The edema is a visible and palpable fluid in Interstitium (= intermediate cell compartment). It is a symptom description, not a diagnosis. Lymphoedema is characterized by a mechanical insufficiency of the lymphatic system caused fluid accumulation in Interstitium.

Lymphoedema is a chronic inflammatory disease, which not only the limbs but also the face neck; torso and genitals may be affected. Due to the mechanical failure can no longer sufficient, the interstitial fluid through the lymph vessels from the tissue to be removed Lymphgefässsystem. This leads to a backlog and the accumulation of fluid in the cell spaces (edema).

Lymphödemstadien

* Stage 0: The latency stage, there are still no symptoms appearing
* Stage 1: The reversible stage, it is a protein-rich edema, only a few, small, locally limited fibrosklerotische Gewebsveränderungen. The edema is still doughy-soft, it can point the finger even slightly a “dip” be intruded. A high camps edema (if possible) to some extent reduced the swelling. The Stemmersche character is (mostly) positive.
* Stage 2: The spontaneous irreversible stage at this stage fined fibrosklerotische changes and a Fettgewebsproliferation instead. The edema is hard and reacts to high camps are no longer with decongestant.
* Stage 3: The stage of elephantiasis, which has extensive fibrosklerotische changes and Fettgewebsproliferationen, held.

Etiological classification

Two forms of lymphoedema are distinguished: the primary and the secondary form.

* In the primary form the lymph vessels and / or lymph nodes are due to a developmental disorder is not or only partially or with a malformation is created. Extremities or whole body can be affected. (Note: The complete lack of lymph vessels throughout the body of a region is not compatible with life and leads in the womb to death, or shortly after birth.)

* In secondary lymphoedema, the outflow pathways mechanically insufficient as a result of either pathological changes such as Tumors, trauma, Lymphangitiden (inflammation due to viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, etc. Also in the rheumatic form circle), chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), diabetes, etc. Or by iatrogenic intervention such as surgical scars, radiological exposures, removal of lymph nodes after tumor removal, vein removal to bypass surgery, etc.

Therapy

As choice comes treatment to the excess fluid from the Interstitium away to the complex physical Entstauungstherapie (KPE) in question.

Under the KPE will be summarized:

1. Manual lymphatic drainage
2. Skincare
3. Compression bandage / compression stockings
4. Special exercise therapy in compression

* Interaction between doctor Lymphtherapeut, sanitary house Affected / r

The KPE is a proven and successful treatment of lymphoedema, which often represents chonisches suffering.

No single treatment option when Lymphoedema diuretics (medications drainage). A single treatment with diuretics reduces initially and primarily the vascular fluid volume. The oncotic wake of the plasma is only a short time built up and changes the protein and protein concentration of the edema is not positive. This is a “Jojo” effect can be observed. To produce the desired effect of diuretic to get you the diuretic and in constantly increasing concentration must administer. Furthermore, we note that the diuretic Lymphtransportmechanismus impaire