THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM

The lymphatic system

The lymphatic system consists of organs, ducts, and nodes. It transports a watery clear fluid called lymph. 

This fluid distributes immune cells and other factors throughout the body. It also interacts with the blood circulatory system to drain fluid from cells and tissues.

The lymphatic system contains immune cells called lymphocytes, which protect the body against antigens (viruses, bacteria, etc.) that invade the body. See more on lymphocytes below.  It is abnormal cells of this type that cause lymphoma.

Main functions of the lymphatic system

	"to collect and return interstitial fluid, including plasma protein to the blood, and thus help maintain fluid balance,
	to defend the body against disease by producing lymphocytes,
	to absorb lipids from the intestine and transport them to the blood."

The lymphatic system is part of the body's immune system. It consists of nodes, vessels and fluid. Lymph appears in every other body system, so lymphatic disorders can impact the health of other organs.

Disorders

Lymph node problems

When the lymph nodes become clogged, they cannot release toxins from the body so toxins stay trapped in the body.

Because the area under the mouth (chin area) contains lymph nodes, this is an area that can be greatly affected, as the body will use this area to expel toxins. This is what the lymph nodes are for in addition to filtering.

It's also believed that antiperspirants and deodorants can clog lymph nodes, creating health issues. Read our article entitled "Beware of Deodorants and Antiperspirants" for more information on this subject matter.

Hodgkin's Disease/Hodgkin's Lymphoma


This is a type of cancer of the lymphatic system. It can start almost any where in the body. It's believed to be caused by HIV, Epstein-Barr Syndrome, age and family history. Symptoms include weight loss, fever, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, itchy skin, fatigue, chest pain, coughing and/or trouble swallowing.


Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma


Lymphoma is a usually malignant cancer. It's caused by the body producing too many abnormal white blood cells. It is not the same as Hodgkin's Disease. Symptoms usually include painless, enlarged lymph node or nodes in the neck, weakness, fever, weight loss, and anemia.


Lymphadentis 




Lymphadentis is an infection of the lymph nodes usually caused by a virus, bacteria or fungi. Symptoms include redness and/or swelling around the lymph node.


Lymphangitis


Lymphangitis is an inflammation of the lymph vessels. Symptoms usually include swelling, redness, warmth, pain and/or red streaking around the affected area.


Lymphedema


Lymphedema is the chronic pooling of lymph fluid in the tissue. It usually starts in the feet or lower legs. It's also a side-effect of some surgical procedures.


Lymphocytosis


Lymphocytosis is a high lymphocyte count. It can be caused by an infection, blood cancer, lymphoma, or autoimmune disorders that are accompanied by chronic swelling.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is inflammation (swelling) of the tonsils.

See also: Strep throat

Causes

The tonsils are lymph nodes in the back of the mouth and top of the throat. They normally help to filter out bacteria and other germs to prevent infection in the body.

A bacterial or viral infection can cause tonsillitis. Strep throat is a common cause.

The infection may also be seen in other parts of the throat. See: Pharyngitis

Tonsillitis is very common, especially in children.

Symptoms

• Difficulty swallowing
• Ear pain
• Fever, chills
• Headache
• Sore throat - lasts longer than 48 hours and may be severe
• Tenderness of the jaw and throat

Treatment

Swollen tonsils that are not painful or do not cause other problems do not need to be treated. Your health care provider may not give you antibiotics. You may be asked to come back for a check up later.

If tests show you do have strep, your doctor will give you antibiotics. It is important to finish all of your antibiotics as directed by your doctor, even if you feel better. If you do not take them all, the infection can return.

The following tips may help your throat feel better:

• Drink cold liquids or suck on popsicles
• Drink fluids, especially warm (not hot), bland fluids
• Gargle with warm salt water
• Suck on lozenges (containing benzocaine or similar ingredients) to reduce pain (these should not be used in young children because of the choking risk)
• Take over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen to reduce pain and fever. Do NOT give a child aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye syndrome.

Some people who have repeated infections may need surgery to remove the tonsils (tonsillectomy).

Tonsillitis symptoms due to strep usually get better about 2 or 3 days after you start the antibiotics. 

Children with strep throat should generally be kept home from school or day care until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. This helps reduce the spread of illness.

Known as the "kissing disease," infectious mononucleosis in young adults is most often caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. You generally only get EBV mono once in your life, but if you do get it, it can take several weeks to recover.

 Mononucleosis

 Mononucleosis (mono) is a viral disease. The Epstein-Barr virus is very common and infects the great majority of people at some point in their lives, but not all people develop symptoms of mononucleosis. Mono is most common in young adults ages 15 to 25.

Symptoms of mono can include some or all of the following:

• High fever
• Headache
• Severe sore throat
• Swollen glands (lymph nodes)
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Abdominal tenderness

Symptoms usually last two to four weeks, though feelings of fatigue may last longer. 

The virus that causes mononucleosis is transferred through the saliva, thus the nickname "the kissing disease." You can be exposed to mono by kissing, or by sharing utensils for eating and drinking. The incubation time (how long from the time you are exposed to the time you develop symptoms) is four to six weeks. You are most contagious while you still have a fever.

There is no "cure" for mono. The treatment consists of getting lots of rest, drinking lots of fluids and using medications to help with symptoms, such as throat lozenges for sore throats, and acetaminophen or ibuprofen for headaches and muscle aches. In children under 19, aspirin has been linked to a potentially fatal condition called Reye's syndrome, so you should not take aspirin unless instructed by your doctor.

Included in "getting lots of rest" is avoiding strenuous activities like sports. Your body needs real rest in order to recover quickly. If you have mono, you probably won't feel energetic, and it's important not to push yourself (since doing so can delay your recovery).