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Lymphedema How to care and manage?
Lymphedema How to care and manage?

Lymphedema is a chronic disease associated with the lymphatic system, which results in swelling in one or more parts of the body. It usually develops in the arms or legs due to the accumulation of lymph fluid.

This condition occurs when the lymph fluid doesn’t flow properly in the lymphatic vessels due to the loss of lymph nodes or a blockage resulting from cancer treatment, trauma, surgeries etc.

A person suffering from Lymphedema in arm or leg may show the following symptoms:

  • Swelling or puffiness
  • A feeling of tightness or heaviness
  • Decreased flexibility
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Recurring infections
  • Hardening and thickening of the skin (fibrosis)

Lymphedema can be classified in the following types:

Primary Lymphedema – is caused by a rare genetic development disorder affecting the lymphs. The symptoms usually develop during infancy or puberty.

Secondary Lymphedema – is caused by damage to the lymphatic system from any injury, infection, surgery, cancer treatment, etc. Secondary lymphedema is more common than the primary type, it affects around 2 in 10 women with breast cancer.

How does lymphedema develop in cancer patients?
The surgery involved in the treatment of breast cancer patients often leads to the removal of lymph nodes. The removal of a minimum of two or three lymph nodes from under the arm is called a sentinel lymph node biopsy and when a greater number of nodes are removed, it is referred to as axillary lymph node dissection.

Radiation therapy also causes damage to the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. Over a period of time, the lymph fluid gets accumulated as it doesn’t flow properly because of lymphatic system damage and this causes the swelling.

How can we manage lymphedema?
Lymphedema can’t be cured. There are a few treatment methods available, like compression treatments and physical therapy, which may help to reduce the swelling, discomfort and other symptoms.

Following are few of the available “MEDICAL MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES”:

  1. Compression Bandages: Compression Bandages encourage the lymph to flow more evenly and reduce the fluid re-accumulation. This works by stimulating the lymph flow through the damaged lymph nodes or lymphatic vessels and reducing swelling by preventing the fluid to collect in the affected area.
  2. Stockings: Stockings or elastic sleeves must fit properly around the limb to ensure gradual compression from the distal end towards the proximal end.
  3. Pneumatic Compression devices: These are the stockings or the sleeves which are connected to a pump for providing compression. These help to prevent long-term scarring. However, these can’t be used in patients with congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) etc.
  4. Complex Decongestive Therapy: This includes massage techniques involving slow, repetitive stroking & light circular movements, to evenly distribute the lymph fluid from the distal end towards the body. This is also known as manual lymphatic drainage.
  5. Exercise: Exercise may be prescribed by the doctor or the therapist. These exercises may include those which help to stimulate the lymph flow.

Risks & Complications:
The major function of lymph nodes is to filter out the bacteria and other toxins so that they don’t enter our blood. The removal of lymph nodes after the surgery or radiation therapy could lead to further complications like infections, whether or not the patient develops lymphedema.

Even small cuts and breaks in the skin can get infected. This can then lead to serious bacterial infection like CELLULITIS which could spread rapidly and could be life threatening also. Cellulitis would need immediate medical attention and treatment with antibiotics. Skin and tissue infections associated with lymphedema must be treated with antibiotics to avoid any kind of Sepsis.

Prevention is always Better
Cancer patients who have undergone surgery or radiation therapy may ask their doctor if the therapy will affect lymph nodes or lymph vessels. Below are some of the methods which can help reduce the risk of the lymphedema getting worse. Protect the lymphedematous arm or leg from any injury which may invite infections.

  • Provide rest to the affected limb while recovering after cancer treatment.
  • Avoid overexertion, heavy lifting and only perform the exercises prescribed by the doctors.
  • Protect the lymphedema affected limb from extreme cold and heat.
  • Elevate the limb above the level of your heart, whenever it’s possible.
  • Any tight clothing which could constrict the limb should be avoided.
  • Keep the lymphedematous limb clean. The outer layer of the skin is the body’s natural protection barrier, any breaks in the skin could invite infections.
  • Never allow injections or blood draws from the affected limb.

Advantages of Compression Bandages in Managing Lymphedema
Compression bandages are an effective management technique to reduce the build-up of the lymph fluid volume in a lymphedematous limb in the following ways:

  • Reduces capillary filtration
  • Shifts the fluid into the non-compressed parts of the body
  • Increases the lymphatic reabsorption and stimulate lymphatic transport
  • Improves the venous pump in patients with veno-lymphatic dysfunction
  • Breaks fibrosclerotic tissue

We @ Datt Mediproducts manufacture and market multi-layered compression bandages of impeccable quality following international standards.

Visit www.dattmedi.com for more infomation.
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Velfour® is a revolutionary 4-layer compression bandaging system designed to manage venous leg ulcers and associated conditions. With a sub-bandage pressure of 35-40 mm Hg at the ankle, this high-compression system incorporates elastic layers to achieve sustained compression and promote healing.

Velfour® consists of four essential components that work together synergistically to deliver effective compression and support:

1. Velfour®#1 (Orthopaedic wool):

This layer serves as the primary absorbent material, effectively managing exudate while redistributing pressure evenly around the limb.

2. Velfour® #2 (Cotton crepe bandage):

Designed to enhance absorbency, the cotton crepe bandage smooths out the Orthopaedic Wool layer, ensuring optimal comfort and performance.

3. Velfour®#3 (Elastic Compression Bandage):

The first layer of elastic compression sub-bandage, exerting a pressure of approximately 17 mm Hg at the ankle. This layer provides the initial compression necessary for effective treatment.

4. Velfour® #4 (Cohesive Bandage):

The second layer of compression, adding the remaining 23 mm Hg of pressure while ensuring the bandage remains securely in place. The cohesive properties of this bandage contribute to its stability and adherence.

Velfour® offers a range of features and benefits that make it an exceptional choice for venous leg ulcer management:

1. Effective compression:

With a pressure of approximately 40 mm Hg at the ankle, it delivers the necessary compression to promote healing, gradually reducing to 17 mm Hg at the knee. This graduated compression approach ensures optimal therapeutic results.

2. Graduated compression:

The bandage provides high compression at the ankle and gradually decreases the pressure at the calf.

3. Sustained compression:

It maintains a consistent level of compression for up to a full week, allowing for uninterrupted therapy and reducing the frequency of bandage changes. The treatment process is made simpler by this feature, which also increases patient compliance.

The leading option for treating venous leg ulcers, Velfour® also has additional advantages for a number of other ailments, such as:

1. Treatment of Venous Ulcers:

It improves results by hastening the healing process and facilitating the closure of venous leg ulcers.

2. Prevention of Ulcer Recurrence:

In cases where traditional compression stockings are not tolerated, It provides an effective alternative for preventing the recurrence of venous ulcers.

3. Symptomatic Relief of Superficial Thrombophlebitis:

The compression offered by Velfour®alleviates pain and inflammation associated with superficial thrombophlebitis, providing much-needed comfort to patients.

4. Traumatic Wounds with Local Edema:

It aids in reducing edema and promoting the healing of traumatic wounds, helping to restore the affected area to its optimal state.

5. Venous/Lymphatic Disorders:

It is suitable for managing various venous and lymphatic disorders by providing effective compression and support.

To ensure the optimal application and use of Velfour®, it is essential to follow these guidelines:

1. Limb Assessment:

Accurate measurement of the ankle circumference is crucial to determine the appropriate combination of bandages needed. Any changes in limb contour should also be noted for reference.

2. Wound Assessment:

Mapping the ulcer provides a baseline to track progress throughout the treatment. Regular wound assessment enables healthcare professionals to evaluate the effectiveness of Velfour® and make necessary adjustments.

3. Pain Assessment:

This plays a crucial role in managing venous leg ulcers. Compression therapy with it can alleviate pain, although a slight increase may occur initially.

Velfour® stands as a game-changing solution for managing venous leg ulcers. Its innovative 4-layer compression bandage system, combined with its effective pressure distribution and sustained compression, offers unparalleled benefits for patients and healthcare professionals alike.

We are committed to providing valuable information and insights to support your journey towards improved wound healing and patient well-being.

Allergies are a common health issue that affect a significant portion of the population worldwide. Allergies are a hypersensitive reaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance, which is known as an allergen. The allergen can be any substance that triggers an allergic reaction in the body, such as pollen, dust, food, or animal dander.

Allergies are caused due to the abnormal response of the immune system, which mistakes a harmless substance for a harmful invader and initiates a defence mechanism, called antibodies, to protect the body from it. This results in various allergic reactions, such as skin rashes, itching, sneezing, watery eyes, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.

There are various reasons behind the occurrence of allergies. Genetics plays a significant role in determining an individual’s likelihood of developing allergies. Environmental factors such as exposure to pollution, chemicals, and toxins can also trigger allergies.

There are several different types of allergies, each with their unique symptoms and triggers.

Some of the most common types of allergies include:

1. Respiratory allergies:

These allergies are triggered by airborne allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and animal dander. The symptoms of respiratory allergies include sneezing, coughing, and wheezing.

2. Food allergies:

These allergies occur when the immune system reacts to certain foods, such as nuts, shellfish, and eggs. Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild itching, tingling in the mouth, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat to more severe life-threatening anaphylaxis.

3. Skin allergies:

These allergies occur when the skin comes into contact with an allergen, such as certain fabrics, metals, or cosmetics. The symptoms of skin allergies include rashes, itching, and swelling.

4. Insect allergies:

These allergies occur when an individual is bitten or stung by an insect, such as bees or mosquitoes. The symptoms of insect allergies can range from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.

5. Medicine allergies:

Medicine allergies are hypersensitive reactions of the immune system to certain medications. They can cause symptoms like skin rashes, itching, swelling, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. It is important to communicate medicine allergies to healthcare providers to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Precautionary methods can be taken to manage allergies. Firstly, it is crucial to identify the allergen that triggers the allergic reaction. This can be done through various tests such as skin tests or blood tests. Once the allergen is identified, it is essential to avoid exposure to it. For example, individuals with food allergies must avoid eating the allergen-containing food.

Similarly, those with respiratory allergies must avoid exposure to airborne allergens, such as pollen or animal dander. If a person has a known severe allergy then they can also wear a medical alert bracelet, which lets others know that you have a serious allergy incase they are unable to communicate it.

Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids can be used to manage allergy symptoms. In severe cases, epinephrine injections may be required to manage anaphylaxis.

In addition to medication, several lifestyle changes can also help manage allergies. One of the most important being to try to reduce stress levels. While stress can’t trigger an allergic reaction it can make it worse if you are having one. When in stress your body releases hormones including histamine, which is a powerful chemical that leads to allergy symptoms thus making the reaction worse.

Allergies can significantly impact the lives of those who suffer from them. However, with proper management, it is possible to reduce the severity of allergy symptoms. If you suspect that you have an allergy, it is important to seek medical advice and get a proper diagnosis.

We advice to follow precautionary methods and working with a healthcare professional, that can help you manage allergies and improve your quality of life. Follow us for more such information.

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