Lymphatic filariasis (LF) causes a parasitic disease, and healthcare experts refer to it as Elephantiasis. Worms can cause severe swelling and disfigurement of any body part. Mosquito bites generally spread this ill health condition and can affect various parts of the body, like breasts, limbs, and genitals. People who are suffering from LF do not show symptoms immediately after infection. But it can develop later, after the initial infection. Symptoms of lymphatic filariasis can be classified into two stages. These are acute and chronic symptoms, and both are extremely painful and lead to permanent disability and social stigma.
This disease is mostly found in individuals who live in tropical and subtropical areas. It is commonly found in Africa and Southeast Asia. The disease can lead to severe physical malformation and significant economic burdens. However, with early detection, proper treatment, and preventive measures, elephantiasis is both treatable and preventable. Here in this blog, we will understand the symptoms of lymphatic filariasis. And also about its risks, diagnosis, prevention tips, and treatment options.
What is Lymphatic Filariasis?
Thread-like parasites known as filarial worms can cause this LF disease. They are of three types: Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori. Infection is spread between humans via infected mosquitoes. When they bite humans, they deposit the parasite, which makes its way to the lymph system. The adult worms live in the human body’s lymph system.
This disease is responsible for painful disfigurement and abnormal enlargement of body parts. In some cases, patients’ arms, legs, and genital organs like the scrotum and breasts swell up unnaturally.
What are the Common Symptoms of Lymphatic Filariasis?
Here is the list of 10 indications of LF that you should not ignore:
Swelling of Limbs
Blockage of lymphatic vessels caused by helminths. This condition is known as lymphedema. LF mainly affects the arms, breasts, genitals, and legs of the patients. In this case, the skin may become thicker, discolored, drier, and dotted like lumps containing complex lymphatic vessels.
Changes in Skin
Due to this disease, the patient’s skin becomes thick and hard. This condition leads to physical and psychological distress. Prolonged inflammation and remodeling of the lymphatic system cause alterations in the skin.
Recurrent fevers
A person suffering from elephantiasis may experience a recurrence of fever. Individuals may also suffer from chills and sweating. It is an indication that may occur during the acute phase of LF. This illness originates from worms that are transmitted through mosquito bites.
Discomfort in Lymph Nodes
During an infection, LF illness may result in painful glands. Individuals may experience periods of fever, swelling in the armpits, and groin area. This type of pain in the limbs and groin remains for one week. The two common symptoms of this illness are enlargement and sensitivity.
Fatigue
LF conditions can give rise to fatigue and weakness. Organisms induce prolonged inflammation and damage. Patients usually experience problems like sweating, fever, and chills.
Problems in the Kidneys
In some cases, elephantiasis can lead to organ failure. The infected lymphoid system affects the kidneys’. And they are unable to filter waste products from the blood. And lead to complications like proteinuria and renal failure.
Disfiguring Scrotal Swelling in Men
In males, lymphatic filariasis can cause the collection of fluid in the scrotum, resulting in a condition called hydrocele. This is one of the visible signs of lymphatic filariasis, alongside lymphedema, lymphangitis, elephantiasis, and recurrent infections.
Respiratory Problems
Sometimes patients may experience respiratory failure, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing due to blockage of lymphatic vessels in the chest area. Symptoms of TPE result from immune hyper-responsiveness to micro-filariae in the pulmonary capillary.
Infection
It is caused by filarial worms, which are roundworms of the family Filariodidea. The infection occurs when filarial parasites are transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. When infected mosquitoes bite individuals, mature parasite larvae are deposited on the skin, from where they can enter the body.
Immune System Gets Weak
This health complication can attack your immunity as time passes by. Mosquitoes spread worms and give rise to this disease. Other health complications may also occur.
Diagnosis of Lymphatic Filariasis
These methods include:
- Blood Smears
- Antigen Detection Tests
- Serological Blood Tests
- Ultrasonography
Benefits of Early Detection and Medical Attention
Advanced detection and treatment of lymphatic filariasis offer several benefits:
- Timely treatment can prevent the progression from asymptomatic to chronic stages.
- This medical aid reduces the number of microfilariae in the bloodstream.
- It can prevent physical malformation.
- Preventing chronic disease reduces healthcare costs and loss of productivity.
Risks and Long-Term Complications of Lymphatic Filariasis Infection
It includes:
- Secondary infections
- Pulmonary complications
- Impact on society and economy
Treatment Options for Elephantiasis
There are so many ways to decrease or treat the symptoms of Lymphatic Filariasis. These include:
- Medications: Individuals who are suffering from this infection need to take medicines to kill the worms from their blood. These drugs could stop the illness from spreading to others, but may not be able to kill off the parasites completely. The health expert recommends anti-parasite drugs.
- Surgery: In severe cases of hydrocele or lymphedema, doctors may require surgical procedures. Reconstructive surgery is executed to remove the affected lymphatic tissues, thus relieving the pressure and swelling.
- Lifestyle measures: Not all patients with this illness require medication. They might not have the worms in their bodies anymore. The symptoms might still be present, though. In such cases, you should frequently clean the region with soap and water. Moisturize the skin, elevate swollen portions, exercise regularly, and wrap the limbs to prevent swelling.
- Psychological support: In certain circumstances, people may choose to seek emotional and mental health care. They may participate in counseling sessions, support groups, or use online services.
Prevention Tips for Lymphatic Filariasis
- Antiparasitic medications are distributed to entire populations in endemic areas to decrease transmission.
- Using insecticide-treated nets and indoor spraying to manage mosquito populations.
- Increasing knowledge of LF transmission and prevention strategies.
- Creating better living circumstances to eliminate mosquito breeding places.
Conclusion
Lymphatic Filariasis is an exhausting disease with profound physical, social, and economic impacts. Early detection, effective treatment, and comprehensive prevention strategies are important to control and eventually eliminate LF. Proper research, public health initiatives, and community engagement are vital in the global fight against this neglected tropical disease.
