Lymphangitis
The red streaking and gland (lymph node) swelling in the area of an injury especially on the extremities. It is usually caused by a bacterial infection with Streptococcus. The bacteria enter the body through a cut, scrape, bite or wound of some sort. The bacteria can get into the lymphatic system, which is part of our immune system. The bacterial infection spreads rapidly in the lymph channels (causing the red streaking) and lymph nodes (causing hard swollen “knots” under the skin). If left untreated, the bacteria can spread in the skin around the area, causing cellulitis, and also rapidly spread to the bloodstream, causing sepsis. In the days before antibiotics people referred to lymphangitis as “blood poisoning” due to the infection rapidly causing severe illness and sometimes death.
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- Lymphatic
Pertaining to a small, thin channel that is similar to a blood vessel and that collects and carries tissue fluid (lymph) from the body. This fluid ultimately drains back into the bloodstream.
- Lymphatic filariasis
Carefully wash the swollen area with soap and water every day. Use anti-bacterial cream on any wounds. This stops bacterial infections and keeps the swelling from worsening. Elevate and exercise the swollen arm or leg to move the fluid and improve the lymph flow.
- Lymphatic system
The tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes, that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. The channels that carry lymph are also part of this system.
- Lymphatic tissue
A part of the body’s immune system that helps protect it from bacteria and other foreign entities. Lymphatic tissue is rich in lymphocytes (and accessory cells such as macrophages and reticular cells). The lymphatic tissue includes the lymph nodes, spleen, tonsils, adenoids and the thymus (an organ in the chest that is particularly large during […]
- Lymphatics
Small thin channels similar to blood vessels that do not carry blood, but collect and carry tissue fluid (called lymph) from the body to ultimately drain back into the blood stream.