Lymphedema is a health condition in which fluids accumulate in the body’s soft tissues instead of being drained through the lymphatic system. The disorder could develop for several reasons, causing swelling in different body parts. While the swelling commonly occurs in the legs and arms, it can also affect a person’s neck, chest wall, abdomen, and genitals. Here’s some valuable information about lymphedema’s common causes, symptoms, and popular treatment options.

Causes
The lymphatic system—a part of the immune system—comprises vessels called lymph nodes through which lymph fluids flow in the body. These nodes have cells that work as filters to help fight off infections and diseases like cancer.

Lymphedema occurs when the lymph vessels cannot drain enough lymph fluids. This can happen due to several reasons:

• Breast cancer surgery
  When breast cancer patients undergo surgery to remove lymph nodes under the arms, it may damage the nodes in the nearby areas, causing lymphedema with time.
• Pelvic surgery
  Like breast cancer surgery, procedures for removing pelvic lymph nodes may increase the risk of lymphedema.
• Radiation therapy
  When a person undergoes radiation therapy, their skin gets inflamed. Their lymphatic system may also get scarred, damaging the lymph nodes and putting stress on the lymphatic circulation system.
• Injury
  The lymphatic circulation system is present right under the skin. So an injury may damage the lymphatic vessels, leading to lymphedema.
• Infection
  Bacterial, viral, or other infections may affect the lymph nodes and increase the risk of lymphedema.
• Lack of physical activity
  A lack of exercise or any form of physical movement may prevent the lymph fluids from flowing freely, leading to their accumulation in the vessels. Insufficient physical activity usually causes swelling in the legs.
• Tumors
  Benign and non-benign tumors may block the flow of lymph fluids, leading to the disorder.

Signs and symptoms
The accumulation of lymph fluids due to a damaged lymphatic system may lead to several symptoms. While swelling is a tell-tale sign that appears quickly, one may develop other discomforts gradually. Here are the common signs and symptoms of lymphedema to look out for:

• Swelling
  Swelling could appear in the area of the arm or leg where the lymph nodes have been damaged, including the toes and fingers. The swelling may make wearing clothes, shoes, jewelry, and watches hard. It may also lead to heaviness, tightness, and reduced range of motion in the affected arm or leg. Depending on which lymph nodes are affected, the swelling can also appear in the neck or head.
• Pain and discomfort
  One may experience discomfort and pain in the arm or leg where lymph fluids have accumulated. Some complain of a tingling sensation in the affected region.
• Skin changes
  Lymphedema triggers frequent skin infections. The skin in the affected area becomes hard or thick and develops warts or blisters.
• Difficulty swallowing
  The patient might find it harder to swallow. They might drool or unconsciously drop food from their mouth while trying to eat.
• Vision problems
  If lymphedema occurs in the neck or head, it can lead to swollen eyelids. As a result, one may find it hard to see.

Besides the above, one may suffer from nasal congestion and, thus, difficulty breathing. Patients may also develop long-lasting middle ear pain and severe and chronic fatigue. Since most symptoms develop gradually, diagnosis can be tricky.

Common treatment options
Although lymphedema has no cure, several treatments help control and manage the symptoms. Here are some common options:

• Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
  It involves massaging the affected region to drain the accumulated lymphatic fluid into the bloodstream and reduce swelling.
• Exercise
  A certified lymphedema therapist can help patients develop exercise routines that improve the flow of lymph fluid.
• Compression
  Patients may use non-elastic bandages and compression garments to prevent lymphatic fluid accumulation.
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
  This treatment is recommended when lymphedema occurs due to breast cancer.
• Physical therapy
  It is prescribed to relieve discomforts trigged by lymphedema in the head or neck.