Lymphatic system is a network of organs, cells, ducts, and glands in our body. The glands are also called nodes and can be found throughout our body. They are most apparent under our jaw, in our armpits, and in our groin.
Organs that make up the lymphatic system include your:
Immune cells called lymphocytes mature within our bone marrow and then travel to our lymph nodes and other organs within the lymphatic system to help protect our body against viruses and bacteria. The lymphatic system also filters a whitish-clear fluid called lymph, which contains bacteria-killing white blood cells.
Lymph travels through our body along lymphatic vessels and collects fats, bacteria, and other waste products from cells and tissues. Our lymph nodes then filter these harmful materials out of the fluid and produce more white blood cells to fight off the infection.
Infectious lymphangitis occurs when viruses and bacteria invade the vessels of our lymphatic system, typically through an infected cut or wound. Tender red streaks often radiate from the wound toward the nearest lymph glands. Other symptoms include fever, chills, and a general sense of illness.
If it is treated quickly, lymphangitis often goes away with no ill effects. If left untreated, complications can occur, and the condition can become very serious.
Lymphangitis is sometimes incorrectly called blood poisoning. It is also sometimes mistaken for thrombophlebitis, which is a clot in a vein.
Lymphangitis is a type of secondary infection, which means it happens because of another infection.
When the infection travels from the original site to the lymph vessels, the vessels become inflamed and infected.
Bacterial infections are the most common cause of lymphangitis. Lymphangitis due to a viral or fungal infection is also possible.
Any injury that allows a virus, bacteria or fungus to enter the body can cause an infection that leads to lymphangitis. Some possible culprits include:
Infectious lymphangitis occurs when bacteria or viruses enter the lymphatic channels. They may enter through a cut or wound, or they may grow from an existing infection.
The most common infectious cause of lymphangitis is acute streptococcal infection. It may also be the result of a staphylococcal (staph) infection. Both of these are bacterial infections.
Lymphangitis may occur if someone already have a skin infection and it’s getting worse. This might mean that bacteria will soon enter our bloodstream. Complications such as sepsis, a life-threatening condition of body-wide inflammation, can occur as a result.
Conditions that increase our risk of lymphangitis include:
A cat or dog bite or a wound made in fresh water can also become infected and lead to lymphangitis. Gardeners and farmers may develop the condition if they get sporotrichosis, a soil-borne fungal infection.
There are also noninfectious causes of lymphangitis. Inflammation of lymph vessels can occur due to malignancy: Breast, lung, stomach, pancreas, rectal, and prostate cancers are common types of tumors that can lead to lymphangitis. Lymphangitis has also been seen in those with Crohn’s disease
Symptoms of Lymphangitis
Red streaks often trace the surface of the skin from the infected area to the nearest lymph gland. They may be faint or very visible and tender to the touch. They may extend from a wound or cut. In some cases, the streaks may blister.
Other symptoms include:
Lymphangitis can spread quickly, leading to complications such as:
If bacteria enter our bloodstream, the condition can be life-threatening. Visit the healthcare provider immediately if one experience any of the following:
CALCAREA IODIDE - Very excellent remedy for enlargement of glands.Mostly given when there is hardness in glands
CALCAREA FLOUR - Very useful medicine for glandular swelling. There is indolent glandular enlargements of the cervical and lymphatic glands with hardness. Also useful for enlargement of the bronchial and mesenteric glands, worse in damp weather and better from hot fomentations and rubbing.
CALCREA CARB -Most suitable medicine for fat,flabby persons , where the swelling of glands tend to suppurate. Indicated for that person who have sweat on the head , which is sour and offensive
SCROPHULARIA NODOSA - Excellent remedy for inflammation and suppuration of the glands. Very effective for nodosities in the breasts
GRAPHITES -Very effective for enlargement of glands of axilla, groin and neck with skin symptoms.
BELLADONNA - Very effective remedy for glandular swelling threatening suppuration. They may be in the axillary region or swellings of the mammae which are heavy , red and sensitive.Useful for red streaks radiating from the inflamed gland with great heat and stitching pains
LAPIS ALBUS -Useful for enlarged gland with a certain amount of softness rather than stony hardness.Also effective for enlargement of mesenteric glands
IODUM -Very useful medicine for the enlargement of glands, including tonsils, with withering of the entire body.There is shrinkage of muscles and all the skin wrinkles, except mammary glands which dwindle , all glands are enlarged
CARBO ANIMALIS -Excellent remedy for glandular swellings.Useful when glands enlarge slowly and then they stay. They do not suppurate , nor do they enlarge much, they are hard.
MERC IODIDE -Very useful for inflammation of glands with pain.
AETHUSA -Effective for glandular swelling , where swelling of glands round neck like a string of beads.
PHYTOLACCA DEC - Very effective for glandular swelling with heat and inflammation.Useful for tumors of breast with enlarged axillary glands.
BROMIUM - Most useful remedies for glandular swelling.There is hardness of glands without tendency to suppurate. Useful for swelling of testicles
RL 10 OR AS Directed by Physician.