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Living with Intestinal lymphangiectasia

A digestive condition in which lymph vessels in the lining of the small intestine are enlarged.

Understanding Intestinal lymphangiectasia

Intestinal lymphangiectasia is a rare digestive disease in which the lymph vessels in the lining of the small intestine are larger than usual.

It can start at any time in life.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD says you may have:

  • Diarrhea that comes and goes
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Swelling in the arms or legs
  • Belly discomfort

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Lymphatic Education and Research Network may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Lymphatic Education and Research Network
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Lymphatic Education and Research Network
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which tests confirm intestinal lymphangiectasia?
How can we manage the swelling and diarrhea?
How is my nutrition monitored?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startany time in life

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.

Gastrointestinal

Also known as: intestinal lymphangiectasia (disease); intestinal lymphangiectasis

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Intestinal lymphangiectasiaGARD ID 12331 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Intestinal lymphangiectasia.

Explore the Intestinal lymphangiectasia blog

Explore research for Intestinal lymphangiectasia

Explore actively recruiting Intestinal lymphangiectasia studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Intestinal lymphangiectasia with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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