World Lymphoedema Day 6 March
Lymphoedema is a chronic, debilitating lymphatic disease that affects nearly 170 million people worldwide. There are two types of lymphoedema namely:
- primary lymphoedema that is genetic resulting in the malformation and maldevelopment of the lymphatic system during foetal development
- secondary lymphoedema due to injury, surgery (particularly dissection or removal of lymph nodes), radiation therapy, venous insufficiency, infection, burns and cancer
The most common physical symptoms include:
- swelling of limbs or body parts
- limited mobility
- skin changes
- sensation or feelings of tingling and numbness, loss of sensation
- pain
- infection (cellulitis)
The psycho-social impact of the disease includes:
- poor self esteem
- increased medical expenses and hospitalization
- loss of normal activities
- job losses
- increased expenditure on the health system for the treatment of recurrent infections
Lymphoedema cannot be cured but it can at times be prevented or managed to reduce the risk of major symptoms such severe pain, swelling, loss of mobility and cellulitis.
Let’s join the international lymphoedema community by demanding that lymphoedema as a chronic condition become a priority by:
- Signing the petition to the WHO to designate “LD Awareness & Cures” as the 2019 World Health Day Campaign for WHO
- Sharing information about lymphoedema with your colleagues, family and friends
- Consulting your health practitioner
- Consulting the Lymphoedema Association of South Africa (LAOSA)
For more information about the disease access the websites of the following organisations:
- International Society of Lymphology: http://www.u.arizona.edu/~witte/ISL.htm
- International Lymphoedema Framework: https://www.lympho.org/
- World Health Organisation: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs102/en/
- Lymphatic Education & Research Network: https://lymphaticnetwork.org/
- Lymphoedema Association of South Africa (LAOSA): https://www.laosa.co.za/