Which condition is defined as swelling due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within tissues?

Which condition is defined as swelling due to an abnormal accumulation of lymph fluid within tissues?

• A. Lymphedema
• B. Celiac disease
• C. Mononucleosis
• D. Chronic fatigue syndrome

Answer: (A)

Swelling from an abnormal buildup of lymph fluid in tissues is lymphedema. This happens when the lymphatic system can’t drain fluid effectively—due to blockage, damage, or removal of lymph vessels. It can be present from birth or develop later after surgery, radiation, infection, or injury. The swelling typically affects the limbs and may feel tight; early in the process it can be soft and may pit with pressure, while longer-standing edema can become fibrotic and may show a positive Stemmer sign (inability to pinch the skin at the base of the toe or finger). Management focuses on promoting lymph drainage and fluid movement, using compression garments, careful skin care to prevent infection, exercise, and sometimes surgical options. The other conditions listed are not about lymphatic fluid accumulation: celiac disease is gluten-related autoimmune intestinal disease, mononucleosis is an EBV infection causing swollen glands and fatigue, and chronic fatigue syndrome is a prolonged fatigue disorder.

Swelling from an abnormal buildup of lymph fluid in tissues is lymphedema. This happens when the lymphatic system can’t drain fluid effectively—due to blockage, damage, or removal of lymph vessels. It can be present from birth or develop later after surgery, radiation, infection, or injury. The swelling typically affects the limbs and may feel tight; early in the process it can be soft and may pit with pressure, while longer-standing edema can become fibrotic and may show a positive Stemmer sign (inability to pinch the skin at the base of the toe or finger). Management focuses on promoting lymph drainage and fluid movement, using compression garments, careful skin care to prevent infection, exercise, and sometimes surgical options. The other conditions listed are not about lymphatic fluid accumulation: celiac disease is gluten-related autoimmune intestinal disease, mononucleosis is an EBV infection causing swollen glands and fatigue, and chronic fatigue syndrome is a prolonged fatigue disorder.