localized lymphadenitis: Inflammation of one or a few lymph nodes that are close to the site of infection.
- Generalized lymphadenitis: Inflammation of two or more lymph node groups caused by an infection that affects the whole body.
Lymph nodes are responsible for fighting infections; infected lymph nodes mean a decreased immune response in case of an infection.
Lymphatic System Disease #3: Lymphatic filariasis
A tropical parasitic infection that impairs the lymphatic system.
Lymphatic filariasis can lead to:
- Chronic lymphedema (tissue swelling in the arms or legs)
- Elephantiasis (skin thickening) of the limbs
- Swelling of the scrotum called hydrocele (In males)
Lymphatic filariasis affects your lymph nodes and your lymph vessels. It will make it difficult for your body to fight infections and maintain fluid balance.
Lymphatic System Disease #4: Lymphoma (Cancers of the Lymphatic System)
This causes lymphocytes to multiply and grow out of control throughout the body, leading to swollen lymph nodes. The affected lymphocytes lose their ability to fight infections, making you more vulnerable.
There are several types of lymphoma; the main subtypes are:
Lymphoma is an acquired genetic disorder, which means you are not born with it. Some genes inside certain cells need to mutate or change for you to develop the condition.
Lymphatic System Disease #5: Lymphedema
A condition characterised by tissue swelling caused by the accumulation of lymph. It can result from a damaged or blocked lymphatic system.
Lymphedema also occurs when lymph nodes are removed from people with surgery or radiation to remove cancer. It commonly affects your arms and legs, but can also occur in your genitals.
People with lymphedema are more likely to get skin infections such as erysipelas or even potentially life-threatening deep skin infections such as cellulitis.
There are two types of Lymphedema;
- Primary lymphedema – When your lymphatic system has not formed properly. It may present at birth with some part of the body swelling or may develop later in life.
- Secondary lymphedema – When your lymphatic system is damaged due to an infection, surgery, or radiotherapy associated with the treatment of cancer.
If you are living with lymphedema, I have a mini e-book about 5 factors that trigger your lymphedema flares up. You can access the mini e-book here.
Although some of these lymphatic system diseases are not curable, you can still live a fulfilled life with them. I share with you, my own experience with lymphatic filariasis here.