Question

Welcome to the Lymphatic and Respiratory Systems Combined Discussion. You will need to answer the following questions in your own words:

1. Name 2 causes of lymphedema. Include a description as well as treatments.

2. Describe how the respiratory system works to adjust blood pH. Include the link between Carbon Dioxide and pH (Hint: watch videos in respiratory system unit).

Grading Rubric:

Post must be at least 200 words.

Post must be written entirely in your own words.

Include a brief description of lymphedema.

Includes at least 2 causes of lymphedema.

Includes treatments for lymphedema along with descriptions for each treatment and how they work to reduce lymphedema.

Includes how the respiratory system is linked to blood pH.

Includes the role of carbon dioxide, carbonic anhydrase and carbonic acid in affecting blood pH.

Includes relationship between breathing rate and pH.

Includes a description of respiratory acidosis and alkalosis.

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Answer 1

1.Lymphedema is the retention of lymphatic fluid ina localized area due to impaired lymphatic system. This leads to swelling of the body part. The 2 common causes of lymphedema are-

1. FILARIASIS- This is a parasitic disease. It is caused due to roundworm. The carrier of this parasitic are mosquitoes and black flies. Lymphatic filariasis mainly affects the lymphatic system and leads to elephantiasis.

The treatment include albendazole combined with ivermectin.

2.Post radiation lymphedema- lymphedema after radiation therapy for cancer os a very common side effect. This happens due to damage to lymph nodes during radiation therapy.

Management of lymphedema includes:

- exercises to improve lymphatic flow

- compression- non elastic bandages and compression garments

- manual lymphatic drainage

-elevation of the affected body part

- decongestive therapy

- physical therapy

2. CO2 combines with water forming carbonic acid. This carbonic acid is unstable breaking down to H+ which leads to increase in blood pH. Lungs by removing CO2 maintain acid base balance.

CO2 is blown out of body by lungs. Increased metabolic activity cause increased CO2 production and thus more H+ ions. This leads to hyperventilation causing rapid removal of CO2.