Article Submitted by:
Dr. Jagmohan, Occupational Therapist, Mumbai.
BOT
(Kolkata), MOT (Mumbai), Cert. in Nutrition (California)
Contact Mobile N. - 9167170518. E-mail ID – jlm_therapist@yahoo.co.in
What is lymphedema?
Lymph edema is an abnormal accumulation of high-protein concentrated fluid in the Space between tissues
causing inadequate drainage due to damage or blockage in the lymphatic system.
Lymph edema can occur after any cancer or its treatment that affects lymph
node drainage. Mostly seen in patients with breast & gynaec cancer.
Up
to 90 % of the fluid portion of our blood returns to the heart via the
venous system & Remaining 10 % (protein rich fluid), can only return
to the central circulation via the lymphatic vessels.
What is Lymphatic system?
Lymphatic
system is an integral part of the immune and circulatory systems, which
consists of lymph capillaries, lymph fluids, lymph vessels, lymph
nodes, lymphatic ducts…etc. Main function of this system is to remove
waste & fluid from the tissues.
This
lymphatic system is a low- pressure, open, pump less system & Lymph
flow process is facilitated by:- - Skeletal muscles contraction,
Respiratory movement, Local arterial pulsation, Rhythmic contraction of
smooth muscle in walls of the lymphatic vessels, L. trunks &
lymphatic ducts & unidirectional valves in L. vessels.
