Nur Amalia Idrus

Mentor: dr.Sumarni Sp.JP

 Definition

Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the
lymphatic system, which is a major
component of your immune system.
 Organs that make up the lymphatic
system include your:

 tonsils, which are located in your throat
 spleen, an organ in your abdomen that purifies your blood, among
other functions
 thymus, an organ in your upper chest that helps white blood cells
develop
 What causes lymphangitis?

 Infectious lymphangitis occurs when bacteria or viruses
enter the lymphatic channels. They may enter through a
cut or wound, or they may grow from an existing
infection.
 The most common infectious cause of lymphangitis is
acute streptococcal infection. It may also be the result of a
staphylococcal (staph) infection. Both of these are
bacterial infections.
 Lymphangitis may occur if you already have a skin
infection and it’s getting worse. This might mean that
bacteria will soon enter your bloodstream. Complications
such as sepsis, a life-threatening condition of body-wide
inflammation, can occur as a result.
Conditions that increase your risk of
lymphangitis include:

 diabetes

 immunodeficiency, or loss of immune function

 chronic steroid use

 chickenpox
 Next

 A cat or dog bite or a wound made in fresh water can

also become infected and lead to lymphangitis.

Gardeners and farmers may develop the condition if

they get sporotrichosis, a soil-borne fungal infection

 next

 There are also noninfectious causes of lymphangitis.
Inflammation of lymph vessels can occur due to
malignancy: Breast, lung, stomach, pancreas, rectal,
and prostate cancers are common types of tumors
that can lead to lymphangitis. Lymphangitis has also
been seen in those with Crohn’s disease.
 What are the symptoms of this
condition?

Other symptoms include:
 chills
 swollen lymph glands
 fever
 malaise, or a general ill feeling
 loss of appetite
 headache
 aching muscles
 How is lymphangitis
diagnosed?

 To diagnose lymphangitis, your doctor will perform
a physical exam. They’ll feel your lymph nodes to
check for swelling.

 Your doctor may also order tests such as a biopsy to

reveal the cause of the swelling or a blood culture to
see if the infection is present in your blood.
How is the condition treated?

 antibiotics, if the cause is bacterial — in the form of oral
medication or intravenous antimicrobial therapy, which
involves antibiotics given directly into your veins
 pain medication
 anti-inflammatory medication
 surgery to drain any abscesses that may have formed
 surgical debridement, or removal, of a node if it’s causing
obstruction
 What are the complications of
lymphangitis?

 cellulitis, a skin infection

 bacteremia, or bacteria in your blood

 sepsis, a body-wide infection that’s life-threatening

 abscess, a painful collection of pus that’s usually

accompanied by swelling and inflammation

 next

If bacteria enter your bloodstream, the condition can be life-
threatening. Visit your healthcare provider immediately if
you experience any of the following:
 increasing pain or redness at the site of the infection
 growing red streaks
 pus or fluid coming from the lymph node
 fever over 101°F (38.3°C) for more than two days
 What is the long-term outlook?

 If no complications occur, most people make a full recovery
from lymphangitis. A full recovery may take weeks or months.
Swelling and discomfort may be present in the meantime. The
amount of time it takes to heal depends on the cause of the
condition.

 Immediate treatment for lymphangitis can help prevent

complications. So if you suspect you have lymphangitis, see
your doctor right away.
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