subject: All For One Home Health: Lymphedema Stages And Grades [print this page] In some worse cases, the affected limb or body part can no longer be used due to extreme swelling. The inflammatory response of the body can often cause infection. Also, skin may be damaged because of excessive swelling. Lymphedema has different stages and grades. All For One Home Health, an excellent provider of quality health services, shares with us helpful information.
Lymphedema is a health condition in which the lymphatic system is compromised causing interstitial fluids to be retained and be circulated back to the tissues. The excessive fluids cause the tissues to swell and inflame. The affected body part enlarges and loses proper circulation, therefore causing decreased functionality. The fluids retained in the tissues may trigger infection. Patients may not be able to take care of themselves well. All For One Home Health provides Lymphedema Management Program.
There are two popular methods of classifying or staging lymphedema. The most commonly used method was created by the fifth World Health Organization Expert committee on Filariasis.
Latent (Stage 0) In this stage, swelling and inflammation is not yet seen and lymphedema is not yet present. However, the lymphatic vessels already have slight damages. The transportation of lymph is still in good condition.
Spontaneously Reversible (Stage 1) Very minimal swelling may be noticed during this stage. There is indentation present on skin when affected area is pinched or compressed.
Spontaneously Irreversible (Stage 2) This stage is where enlargement and hardening of the affected area begins. When skin is compressed or pinched, it easily bounces back without leaving any indentations.
Lymphostatic Elephantiasis (Stage 3) In this stage, the swelling and inflammation is full-blown. The affected area is now very large, hard, and unresponsive. The swelling now is irreversible. Patients can undergo debulking or a reconstructive surgery. However, not everyone prefers surgery because of the risks it has.
You can visit All For One Home Health to check out services designed for Lymphedema patients.
Another method of classifying lymphedema is according to severity of the illness. The levels are compared to a healthy limb or body part.
Mild Edema (Grade 1) In this stage, the lymphedema only affects the distal parts of the body like hands, forearms, and lower part of legs and feet. Other tissues are not yet enlarged and the difference of circumference is less than 4 centimeters.
Moderate Edema (Grade 2) The difference of circumference in this grade ranges about 4 to 6 centimeters. This grade already affects the entire limb. It involves tissue changes and erysipelas may be present.
Severe Edema (Grade 3A) In this grade, the difference in circumference is greater than 6 centimeters. Lymphedema involves a whole limb and its trunk quadrant. Other damages such as fistula, cysts, and keratosis may be present. Patient may still experience attacks of erysipelas.
Massive Edema (Grade 3B) This grade is very similar to severe edema or grade 3A. Their only difference is that massive edema involves two or more limbs or parts.
Gigantic Edema (Grade 4) This grade is more commonly known as Elephantiasis. This involves full-blown swelling of the affected parts. The affected parts are highly enlarged. It may also affect the face and head. The transport of lymph is completely nonexistent.
Lymphedema is a depressing illness. It is best to seek professional help in taking care of lymphedema patients. Andy Schott and his team of competent healthcare providers are dedicated to quality service provision.
