Duration of lymphangitis

introduction

A Lymphangitis occurs when a lymph vessel becomes inflamed. In most cases, the causative agent of lymphangitis is bacteria. This inflammation is often mistakenly called "blood poisoning", which is not the correct name for lymphangitis. With blood poisoning, also known as sepsis, the pathogens circulate through the entire bloodstream and are not only found locally in the lymph vessels. Blood poisoning is also significantly more dangerous, as the pathogens spread into all possible organs and in the worst case can lead to life-threatening multiple organ failure.

Possible causes for such an inflammation can be minor injuries, insect bites or pre-existing local inflammations. If there is a small, localized finding, it is possible to apply a local therapy with certain ointments. Systemic antibiotic therapy is necessary in pronounced cases of illness.

In most cases, lymphangitis has a very good prognosis.

How long do symptoms of lymphangitis last?

Symptoms of lymphangitis start with a small injury, such as an insect bite. Mostly this area is reddish, swollen and painful. This injury can persist for several days before lymphangitis develops. Bacteria from the wound enter the lymphatic system, which appears to run as a red stripe from the wound towards the heart. This is because the main lymphatic vessels, along which lymphangitis spreads, open into a large vein just in front of the heart. This inflamed lymphatic pathway, which shows up as a red, inflamed streak towards the heart, can also be painful and warm.

After hours or days, the closest lymph node reacts to the inflammation and becomes larger and tender. If there is no therapy in the early stages of the inflammation, the bacteria can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. In this case we are talking about a blood thinning, which manifests itself symptomatically as fever, chills, palpitations and a feeling of illness. These symptoms can last for days to weeks and can even become life-threatening if antibiotic therapy is not used.

In general, lymphangitis has a very good prognosis. If left untreated, the symptoms can become chronic or blood poisoning can result. The course and duration of an inflammation always vary from person to person. If typical symptoms occur, a medical consultation is always recommended.

You might also be interested in the following topic: Symptoms of blood poisoning and lymphangitis on the arm.

Duration of antibiotic use

If there are local findings, therapy with alcohol bandages, anti-inflammatory ointments and immobilization is recommended.

However, if the disease cannot be combated with this, antibiotic therapy is an option. The therapy should always be chosen depending on the pathogen, the severity of the disease and the patient. Usually will Amoxicillin which is very effective against common bacteria (streptococci). Most often, a dose of 500mg is given three times a day for 7 to 10 days. However, this can vary individually depending on the findings and must be clarified with the treating doctor.

It is important not to stop the therapy prematurely, as it can lead to recurrence of the angitis and also resistance to the antibiotic can develop.

That's how long the pain lasts with lymphangitis

Lymphangitis pain can be throbbing and burning. They appear very early with the local inflammation that can last for several days. The pain pulls along the lymphatic system until the inflammation reaches a lymph node. This can also last for hours to days. The reactive lymph node remains tender and thick as long as the inflammation persists.

Also read our article: The causes of lymph node swelling.

The total duration of pain is different for everyone. If the therapy is started quickly, it only lasts a few days and disappears as soon as the inflammation has healed.

In some cases, if the inflammation is advanced, an abscess with pus may form. In that case, the abscess must be surgically split. This should reduce the pain, but the wound created by the split can in turn be painful.

Local and oral pain relievers can be helpful for severe pain. One can, in consultation with the doctor, like over-the-counter pain relievers Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, take in.

How long will you be on sick leave?

The duration of the sick leave can vary depending on the individual findings and the profession. If the diagnosis is local and not a physically demanding job, a sick leave for a few days may be sufficient.

However, if the work is difficult, the inflammation should be healed before it is done again. Immobilizing the arm is important, so you should be able to do this at work.

If the inflammation is generalized and a fever occurs, the sick leave should persist for the entire duration of antibiotic therapy. Overall, you should pay attention to the general condition and stay at home if you feel sick. The inflammation should be healed, otherwise the risk of the pathogens spreading or becoming chronic increases.

What has a positive effect on the duration of the illness?

When the lymphangitis occurs, a quicker start of therapy is crucial for shortening the inflammation duration.

Since the inflammation develops quickly, the area should be given cooling compresses. Alcohol bandages, which have both a cooling and a disinfecting effect, are suitable for this.

Immobilization of the affected extremity is also essential. No heavy physical work or sport should be practiced.

Local pain relieving ointments are very helpful for pain. For example, a diclofenac ointment can help. With this, cooling is achieved at the same time.

If antibiotic therapy is necessary, the tablets should be taken as prescribed for the entire prescribed period. If you have a fever, antipyretic medication and cooling compresses can be helpful.

Overall, a correct implementation of the therapy has a shortening effect on the duration of the disease. Immobilizing the extremities and resting when feeling sick are also very helpful. If the therapy does not relieve the symptoms, you should see a doctor again.

What negatively affects the course of the disease?

One of the central aspects is to keep the wound or entry point clean, as further entry of bacteria negatively affects the duration of the disease and its severity. Hygiene and disinfecting envelopes are also very important.

Consistent immobilization of the extremities should also be observed. Sport and heavy physical activity are therefore counterproductive for the healing process.

You should also not delay a visit to the doctor if you have clear symptoms. Rapid antibiotic therapy can prevent its deterioration. The antibiotic therapy should be taken over the entire prescribed period and the intended dosages should be adhered to.

One possible complication of lymphangitis is the spread of the bacteria into the bloodstream. This can lead to actual blood poisoning and increase the severity and duration of this clinical picture considerably.