Showing posts with label Lymphangitis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lymphangitis. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Lymphangitis

Lymphangitis






Lymphangitis in simple terms is lymph node infection. When the lymphatic node develops inflammation due to infection it is called lymphadenopathy or lymphangitis. Lymph system constitutes a network of glands, vessels and organs found throughout the body which are involved in transporting body fluids, proteins and other food particles in the body. Lymph nodes are used for effective filtering of lymphatic fluid and involved in protecting the body against any infection from bacteria and virus. It is the lymph nodes that trigger immune response when the body is invaded with foreign particles like bacteria or virus for protecting the body.


Causes :










Lymphangitis occur when the lymph nodes becomes inflamed due to infection. The lymph glands get enlarged or thickened because of infection. Actually this is the body’s normal defense response to the infectious bacteria. The swollen glands can be seen at the site of infection or tumor at which the bacteria has entered into the skin.


Streptococcus is one of the major causes for lymphangitis. In addition, pseudomonas, gram negative bacilli, pasteurella multocida (through dog bites) and Wuchereria bancrofti can also cause lymphangitis. Sometimes, people with chronic diabetics and autoimmune disorders like cancer and AIDS may also develop lymph nodes inflammation rapidly.


Symptoms :


The area of the skin at which infection has occurred will be thick and dark compared to other layers of skin. Children may get fever, chills and Headache. For some there can be loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, muscle pain and malaise.


People who have got a minor cut or wound on their skin are more prone to develop lymph node infection than others. The chance of spreading the infection is high if the person does not cover the cuts or take treatment for healing.


The primary site of infection may contain an Abscess or wound and there may be blisters or lesions on the skin. The lymph nodes look swollen and tender on the site of infection.


Diagnoses :


Your doctor will physically examine the lymph nodes and look for signs of tenderness and infection. He will also identify any inflammation of the lymph nodes. Further biopsy of the skin (removal of thin layer) is done for culture. Blood culture is also done for identifying the bacteria.


Pictures of Lymphangitis :


Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Lymphangitis


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Treatment :


Antimicrobial medications are prescribed for treating lymphangitis. Children with this problem should be kept well hydrated and should be given oral antibiotics. In case if the infection is due to Group A streptococcus then it can become severe and hence close follow up is necessary. Analgesic medications are given for controlling pain and for reducing inflammation. In case of abscess, your doctor will drain off the fluid inside for facilitating healing.


In case of severe infection, the patient will be admitted for starting intravenous medications. Once the tenderness and swelling is reduced, the patient will be put on oral antibiotics like cefazolin, cephalexin, cefuroxime, clindamycin and dicloxacilin. All these antibiotics are effective in arresting the bacterial cell well synthesis thus inhibiting its growth.


Complications :


If left untreated, lymphangitis can lead to Cellulitis infection or Sepsis that may cause serious complications.











Monday, May 09, 2016

Lymphangitis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures

Lymphangitis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures

What is Lymphangitis?


Lymphangitis is inflammation of the lymphatic channels that happens because of an infection most commonly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, and is also the bacteria that causes Strep Throat. It also often is caused by infections of the heart, spinal cord, and lungs. Due to its capacity to cause lymphangitis, this bacterium is also often discussed as “flesh-eating bacterium”. The Staphylococci bacteria may also be a cause of lymphangitis.










As bacteria moves thru the lymphatic structure, they make the vessels inflamed. This inflammation creates red streaks that are typical of lymphangitis. Subsequently this bacterium grows so rapidly, the system of immunity is not able to respond fast enough to stop the infection from developing.


This inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and channels which is characterized by definite inflammatory conditions of the skin referred to as bacterial infections. Thin lines that are red might be observed running along the entire course of the lymphatic vessels in the area that is affected, accompanied by enlarged and painful nearby lymph nodes. When left not treated, this condition may spread quickly thru out the blood system and in some cases can be fatal.


Lymphangitis Symptoms


Symptoms and signs of lymphangitis consist of:



  • Streaks of red on the skin: Lymphangitis in the arm, back of the leg, in the hand from a wound in the finger.

  • Redness of the skin: Face, ear, neck, arm, leg, ankle, foot, hand, back, chest

  • Swelling of the skin

  • Skin warmth

  • Skin pain

  • Leg pain and Leg pain – bilateral

  • Swollen lymph glands – localized


Additional symptoms of Lymphangitis might include:



Lymphangitis Causes


Lymphangitis is known by the painful, red streaks that can be seen beneath the skin surface. These streaks typically run from the origin of the infection to the armpit or groin area. The entire arm might swell, and blisters might also develop.


The bacteria causing lymphangitis may get into the body in a number of ways. Entry methods that are common include cuts, surgical wounds, scratches, insect bites, and other types of skin wounds. After the bacteria enter successfully the lymphatic system, they can multiply and move throughout the system.


When lymphangitis is not treated, the infection may eventually destroy the tissue in the site where the infection first developed. This allows Abscesses that are painful lumps pus filled to form. The skin layers that are lower might become infected as well which is how lymphangitis enters the blood system.
Some individuals are most at risk for lymphangitis developing than others. Women who have had a mastectomy that involves removing the breast as well as the lymph nodes are most prone to this disease developing. Individuals that have had a leg vein removed to perform a coronary bypass surgery also are at a great risk.


You're reading Lymphangitis – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Pictures posted by minhhai2d, the information is for reference only.








Lymphangitis Treatment


Lymphangitis treatment is dependent on the underlying reason for the infection. Treatment usually includes rest, warm compresses, elevation, antibiotics as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or NSAIDS for pain.


Options for treatment for lymphangitis might include:



  • Rest

  • Compresses that are warm

  • Elevation of area that is affected

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:

    • Ibuprofen (Motrin, Nuprin, NeoProfen, Advil)

    • Ketoprofen (Orudis, Actron, Oruvail)

    • Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve, Aanaprox)



  • Pain medication narcotic:

    • For moderate to severe pain

    • For use short term only



  • Antibiotic therapy:

    • Dicloxacillin

    • Cephalexin (Keflex)

    • Nafcillin

    • Cefuroxime (Zinacef)

    • Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)

    • Trimethoprim and Sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ, Bactrim, Septra)

    • Clindamycin (Cleocin)




Surgery for lymphangitis
Aspiration by needle for lymphangitis:


Removing fluid that is infected from an abscess by a needle.


Drainage and incision for lymphangitis:


Making an incision thru the skin, in order to drain an abscess.


Incision and drainage:



  • Skin is sterilized using antibacterial soap or rubbing alcohol.

  • A local anesthetic is injected in the tissues that surround the abscess.

  • An incision is then performed by a scalpel.

  • Abscess is drained of pus.

  • Abscess cavity is cleanly flushed.

  • In certain cases, a strip of sterile gauze or a rubber drain is packed in the cavity of the abscess.

  • The drain or gauze is put inside the cavity usually removed in 24-36 hours.






Lymphangitis Pictures


lymphangitis pictures

lymphangitis pictures

lymphangitis pictures

lymphangitis pictures