The critical analysis of the role of MLD in clinical practice Essay

The critical analysis of the role of MLD in clinical practice - Essay Example Lymphoedema: It usually occurs due to the damage to the lymphatic system and as a result proteins keep entering the tissues from the smaller blood vessels called capillaries and the resulting effect is the buildup of fluid in the tissues whose draining lymphatic are blocked. The excessive accumulation of proteins in the tissue result in the retention of increased amount of fluid within the tissues and causes them to swell. Lymphoedema also hampers the ability of the vessels to oxygenate the tissues and their normal functionality is impaired and the healing is also delayed. If the accumulation of the lymph in the tissues is mild then the resulting proteins in the tissues can be removed by the tissue macrophages but if the accumulation of proteins is more resulting into Lymphoedema then the macrophages cease to work If the protein content in the tissues is increased then it stimulate the process of chronic inflammation and as a result fibrosis starts to develop in the affected area, ne w blood vessels are formed due to inflammation and these vessels are dilated resulting in the rubor effects of the inflammation due to which the temperature of limb is felt high. This increased temperature along with the protein stasis favors the bacterial growth which can result in acute inflammation. Such patients can present with repeated infections and may need hospitalization. These patients also suffer from frequent fungal infections and these are quite difficult to treat and these also put load on the lymphatics resulting in the worsening of the Lymphoedema. If the process is rapid then the sudden increase in the size of tissues can result in severe pain owing to the tissue damage by the pressure effects. The areas adjoining the edematous areas also feel painful but otherwise the pain is not present usually in case of primary Lymphoedema until and unless there is superadded infection. It is usually thought that the arms and the legs are the only sites of Lymphoedema but any o rgan of the body can be affected like genitals, the gut, the lungs or the liver. Other consequences of Lymphoedema can be decreased mobility and the swelling can cause embarrassment leading to depression in the patient and results in the worse quality of life of the patient. The edematous limb becomes heavy and is difficult to move which makes it more vulnerable to injury and resulting bacterial infection. The drainage of lymphatic from lower limb is less efficient as compared to upper limb, so the walking of such patients gets troublesome which further severe the condition, so the Lymphoedema of the leg is worse than of the upper limb. Initially Lymphoedema is of pitting type but with increasing severity the edema becomes non-pitting. If Lymphoedema remains for extended period of time like years then the overlying skin’s color changes along with loss of hairs and change in the texture of the nails is seen in the affected arm. The skin becomes very thick with large folds and warts resulting in the appearance called Elephantiasis. If the Lymphoedema is left untreated then it can lead to a malignant condition called Angiosarcoma. The symptoms of Lymphoedema include; a. Limbs become heavier and felt tighter. b. Pain which is severe in intensity and