Lymphoedema and Lipoedema: How Chronic Stress Triggers Inflammation?
Chronic stress (long term) highly increases inflammation in Lymphoedema and Lipoedema patients, leading to the exacerbation of symptoms. It is due to the disruption of the immune function, rise of oxidative stress, and disruption between physical and psychological pathways. In this blog, we´ll talk about how chronic stress triggers inflammation in lymphoedema and lipoedema patients. Let’s have a closer look…
How Stress Triggers Inflammation in Lymphoedema and Lipoedema Patients
High levels of Cortisol (stress hormone) suppresses the Immune function
- Long term stress increases cortisol levels. As a result, lymphocytes (infection fighting white blood cells) are reduced, suppressing the immune function.
- Low levels of lymphocytes weakens your body ability to combat infections, viruses, etc.
- Lymphoedema patients are already prone to infections, low lymphocytes trigger acute inflammatory flares.
- In other words, low lymphocyte levels increase inflammation in already compromised lymphatic tissues.
- Cortisol has an acidic nature which can break down lymphoid tissue, impairing lymphatic flow and worsening fluid retention-a key factor in lymphoedema and lipoedema progression.
- Over time, cortisol resistance develops, allowing unchecked release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (intracellular messenger molecules of the immune system).
- High release of cytokines sustains low-grade inflammation, worsening tissue fibrosis and swelling.
Oxidative Stress (imbalance between high amounts of free radicals and low levels of antioxidants) generate tissue damage
- Long term stress contributes to oxidative stress. It damages cells and increases inflammation.
- Studies show elevated oxidative stress biomarkers in lymphedema patients.
- Lymphedema and lipoedema patients show tissue fibrosis and impaired lymphatic drainage.
- Oxidative stress damages lymphatic endothelial cells (cell barriers that surround other tissues like organs and glands, etc.) and surrounding tissues.
Chronic stress triggers prolonged activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS)
SNS: it is a sub-system of your peripheral nervous system and is in charge of the “fight or fight response”. In other words, the response to stress factors.
- Reduces long term lymphatic circulation.
- The SNS diverts blood flow away from lymphatic vessels, while muscle tension and shallow breathing-common under stress-impair the muscle contractions and diaphragmatic movements needed for lymph fluid transport. Leading to fluid retention and inflammation.
- Chronic stress increases lymphatic flow (CS sends an induced neural inflammatory signal), but over time, it damages the lymphatic structure.
- Accelerates lymphatic dysfunction.
Psychological Distress and Inflammation
- Lymphedema and lipoedema patients frequently experience depression and anxiety due to chronic discomfort, social isolation, and fears about disease progression.
- This psychological stress perpetuates inflammation by keeping the body in a heightened state of alert, releasing more pro-inflammatory cytokines.
A final word
Chronic stress not only worsens lymphoedema and lipoedema symptoms, but also arises from the condition itself. The physical burden of oedema, frequent medical appointments, underdiagnosis and social stigma create a persistent stress response. This bidirectional relationship underscores the need for holistic treatment plans that integrate mental health support with physical therapies like compression therapy and manual drainage. By prioritising stress management, lymphoedema and lipoedema patients can mitigate inflammation, enhance treatment efficacy, and improve their general wellbeing. In our next blog, We´ll give you some tips to get rid of chronic stress.
We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4972108/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11011271/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5551541/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/cytokine
https://www.webmd.com/brain/sympathetic-nervous-system-what-to-know
