Lymphangitis: symptoms, causes and treatment

What is lymphangitis

Lymphangitis is inflammation of the lymphatic vessels that causes swelling. A common cause of lymphangitis is a bacterial infection. In addition, this condition can also be caused by parasitic infections or cancer.

Before reading further about this disease, you need to understand about the lymphatic system in the body.

The lymphatic system is the body's defense system consisting of organs, glands, and vessels throughout the body. The organs that play a role in this system are the tonsils, thymus, lymph, and spinal cord.

This system creates and transports lymph fluid (lymph nodes) from the tissues to the blood vessels. Lymph plays an important role in your body to fight infection.

Lymphangitis may be a sign that the infection is fast becoming dangerous. This disease can lead to septicemia and other life-threatening infections.

How common is lymphangitis?

This condition is quite common. Many patients are diagnosed with a weak immune system. You can overcome this disease by reducing risk factors. Consult your doctor for more information.

Symptoms of lymphangitis

The common symptom of lymphangitis is a red line near the wound leading to the lymph nodes. For example, if the arm is infected, the lymph nodes that are affected are in the armpit.

In case of foot infection, the lymph nodes inside the groin will be affected. These nodes will become swollen and painful when touched. Other symptoms of lymphangitis include:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle ache
• Pain along the affected area

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel worried about a symptom, consult your doctor immediately.

When to go to the doctor

Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the following symptoms:

• Lymph nodes swell for no apparent reason
• The lymph nodes continue to enlarge and keep appearing for two to four weeks
• The lump feels hard and doesn't move when you press it
• The lump is accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, or weight loss

Causes of lymphangitis

Lymphangitis is a condition that usually results from an acute skin infection caused by bacteria Streptococcus. This disease can also be caused by Staphylococcus, but less frequently. The infection causes inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Lymphangitis can be a sign that the skin infection is getting worse. The bacteria may spread in the bloodstream and can be life threatening.

In addition, quoted from journals published in Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, lymphangitis can also be caused by parasitic infections, mycobacterial infections, and cancer.

Published research The Journal of The American Board of Family Medicine also mentioned that this condition can also arise due to viral infections and insect or spider bites.

Risk factors

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing lymphangitis, including:

• Have undergone cancer treatment
• Skip doses or stop taking antibiotics before treatment is complete
• Leaving the wound even though it looks infected

Having no risk factors doesn't mean you can't get sick. These markings are for reference only. You will need to consult a specialist for more details.

Lymphangitis diagnosis

To diagnose lymphangitis, your doctor may perform the following tests:

1. Medical history

First of all, the doctor will ask your medical history, such as when and how you experience symptoms of lymphangitis. The doctor may also ask for other symptoms related to the condition.

2. Physical examination

The doctor will check the size, texture, softness, and warmth of the lymph nodes near the surface of your skin. The location of the swollen lymph and other symptoms will help provide clues about the cause of lymphangitis.

3. Blood test

Certain blood tests will help confirm disease and rule out other diseases. More specific blood tests will be done depending on the suspected cause, but they are usually included complete blood count (CBC), aka complete blood count.

4. Imaging tests

Chest X-ray or CT scan on the affected area can help determine the source of infection or locate a tumor.

5. Lymph node biopsy

Your doctor may order a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. In this procedure, a sample of the lymph nodes will be taken for examination using a microscope.

Lymphangitis treatment

Lymphangitis is a condition that needs to be treated as soon as possible. The reason is, lymphangitis can spread quickly.

The doctor will recommend treatment according to the cause of lymphangitis and the symptoms you feel. The following treatment options your doctor may recommend for treating lymphangitis:

1. Antibiotics

The most common treatment used to treat lymphangitis is antibiotics. Quoted from MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, antibiotics can be given orally or through a vein (infusion).

2. Antivirus or antiparasitic

These drugs are used to treat lymphangitis caused by germs other than bacteria. The administration of this drug depends on the cause of the lymphangitis and the symptoms you feel.

3. Pain relievers

Painkillers can also be used to reduce the symptoms that are bothering you. These drugs include aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen.

4. Anti-inflammatory drugs

These drugs are used to treat lymphangitis symptoms in the form of inflammation and swelling around the infected area.

5. Cancer treatment

Lymphangitis caused by cancer requires treatment to treat cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, you may need surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.

In addition, compress with a hot and damp towel or heat pad several times a day helps reduce swelling and inflammation. The affected area should be treated if possible. Only undertake wound care (for example, dry the wound if necessary) only after starting antibiotics.

Infection by bacteria Group A Streptococcus need emergency care. Inflammation of the lymph nodes can get worse very quickly and can lead to serious complications, such as:

• Abscess
• Cellulitis
• Sepsis

Home remedies

The following lifestyle and home remedies may help treat lymphangitis:

• Take antibiotics until they run out. Call your doctor if you continue to have a high fever after starting antibiotics.
• Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain relief. Tell your doctor if this medication does not help reduce pain.
• Drink more water and eat nutritious food to cure illnesses.
• As much as possible lift the injured body part or position it higher.
• Use a hot wet towel on the affected area to reduce swelling and increase blood flow.
• Treat immediately if there are signs of infection.
• Call your doctor if the red line continues to appear near the wound and spreads to nearby lymph nodes after starting treatment.