Lymphatic System Disorders Study Guide by

Allergy

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 17:15:28 UTC

An allergy is the immune system's reaction to a foreign substance. Possible allergens include pollen, insect bites/stings, medications and foods. Allergies are one type of hypersensitivity.

Anaphylaxis

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 17:19:20 UTC

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reactions caused by the overreaction of the immune system. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightening, fainting, hives, vomiting, etc. Anaphylaxis can be treated with epinephrine also known as adrenaline.

Cancer

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 17:21:26 UTC

Cancer is cause by abnormal growth of cells. These cells can divide and invade neighboring or distant tissues. Symptoms vary depending on the type. Cancer depends of the type but may include surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation. Metastasis is when cells break off a primary tumor and travel to more distant sites through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

Infectious Mononucleosis

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 17:24:59 UTC

Also known as the kissing disease, Mononucleosis is caused by Epstein bacteria and is spread through bodily fluids like saliva. Symptoms are fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, sore muscles and loss of appetite. Treated through rest, fluids and medications for pain and swelling.

Tonsilitis

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 17:51:26 UTC

Tonsilitis is caused by bacterial and viral infections of the tonsils (streptococcus/strep throat is a common bacterial cause). Symptoms are throat pain/tenderness, red tonsils, white/yellow coating on the tonsils, blisters on throat, swallowing pain and swollen glands in neck. Treatment is antibiotics for bacterial causes or tonsillectomy for recurrent cases.

Scleroderma

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 17:55:42 UTC

Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder with stiffening of the skin and blood vessels caused by an overproduction of collagen. Symptoms are stiffening patches of skin, Raynaud's (blood vessels in fingers and toes spasm) and stiffening of lung tissue. Treatment is immunosuppressants, pain medications and physical/occupational therapy.

Lupus Erythematosus

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 18:07:10 UTC

Lupus erythematous is an autoimmune disorder when the immune system attacks its own tissue. Symptoms are general autoimmune disease symptoms like face rash, fatigue, achy muscles, swelling, fever and hair loss. Treatment depends on symptoms and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Lymphedema

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 18:09:56 UTC

Too much fluid and the result is swelling. Caused by damaged/blocked lymphatic system and removal of key lymph nodes post-cancer may lead to greater lymphedema. A symptom is swelling in one or both arms/legs. Treatment is compression devices and massages by trained professionals.

Hodgkin's Disease

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 18:12:09 UTC

Lymphoma, cancer of the immune system. The exact cause of this is unknown but include viral, familial and environmental factors. An early sign may be painless swelling of the lymph nodes. Treatment is chemotherapy or radiation.

HIV

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 18:15:45 UTC

Virus that causes AIDS. HIV destroys T-4 lymphocytes and suppresses the immune system. HIV is spread through blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk. Initial symptoms are symptoms of general infections, flu-like symptoms or asymptomatic for up to 10 years. Later symptoms include enlarged lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, frequent fevers and yeast infections.

AIDS

elise25howell — 2024-10-11 18:18:52 UTC

HIV can progress into AIDS. AIDS occurs when T-4 cell count gets low enough or opportunistic infections are seen. Treatment is based on symptoms. Antiretroviral medications can slow down the virus. AIDS is still a big problem in developing countries.