Postinflammatory lymphedema
Postinflammatory Lymphedema
Postinflammatory lymphedema (pronunciation: post-in-flam-ma-tory lim-fa-de-ma) is a medical condition characterized by the swelling of the body tissues due to damage to the lymphatic system following an inflammatory process.
Etymology
The term "postinflammatory lymphedema" is derived from three words: "post", a prefix meaning after; "inflammatory", referring to the body's response to injury or infection; and "lymphedema", a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system.
Definition
Postinflammatory lymphedema is a type of lymphedema that occurs after an inflammatory process. It is characterized by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the interstitial tissue, which leads to swelling. This condition is often associated with diseases that cause inflammation, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer.
Symptoms
The symptoms of postinflammatory lymphedema may include swelling, discomfort, and a feeling of heaviness in the affected area. The skin over the swollen area may become tight and hard, and movement may be restricted.
Causes
Postinflammatory lymphedema is caused by damage to the lymphatic system following an inflammatory process. This can occur as a result of surgery, radiation therapy, infection, or trauma. The damage prevents the lymphatic system from properly draining lymph fluid, leading to its accumulation in the body tissues.
Treatment
Treatment for postinflammatory lymphedema typically involves physical therapy, compression garments, and sometimes surgery. The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling and improve the function of the affected area.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Postinflammatory lymphedema
- Wikipedia's article - Postinflammatory lymphedema
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