The organs include the bone marrow,spleen,thymus, lymph nodes, tonsils, andlymphatic vessels.
They help to create and storelymphocytes, white blood cells that play a role in immunity.
The system also helps send white blood cells where they need to go to fight infection.
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This article discusses what lymphangitis looks like and what causes it.
It also covers the different treatments and the prognosis for lymphangitis.
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Symptoms of Lymphangitis
When an infection infiltrates the lymphatic system, lymphangitis develops.
What Is the Main Cause of Lymphangitis?
The main cause of lymphangitis is abacterial infection.
However, it can also be resulting from a parasitic infection.
In some cases, it can develop without the presence of any infection at all.
The most common bacteria associated with the condition is group Astreptococci.
While bacteria is mostly associated with lymphangitis, fungal infections can also lead to the condition.
Your health history is also important in the event that you have lymphangitis due to a non-infectious disease.
Abiopsyof the affected area may also be taken to determine the cause.
How Is Lymphangitis Treated?
Treatment for lymphangitis will depend on the cause.
If a bacterial infection is to blame,antibioticswill be required.
Depending on the severity, antibiotics can be administered orally or through an intravenous injection directly into the bloodstream.
Lesions that develop on the skin may also be treated using potassium iodide.
Typically, the outlook for people with lymphangitis is good because treatment can reset the body of the infection.
Once that happens, the affected area begins to heal.
Is Lymphangitis an Emergency?
Yes, it can be.
Summary
Lymphangitis is an infection or inflammation of the lymphatic system, mainly the lymphatic vessels.
The condition is most notably due to a bacterial infection.
Treatment is highly dependent on the cause.
Typically, a healthcare provider can diagnose a person with lymphangitis simply by examining their nodes and affected areas.
However, they tend to conduct blood tests or biopsies to confirm the cause to determine the best treatment.
People who develop lymphangitis can experience more severe health consequences, such as a skin or blood infection.
However, total recovery is entirely possible after prompt and effective treatment.
These lines can be faint or obvious.
In more severe cases, large abscesses or lesions may form on the skin.
Lymphangitis moves quickly within the body.
Prompt treatment can stop this spread from happening.
