Lymphangiectasia
Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a disorder where improperly formed lymph vessels supplying the lining of the small intestine become enlarged. This can develop at birth or later in life from conditions such as pancreatitis. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and fatty stools are common symptoms. If the disorder developed at birth, a low-fat, high-protein diet and supplements such as calcium can help manage symptoms.
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- Q What increases my risk for lymphangiectasia?
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Lymphangiectasia is most often the result of malformations in the lymphatic system of a baby while in the mother's womb. However, in adults, the presence of other conditions can cause damage to the lymphatic system and result in lymphangiectasia. These... Full Answer
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- Q How does lymphangiectasia affect the body?
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Lymphangiectasia most often affects the body by hindering the digestion of fats and proteins in the small intestine. Low levels of protein in the body can then cause swelling, particularly in the legs. Because the body is not getting the nutrients it... Full Answer
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- Q What is lymphangiectasia?
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Lymphangiectasia is a disorder of the lymphatic system that in most cases affects the small intestine. Most of the work of digestion is done by the small intestine, and lymphangiectasia compromises its ability to digest fats and proteins. Another form of... Full Answer
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- Q Can lymphangiectasia have complications?
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Lymphangiectasia can have a number of complications. It is a disorder of the lymphatic system that in most cases affects the small intestine's ability to process fats and protein. It disrupts the body's ability to benefit from nutrients in food, causing... Full Answer
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- Q Does lymphangiectasia run in families?
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In general, lymphangiectasia does not appear to run in families. There have been cases reported in which family members develop the disorder. These examples are rare, though. Lymphangiectasia tends to develop in the womb, but the cause for this... Full Answer
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- Q What is the rate of incidence for lymphangiectasia?
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Lymphangiectasia is a very rare disorder, usually disrupting the small intestine's ability to digest food properly or affecting the lungs' ability to process air. It most often affects children ages three or younger. It is seen even less often in older... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with lymphangiectasia?
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Because the body's ability to digest fat and protein is compromised, people with intestinal lymphangiectasia must follow a strict diet. A diet high in protein and low in fat is most commonly prescribed. Taking supplements on a daily basis is also an... Full Answer
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- Q Does lymphangiectasia affect children differently than adults?
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Lymphangiectasia is more common in children than adults but the symptoms and affects on the body are generally the same. The condition often develops in the womb and symptoms usually appear during a child's first three years. Both children and adults are... Full Answer
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- Q Should I be worried about lymphangiectasia?
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Lymphangiectasia is a rare disorder of the lymphatic system that in most cases affects the small intestine. Symptoms of the condition usually appear by the age of three. Chances are, if you're going to have the condition, you would have been afflicted... Full Answer
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- Q Who is most at risk for lymphangiectasia?
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Children under the age of three are most at risk for lymphangiectasia. The disorder is often caused by improper formation of the lymphatic system in the womb. Adults rarely develop lymphangiectasia. Full Answer
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