Immune & Lymphatic System Disorders
The lymphatic system is a key part of the immune system, draining excess fluid from bodily tissues and organs and disseminating white blood cells to fight infection. The white blood cells fight infection in the spleen and special vessels throughout the body called lymph nodes. If your immune system becomes compromised, the lymphatic system wont be able to work properly, causing swelling from a buildup of fluid in parts of the body. Disorders of the lymphatic system include elephantiasis, a swelling of body parts caused by a filarial worm infestation, and lymphedema, a swelling in the arms or legs caused by lymph nodes or lymph vessels disturbed by surgery for breast or prostate cancer. Medication, massage therapy and compression garments can help.
Recently Answered
- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with lymphangiomatosis?
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Lymphangiomatosis is a complex condition that can affect many parts of the body simultaneously. Caring for someone with it can be challenging for everyone involved. Because of the nature of the disease, it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.... Full Answer
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- Q How long does Kawasaki disease last?
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The duration of Kawasaki disease greatly depends on when diagnosis and treatment take place. You should contact your family doctor or pediatrician about your child's symptoms if a fever continues over four days, or if any fever is accompanied by four of... Full Answer
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- Q What are the possible complications of Kawasaki disease?
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Kawasaki disease is a rare condition where the body’s immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, resulting in inflammation of blood vessels (including those supplying blood to the heart - the coronary arteries) and of the heart muscles.... Full Answer
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- Q How does Goodpasture's Syndrome affect older adults?
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The prognosis for older adults is usually worse than for that of a young, healthy adult with Goodpasture's Syndrome. If symptoms are not caught early, the older adult could develop glomerulonephritis. This is a condition that affects the filtration... Full Answer
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- Q How does Goodpasture's Syndrome affect my quality of life?
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While suffering with Goodpasture's Syndrome, your quality of life may be poor. However, a complete recovery from the disease is possible, and you may have the same quality of life that you experienced before the illness appeared. If the symptoms are not... Full Answer
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- Q What is the duration of therapy for Goodpasture's Syndrome?
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The duration of therapy for Goodpasture's Syndrome greatly depends on the how quickly the disease was diagnosed and how far it has progressed. Once diagnosed, however, your doctor will infuse corticosteroids intravenously for about seven days. If there... Full Answer
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- Q What causes Goodpasture's Syndrome?
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Goodpasture's Syndrome can be a genetically inherited condition that is triggered by certain environment factors. Exposure to chemicals such as solvents containing hydrocarbons and certain herbicides can be a major factor in contracting this syndrome. In... Full Answer
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- Q What is Goodpasture's syndrome?
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Goodpasture's Syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease that typically attacks young men. Normally, your immune system creates antibodies that assault anything trying to harm your body. However, if you suffer from Goodpasture's Syndrome, your body creates... Full Answer
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- Q Can the effects of Goodpasture's Syndrome be reversed?
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If caught in time, most of the effects of Goodpasture's Syndrome can be reversed. Your lungs will probably show no permanent damage, but your kidneys may or may not suffer some damage. You may end up with acute glomerulonephritis, which causes swelling... Full Answer
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- Q What are the chemicals that trigger Goodpasture's Syndrome?
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The chemicals that trigger Goodpasture's Syndrome are hydrocarbons found in solvents such as gasoline or mineral oils. Herbicides, like the weed killer known as Paraquat can produce the syndrome. Tobacco smoke can also trigger the disease. Even if you... Full Answer
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