If you live with lymphedema, you know that some days bring more swelling and discomfort than others. Hotter temperatures and travel are just a couple situations that can exacerbate this condition. The more you know about your triggers and how they affect you, the better you’ll be able to create a plan to address them.
Lymphedema is a chronic condition that causes excess lymph fluid to build up in your tissues, leading to swelling that may be painful, reduce mobility and limit your lymphatic system’s ability to fight infection and remove waste. Triggers include:
Hot Weather. Hotter temperatures can worsen lymphedema symptoms. This can show up in several ways.
- Blood vessels expand when it’s hot, allowing more fluid into the surrounding tissues, which the lymph system then must drain.
- Dehydration occurs more easily when it’s hot. Body fluids thicken, becoming more difficult to transport.
Long Flights. Air travel is known to be an aggravating factor for lymphedema. You’re stuck sitting for hours, and decreased movement makes it harder for the lymphatic system to function. The pressure difference at high altitudes causes more fluid to move into the body tissues, causing swelling. The air inside planes is notoriously dry, leading to dehydration, which also causes your lymph fluid to thicken.
Taking Vacations. Going on a holiday typically means you’re outside of your routine. Many people forgo wearing compression garments or skip their typical compression routines, which worsens symptoms.
Excessive Exercise. If you’re exercising for longer periods, in hotter temperatures or in a more strenuous manner, your lymphedema may worsen. Also, if you don’t exercise regularly and then suddenly take on a big session, flares are likely. However, gentle exercise helps the lymphatic system. Movement typically helps fluid move – but if the movement is too aggressive or intense and prolonged, it can push more fluid into the tissues faster than the lymph can clear.
Injuries and Infections. Any injury, whether small like an insect bite or sunburn or more serious like surgery, causes inflammation. Increased inflammation squeezes or blocks lymph flow. If you have lymphedema, you are at higher risk of infection. Infections also inflame and block the lymphatic system.
The more you understand and anticipate triggers, the more you can plan for them.
Plan Ahead To Avoid Flares
If you know you have a long flight or long travel day coming up, you can take certain steps, including:
- Build in time for rest and gentle movement at the destination.
- Pack smart. Don’t forget to bring your compression garments, which are considered specialty medical supplies and aren’t readily available in most stores. Wear them at the destination.
- Wear your compression garments before, during and after your flight. Ideally, you’re wearing compression garments at least an hour before takeoff.
Compression Garments
Compression garments are designed to apply pressure to your body to help reduce swelling. They need to be sized to fit your body. It’s standard to buy different compression garments for daytime and nighttime use.
If you don’t currently have compression garments or if you’re concerned about the fit of the garments you do have, see your lymphedema therapist. If your garments aren’t fitting correctly, stop wearing them. Make an appointment to get properly fitted. Ill-fitting garments are worse than nothing at all.
Keep in mind, too, that these garments wear out over time. If donned regularly, daytime garments need to be replaced every six months; nighttime garments should be replaced every 12 to 24 months.
Bandaging
Bandaging is a great strategy to fight swelling if you know how to do it properly. To learn how to bandage, book a consultation with a certified lymphedema therapist.
Lymphedema Pumps
A lymphedema pump has air-filled sleeves that apply pressure to your limbs or other targeted areas of the body. This can be programmed to provide specific amounts of pressure to address your unique needs. These machines can be bulky, making them challenging to pack along for air travel, but a more manageable option if traveling by car.
Lymphedema Therapists
Lymphedema therapists provide a host of services, including prescribing and fitting you for compression garments; teaching exercises to reduce swelling; and providing manual lymphatic drainage.
Prevention
Prevention is the best medicine. Bringing your compression garments along on trips, even just day trips, helps manage your swelling. Planning ahead by hydrating and wearing compression garments before travel or big exercise day can help.
If you'd like help to more effectively manage your lymphedema symptoms, consider making an appointment with a lymphedema therapist.
This content is not AI generated.
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