Traditional medicine

Inflammation of the lymph nodes - symptoms, causes, complications and treatment. Home treatment for swollen lymph nodes Inflammatory node

The functioning of the body largely depends on proper metabolism, cleansing of cells and tissues. The lymphatic system plays an important role in these processes. It includes peripheral organs covered with connective tissue called nodes. Their size ranges from 0.5 mm to 5 cm or more, localization is near large blood vessels.

What are lymph nodes?

The described peripheral organs are biological filters. Lymph nodes are barriers to the spread of tumor cells, viruses and bacteria, fungi and other infectious agents. They instantly “recognize” foreign and dangerous substances, provoking an immediate immune response in the form of the production of special antibodies.

Inflamed lymph nodes - causes

The filter system organs are arranged in groups of up to 10 pieces. Each cluster of lymph nodes “serves” nearby areas. Thanks to this arrangement, the immune system can respond to foreign cells, poisons and microorganisms as quickly as possible. The causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes are the disruption of the proper functioning of the areas next to them. Provoking factors are infections, cancer, intoxication and other pathologies.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit

Compaction and increase in the size of the group of organs in question may indicate injuries, bruises and sprains in the shoulder area and nearby areas. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits is often the result of:

respiratory system infections (sinusitis and others);
allergies;
exacerbation of asthma;
diseases of the oral cavity (caries, periodontitis and similar).

Sometimes an inflamed lymph node under the armpit signals more serious problems, including:

neoplasms in the mammary glands;
malignant tumors in neighboring areas;
growth of metastases from other organs;
severe damage to the heart and lungs.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin

The causes of pathological processes in this area can be mechanical damage to the skin and soft tissues of the buttocks, pubis, and thighs. Other factors that cause inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes:

sexually transmitted diseases;
damage to the reproductive system;
urological diseases;
neoplasms of any quality in nearby areas;
carbuncles and boils;
genitourinary system infections;
germination of metastases.

This cluster of peripheral organs bothers people more often than other clusters. Submandibular lymphadenitis occurs against the background of respiratory diseases of any origin. It is often one of the first symptoms of viral infections and influenza. Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes is also observed in other pathologies:

The described group of organs is located along the vein in a vertical line. Like submandibular lymphadenitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ears indicates pathological processes in nearby areas. Their increase and pain may be accompanied by:

otitis;
damage to the auditory nerve;
eustachitis;
boil of the ear.

The oral cavity and upper respiratory tract are located in close proximity to this cluster of lymph nodes, so their inflammation sometimes indicates the following diseases:

flux;
caries;
sinusitis;
angina;
diseases of the tonsils and salivary glands;
dental cyst;
pharyngitis;
tonsillitis.

Often, postauricular lymphadenitis begins against the background of:

hypothermia;
flu;
acute respiratory infections;
mumps;
rubella;
chicken pox;
herpetic infection.

Inflamed occipital lymph nodes

The bunch in question swells and causes discomfort in the same cases as submandibular and postauricular lymphadenitis. There are specific diseases in which the lymph node in the back of the head is inflamed:

trophic ulcers;
immunodeficiencies;
mononucleosis;
tuberculosis;
acute allergic reactions;
terminal stages of cancer.

How to understand that the lymph nodes are inflamed?

There are basic signs of lymphadenitis:

changes in the size of lymph nodes;
fluctuations in body temperature;
the presence of unpleasant sensations.

Additional symptoms, how to identify an inflamed lymph node:

redness of the skin over the affected area;
headache;
drowsiness, weakness.

In a normal state, a person does not even know where the described organs are located. Inflammation of the lymph nodes immediately makes itself felt:

increasing their size;
a tubercle or several in the area of the pathological process;
skin hyperemia.

Visual symptoms of inflamed lymph nodes are easy to notice without special medical training. When they are greatly enlarged, oval and round, hard formations resembling beans are felt in the area of lymphadenitis. They are movable and move slightly when lightly pressed. Some people notice a slight pulsation in the affected area.

Swollen lymph nodes and temperature

These peripheral organs are responsible for the emergency immune response. For this reason, symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes always include an increase in body temperature, as a reaction of the defense system to the “invasion” of foreign cells and substances. The heat can reach frightening levels, up to 40-41 degrees, depending on the severity of the disease and the presence of putrefactive processes.

Do swollen lymph nodes hurt?

Any lymphadenitis is accompanied by unpleasant sensations and severe discomfort. The lymph node hurts mainly when palpating and pressing on it, trying to palpate it. In rare situations, the described symptom is felt constantly, without external influences. The pain is especially pronounced if there is purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes. In such cases, a person feels twitching and strong pulsation from the inside.

What to do if the lymph nodes are inflamed?

The order of action for lymphadenitis depends on its location and intensity. It is important to find out what the inflamed lymph nodes indicate. To find out the cause of the pathology, you need to consult a doctor. It is pointless to treat lymphadenitis without eliminating the main factors that provoked it. Only after their disappearance will the functioning of the immune system and filtering system be restored.

Inflamed lymph nodes - which doctor should I contact?

This problem occurs for many different reasons. A specialist involved in the treatment of organs and systems located near the affected area will help determine why a specific lymph node is inflamed. First, for the purpose of a basic examination and medical history, you should visit a therapist and oncologist. After a preliminary diagnosis, these doctors refer to specialized doctors. The final decision will depend on the reason for the inflammation of the lymph nodes; treatment can be carried out by:

The therapeutic approach is developed in accordance with the form of the disease, its cause and severity. In standard situations the following is prescribed:

rest in the area of the affected lymph nodes;
a diet enriched with vitamins and minerals;
immune system support;
plenty of warm drinks.

To relieve the clinical picture, medications are used:

analgesics (, Ketanov);
anti-inflammatory and antipyretic (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol);
antihistamines (Suprastin, Edem).

In the presence of bacterial pathogens, antibiotics are selected for inflammation of the lymph nodes. They are prescribed only by a specialist after performing laboratory tests, determining the type of microbial lesion, and the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to existing drugs. Antibiotics with a broad spectrum of activity are often used:

Erythromycin;
Chemomycin;
Ampicillin;
Azithromycin;
Unidox Solutab and analogues.

Additionally, the doctor may recommend physical procedures, for example, ultra-high frequency therapy. Some patients are interested in whether it is possible to heat inflamed lymph nodes. Doctors strictly forbid doing this. Exposure to heat will only aggravate and intensify the pathological process, and can lead to suppuration and abscess. To relieve pain, it is better to apply cool compresses and lotions.

In the presence of purulent lymphadenitis, surgical methods are prescribed to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes:

opening the outbreak;
drainage of purulent cavities;
rehabilitation;
subsequent detoxification and antibacterial therapy.

At the same time, you should treat the underlying diseases that cause inflammation of the lymph nodes. This is especially important in the chronic course of the pathology, when lymphadenitis progresses for years with short periods of remission and frequent relapses. After eliminating all factors that provoke the disease, the operation of the filter system will become normal.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck often goes away painlessly and unnoticed by a person. This leads to many people not paying due attention to this symptom, associating it with colds or exposure to drafts.

However, an inflamed lymph node in the neck can be a sign of various diseases, including very dangerous ones.

What are lymph nodes in the neck?

Lymph nodes are organs of the system of the same name. They ensure cleansing of the body, regulate metabolism, prevent the spread of viruses, infections, etc. Visually they are oval, round, bean-shaped bodies.

There are both small (0.5 mm) and large formations (up to 5 centimeters in diameter). Lymph nodes are located peripherally. Highlight:

intrathoracic;
(supraclavicular, anterior, auricular);
para-aortic;
femoral and inguinal;
elbows;
popliteal, etc.

Cervical lymph nodes protect the head and organs in the neck from the penetration of biological agents and the development of tumors. Inside the formation, a special type of cell is synthesized - lymphocytes. They fight foreign substances that have entered the body.

The localization of formations is determined by the protective functions performed. This arrangement makes it possible to most effectively block the path of infection and cancer cells. Mostly lymph nodes are located in front and behind the neck. Clusters are observed near the carotid artery, ears, and under the jaw. Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes in a specific area can be correlated with signs of certain diseases.

In a healthy person, the cervical lymph nodes should not be palpable. Under pressure, the contours of the formation can be felt, but not accompanied by pain or discomfort. Such manifestations are a sign of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes and are regarded as pathological symptoms.

Lymphadenopathy is a disease in which the lymph nodes become enlarged. This pathology can act as an independent diagnosis or as a symptom of other diseases. The cause may be inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes due to an infectious lesion, viral penetration, systemic pathologies of connective tissue, etc.

Table 1. List of probable diseases, a sign of which is lymphadenopathy of the cervical lymph nodes

Cause	Symptoms/signs
Diseases affecting the sinuses, teeth and surrounding tissues, ears, skin, head	Correspond to the localization of the inflammatory process.
Pharyngitis	An inflammatory disease that affects the pharyngeal mucosa. The cause of development is infection, polluted air, inhalation of hot steam, injury, etc.
Rubella	Inflammation of the lymph nodes is one of the main signs of the disease. It is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, weakness, and rash all over the body. Rubella is not dangerous, but if infected in the early stages of pregnancy, it leads to numerous deformities of the fetus.
Mononucleosis	A viral disease that leads to the development of fever, negatively affecting the liver, spleen and the biochemical composition of the blood.
Epstein-Barr virus	Human herpesvirus type 4.
Cytamegalovirus	A viral disease with various forms and symptoms.
Tuberculosis	Infectious disease leading to coughing, in some cases with blood; weaknesses; temperature rise. May cause death.
Lymphoma	A group of tumor diseases that cause inflammation of lymph nodes throughout the body. Dangerous pathology.

The condition is acute or chronic. In most cases, lymphadenopathy is not dangerous and goes away without a trace.

Changes in the size of the formation may be accompanied by some symptoms, for example:

Increased body temperature. This symptom often accompanies inflammation. In the initial stages, low-grade fever occurs. With severe inflammation of the lymph nodes, the thermometer may exceed 39 degrees.
Impaired performance. An inflamed lymph node in the neck leads to increased fatigue, decreased concentration and drowsiness.
Pain in the head. If the lymph node on the right or left side of the neck is inflamed, this can cause a lingering headache.
Digestive disorders. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abnormal bowel movements are signs that the lymph node on the left or right neck is inflamed.

Asymptomatic enlargement of formations is also quite common and requires examination.

What do swollen cervical lymph nodes look like?

It is quite possible to identify an increase in education on your own. For timely diagnosis of diseases, it is necessary to have an understanding of what an inflamed lymph node in the neck looks like. Next, we will consider the main evaluation criteria.

Table 2. Signs that help you understand what inflamed lymph nodes in the neck look like

How to determine?

Various methods are used to assess the visual state and structure of formations. How to determine inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck:

Anamnesis. Patients often complain of discomfort or pain when chewing, swallowing, talking, or turning the head.
By visual inspection. Inflammation of the lymph nodes is visible from the outside. The nodes themselves swell, in some cases quite severely. The surrounding skin turns red, swelling appears, and an allergic reaction may occur. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the back of the neck is clearly visible if you turn your head to the side.
Using palpation. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck is easy to detect by touch. The structure of the formation changes, it becomes loose and lumpy. If there are adhesions, the node is inactive.

Reasons why nodes become inflamed

The main task for prescribing competent therapy is to determine the underlying disease. The causes of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes are varied, they include:

Draft. This is the most harmless reason. Cure inflammation in this case is quite simple.
Autoimmune diseases. Pathologies leading to the production of killer cells that damage healthy tissue and provoke a persistent inflammatory process. These include: arthritis, systemic connective tissue diseases, dermatomyositis, etc.
Tumor diseases. The reasons why the lymph node in the neck becomes inflamed include lymphosarcoma and lymphogranulomatosis.
Purulent processes. Infectious lesions can lead to the development of an abscess or phlegmon.
. Mostly tuberculosis leads to an increase in nodes localized in the chest area (axillary and supraclavicular nodes). In rare cases, the pathology affects the cervical formations.
. The increase is due to the body's excessive immune response.
HIV, mononucleosis, brucellosis. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck of an adult or child, which persists for a long time, is a symptom of a dangerous disease.
Traumatic impact. A blow to the neck area can lead to an increase in nodes.

Symptoms and signs

In addition to the obvious sign of a change in the size and structure of the lymph node, the cause - the underlying disease - has a significant influence on the nature of the symptoms.

Inflammation of the cervical lymph node on one side may be a symptom of damage to the tonsils, throat or thyroid gland. If the diameter of the lymph nodes upon palpation does not exceed 1 centimeter, then there is no cause for concern.

However, if the examination causes pain, then it is important to differentiate the cause. Serious pathologies are accompanied by symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, such as:

change in the consistency of nodes (hardness, softening);
discomfort or pain when the affected area is active (symptoms accompany swallowing, chewing, yawning, etc.);
fever, chills, fever;
dyspeptic disorders (symptoms and signs: diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting);
headache;
fatigue, drowsiness, lethargy.

Such sensations mainly indicate diseases of the upper respiratory tract of various etiologies. Also often found in patients:

Diseases of the ear-nose-throat group: tonsillitis, sinusitis, etc.
Oral diseases: stomatitis, pulpitis, gingivitis, etc.
: damage to the node itself due to injury or infection.
Oncological diseases: lung cancer, breast cancer, esophageal cancer with metastases in nodes, etc.
Infectious diseases. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, accompanied by discomfort (symptoms in the neck may not be visually noticeable, but pain is present) occurs with tuberculosis, mononucleosis, herpes, etc.

If an increase in nodes accompanies a sore throat, then most likely the cause is an infectious disease. The key task is to identify the causative bacteria during the study and recommend appropriate therapy.

It is unlikely that you will be able to cope with the disease on your own. Most often, BAC culture is recommended to determine the cause of inflammation.

Lump on lymph node

The condition requires immediate medical attention. A lump on a lymph node in the neck, combined with fever, lethargy and chills, is a symptom of dangerous diseases.

If a mass is the only sign detected, then a cancerous or benign tumor should be excluded.

The appearance of a lump is caused by:

boil (acute inflammation caused by blockage of the sebaceous gland);
carbuncle (large inflammation affecting several hair follicles);
lipoma (benign tumor);
fibroma (benign formation);
lymphogranulomatosis, etc.

The condition can be caused by any of the listed reasons. According to statistics, the most common symptom in children is associated with exposure to an infection or virus.

The lesion can be localized in any organs located in this area. Multiple swelling is a sign of widespread infection. Diagnosis and treatment are carried out by a pediatrician.

If inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck (the causes may be different in adults and children) is detected, then the best decision is to consult a specialist.

If you are sure that the cause of the condition lies in a cold or exposure to a draft, self-treatment at home is permissible. However, if the symptom does not go away within 3–5 days, then consulting a doctor cannot be avoided.

Treatment of the disease is carried out by a therapist or specialist. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment of the underlying disease that caused this symptom is carried out by a surgeon, ENT specialist, immunologist, oncologist, or phthisiatrician. The success of therapy directly depends on the correct interpretation of the symptom. Competent, timely treatment of the cause prevents the development of complications.

Therapy for lymphadenitis includes:

Antiviral agents. They have a good therapeutic effect for the viral nature of lymphadenitis.
Painkillers. Relieves the condition in case of acute pain.
Nonsteroids. Relieves inflammation, reduces swelling, reduces pain.
Ointments. Depending on the diagnosis, anti-inflammatory, warming, painkillers, etc. may be prescribed.

Various groups of antibiotics are used to treat cervical lymphadenitis. The drugs must be taken in strict accordance with the instructions, at a strictly defined time.

The following have a good effect:

cephalosporins;
penicillins;
macrolide antibiotics, etc.

Folk remedies cannot act as the main treatment. However, some recipes are quite capable of complementing the recommended therapeutic course. The most popular natural ingredients are:

calendula flowers;
walnut leaf and shell;
aloe;
St. John's wort;
sage, etc.

How long it takes for inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck to go away is directly influenced by the competent selection of additional therapy. Mindless consumption can be harmful to health.

Useful video

Learn more about the human lymphatic system from the following video:

Conclusion

The main danger of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck is late diagnosis.
In many cases, the symptom is not taken seriously, leading to late action.
As a rule, lymphadenitis signals an infection or virus, but other pathologies are also likely.

Such a seemingly simple symptom as enlarged lymph nodes (LNs) may turn out to be a sign of not at all trivial diseases. Some of them are simply unpleasant, while others can lead to serious complications and even a tragic outcome. There are not very many diseases leading to the appearance of this symptom, but they all require thoughtful diagnosis and careful, sometimes very long-term treatment.

What are lymph nodes needed for?

Lymph nodes are small collections of lymphatic tissue scattered throughout the body. Their main function is the filtration of lymph and a kind of “storage” of elements of the immune system that attack foreign substances, microorganisms and cancer cells that enter the lymph. The nodes can be compared to military bases, where in peacetime troops are located, ready to immediately move out to fight the “enemy” - the causative agent of any disease.

Where are the lymph nodes located?

Lymph nodes are a kind of collectors that collect lymph from certain areas of the body. This fluid flows to them through a network of vessels. There are superficial lymph nodes and visceral ones, located in the cavities of the human body. Without the use of instrumental visualization methods, it is impossible to detect an increase in the latter.

Among the superficial ones, depending on their location, lymph nodes of the following localizations are distinguished:

popliteal, located on the back of the knee joints;
superficial and deep inguinal, localized in the inguinal folds;
occipital - in the area where the neck meets the skull;
behind the ear and parotid, located in front and behind the auricle;
submandibular, lying approximately in the middle of the branches of the lower jaw;
submental, located a few centimeters behind the chin;
a network of cervical lymph nodes, densely scattered along the anterior and lateral surfaces of the neck;
elbow - on the front surface of the joint of the same name;
axillary, one group of which is adjacent to the inner surface of the pectoral muscles, and the other is located in the thickness of the fiber of the axillary region.

Thus, there are quite a lot of places where enlarged lymph nodes can be detected, and an attentive doctor will definitely probe them to obtain additional information about a possible disease.

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes

There are no natural causes for lymph node enlargement. If they have become larger, it means that there must be some kind of pathology in the body. The appearance of this symptom indicates the occurrence of:

With different diseases, lymph nodes enlarge in different ways. In addition to sizes, indicators such as:

surface structure, which may remain smooth or become bumpy;
mobility - in some diseases, lymph nodes become fused to each other or to surrounding tissues;
consistency - dense, soft;
condition of the skin above them - when the lymph nodes are inflamed, the skin may become swollen and reddened.

And now it makes sense to consider enlarged lymph nodes in relation to the diseases that most often cause this symptom.

Lymphadenitis

This disease is characterized by the most striking symptoms of lymph nodes, which significantly increase in size, become sharply painful, and immobile. The skin over them turns red, local swelling is observed. As the disease progresses, the temperature rises more and more, chills appear, and intoxication symptoms increase.

Most often, the occurrence of lymphadenitis is preceded by some purulent disease of the corresponding area:

carbuncle;
phlegmon;
felon;
abscess;
infected wound;
erysipelas, etc.

Microbes from the source of infection enter the lymph node through the lymphatic vessels, provoking an inflammatory reaction in it, first catarrhal (without pus), and then purulent. The extreme degree of development of lymphadenitis is adenophlegmon - in fact, a complication of this disease. In this case, the pus permeates the fatty tissue surrounding the lymph node.

Other complications of purulent lymphadenitis are purulent thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, and sepsis.

A pediatrician talks about lymphadenitis in children:

Treatment of lymphadenitis

For catarrhal lymphadenitis, the underlying purulent disease is treated first. With timely intervention, there is a high chance of subsiding the acute process in the lymph node.

With the development of purulent lymphadenitis or adenophlegmon, surgical intervention is required - opening the abscess, cleansing it using antiseptics and antimicrobial agents, draining the abscess cavity.

Respiratory diseases

This group of diseases is the most common cause of enlarged lymph nodes. This symptom manifests itself most clearly in various forms of tonsillitis (tonsillitis). Along with an increase in lymph nodes, high fever during swallowing, severe weakness and malaise are noted.

Somewhat less often, lymph nodes increase in size due to inflammation of the pharynx - pharyngitis. The symptoms of this disease are similar to the clinical picture of tonsillitis, although they are inferior to it in the severity of manifestations.

With respiratory infections, the lymph nodes become dense to the touch, moderately painful, and their mobility during palpation remains.

Treatment of respiratory infections

Treatment tactics depend on the type of pathogen that caused the disease. Thus, when the pathology is bacterial in nature, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used, when it is viral, symptomatic therapy is used, and when it is fungal, specific antimicrobial agents are used. In parallel, general strengthening measures are carried out while taking immunomodulators.

Specific infections

Most often, enlarged lymph nodes are accompanied by specific infections such as tuberculosis and syphilis.

Tuberculous lesion

In pulmonary tuberculosis, the intrathoracic lymph nodes are first affected. Without special research methods, it is impossible to detect their increase. If left untreated, the tuberculosis process can spread throughout the body, affecting superficial lymph nodes:

submandibular;
cervical;
axillary;
inguinal;
elbows.

At the initial stage, they increase and are moderately painful. As the inflammatory process flares up, the lymph nodes become fused with each other and with the tissues surrounding them, turning into a dense conglomerate, which then suppurates, forming a long-term non-healing fistula.

Treatment

Since the increase in lymph nodes here is caused by the main disease - tuberculosis, it is this that is treated. Special anti-tuberculosis drugs are used according to special dosage regimens.

Syphilis

In the case of syphilis, the lymph nodes grow in size only a few days after the appearance of primary syphilide, known as chancroid. Due to the fact that the predominant place of occurrence of chancre is the genitals, the inguinal nodes most often become enlarged.

However, with chancramygdalitis (syphilitic tonsillitis), for example, the symptom may appear from the submandibular or mental nodes.

Important: With syphilis, lymph nodes can reach the size of a nut, while maintaining their consistency, remaining painless and not fused to the tissues. Often, at the same time, lymphangitis occurs - inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, which can be felt in the form of a cord, sometimes with thickenings along its length.

Treatment

Syphilis at any stage responds well to antibiotic therapy. Penicillin drugs are mainly used. If complications develop, treatment of the infection may be significantly delayed.

Rubella

With rubella, this symptom appears one of the first, several hours ahead of the onset of the rash. Most often, the occipital, cervical, and parotid nodes enlarge, becoming painful, however, without adhering to the surrounding tissues.

In uncomplicated rubella, a rash may remain the only striking symptom, although along with it there is sometimes a fever (moderate) and a runny nose.

Treatment

A patient with rubella is isolated and, if necessary, symptomatic treatment is prescribed. Serious measures are taken only when complications develop. For example, for joint damage, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed, and for encephalitis, corticosteroids, diuretics, anticonvulsants, etc. It should be noted that rubella is a relatively benign infection and in most cases goes away without treatment at all.

HIV infection

With this most dangerous disease, lymph nodes of all locations can become enlarged. Often it is this symptom that makes the doctor suspect HIV infection, which may not manifest itself in any other way for a long time.

When the disease passes into the AIDS stage, the increase in lymph nodes becomes permanent, and their inflammation occurs.

Treatment

It is well known that there are no methods to definitively cure an HIV-infected person. Doctors focus all their efforts on suppressing the activity of the virus, for which they use special antiretroviral drugs. In parallel with this, concomitant infections are treated, the development of which is most often the cause of death in people with AIDS.

Lymph nodes in autoimmune diseases

An autoimmune process is a group of diseases in which the immune system ceases to consider cells of various organs as “its own”. Mistaking them for a foreign substance, the body activates defense mechanisms in order to destroy the “aggressor”. One of the manifestations of this activity is an increase in regional lymph nodes.

An autoimmune process can affect almost any organ, from joints to endocrine glands and even the nervous system. Such diseases have a long, chronic course and are quite difficult to treat, leading the patient to disability and sometimes death.

Treatment

In the treatment of autoimmune diseases, drugs are used that suppress the excessive activity of the immune system - immunosuppressants and agents that block certain chemical reactions in the cells of the lymphocytic system.

Enlarged lymph nodes in oncological pathologies

Oncologists use this symptom as one of the diagnostic criteria for a tumor process. LNs enlarge only in malignant tumors when cancer cells are separated from the site of the primary focus and enter the node with the lymph flow. Here they are “attacked” by the body’s defenses, trying to prevent the process from “breaking out into the open spaces” of the body. The appearance of this symptom is an unfavorable sign indicating the spread of the tumor process.

However, there are also malignant oncological diseases that directly affect the lymphatic system itself:

Hodgkin's lymphoma, otherwise called lymphogranulomatosis;
non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are a group of over 80 types of tumors originating from lymphatic tissue and with great differences in both the course of the disease and its causes and mechanisms of development.

Treatment

Several methods are used in the fight against cancer pathology:

cytostatic chemotherapy with drugs that stop tumor growth;
irradiation of lymph nodes with a flow of ionizing radiation:
- X-rays;
- gamma and beta radiation;
- neutron beams;
- flow of elementary particles;
immunosuppressive therapy with powerful hormonal agents.

Special schemes for the use of complexes of various types of treatment have been developed to suppress the tumor process and prolong the patient’s life.

Please note: It must be remembered that enlarged lymph nodes are only a symptom of various diseases. Therefore, self-medication, and even more so using traditional methods, instead of seeing a doctor, is unacceptable. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of some diseases can cost the patient's life.

You can get more information about the possible causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes by viewing this review:

Volkov Gennady Gennadievich, medical observer, emergency physician.

Content

The structural components of the lymphatic system are the lymph nodes, the inflammation of which leads to dysfunction of the body. There are intrathoracic, cervical, femoral, supraclavicular, submandibular, popliteal, axillary and inguinal structures that determine the functionality of the internal systems. Enlarged lymph nodes are a dangerous symptom.

Lymph node diseases and symptoms

There are a number of diagnoses, the development of which is accompanied by acute lesions of the lymphatic system. They occur not only in adults; a child can also become a clinical patient with dangerous symptoms. Each disease of the lymph nodes is accompanied by an inflammatory process and requires the collection of anamnesis and diagnostic data. It could be:

Regional lymphadenitis. This is the result of injury or increased microbial activity. When inflamed, lymph nodes increase in size, hurt, and accumulate pus. Surgical opening of the abscesses is required.
Lymphangitis. This is an inflammation of the vessels of the lymphatic system, which often spreads to the lower part of the body. The affected lymph nodes of the legs hurt, swell, and disrupt their usual functionality.
Angioimmunoblastic lymphadenopathy. The disease is preceded by viruses and infections, a pathological process occurs with complications, inflammation can lead to the onset of cancer.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck

This pathological process is preceded by not only a pathogenic infection, but also lymph stagnation. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck is a dangerous condition, since an acute attack of pain turns a once healthy person into a clinical patient, actually disabled. Among other causes of pathology, the following factors provoking inflammation can be identified:

long-term infectious processes;
dysfunction of the immune system, which is especially important during pregnancy;
presence of tumors (oncology);
rheumatoid arthritis;
inflammation of tonsillitis;
influenza, parainfluenza;
lymph node injury.

In the presence of the disease, the focus of pathology in the neck can not only become inflamed, but also become very painful, depriving sleep and rest. At first, the painful sensations are aching in nature, but then their intensity only increases, complemented by hyperemia of the skin and obvious swelling. Additional symptoms that require you to see a doctor are listed below:

enlargement of the lymph nodes, a noticeable lump on the neck by palpation;
feeling of a foreign body in the throat;
changes in the density and structure of the node in the neck;
high body temperature;
regular migraine attacks.

Under the arm

In acute respiratory viral infections that are not treated promptly, the lymph node may become inflamed. This is a serious complication of a cold that can lead the patient to emergency hospitalization. Moreover, the node can be modified into a malignant neoplasm, prone to spreading metastases. Other causes of this inflammation include:

presence of oncology;
the course of the infectious process;
dermatomyositis;
pathologies of the mammary glands in women.

If inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm appears, the patient can independently feel the abnormal compaction of the armpit. At first, the palpation method does not cause discomfort, but as the pathology develops, an acute pain syndrome appears. Other symptoms of inflammatory damage to the armpit area include the following changes in general well-being:

swelling of the affected area;
pain on palpation;
redness of the skin (signs of an allergic reaction);
disturbed temperature conditions;
general weakness due to inflammation.

In the groin

Such a piquant problem occurs more often in men, although women also experience inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin. In case of sexually transmitted diseases, in case of infectious lesions or purulent processes, the patient feels a painful tubercle in the groin area, which increases in size every day. It is necessary to find out the causes of the pathology, since lymph stagnation leads to irreversible health consequences. Pathogenic factors may be:

oncology;
groin injuries;
immunodeficiency conditions, such as HIV.

With open tuberculosis and syphilis, this disease predominates much more often, so these categories of patients are at risk. In order to promptly expose irreversible processes in the body, the following changes in general well-being should alert you:

high temperature;
signs of intoxication of the body;
enlarged lymph node to the right or left of the genital organs;
soreness in the lower abdomen.

Behind the ear

The ears are one of the most painful places in the human constitution, which is why inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear is dangerous. The nodes themselves are located behind the ear vein, and in the absence of a pathological process they cannot be palpated. Under the influence of pathogenic factors, they may swell, while the surrounding skin will look swollen. The causes of inflammation are as follows:

untreated dental diseases;
prolonged otitis media;
formation of a boil in the external auditory canal;
inflammation of the auditory nerve;
respiratory infections with increased rhinitis.

Before doing anything, it is important to consult a doctor. On your own – report symptoms and changes in general health to collect medical history data. In infectious diseases and not only the specific signs of pathology are as follows:

pain radiating to the submandibular region;
formation of a lump behind the ear;
pain when palpating the problem area;
loss of appetite, insomnia;
high body temperature.

Under the jaw

In case of purulent processes, in case of infection penetration into the ENT organs, among potential complications, doctors do not exclude inflammation of the lymph nodes under the jaw, which is prone to the formation of malignant tumors. Other causes are systemic lupus erythematosus, serum sickness. To increase the patient’s chances of recovery, it is important to promptly determine the pathogenesis of the disease and find out the etiology of inflammation. The symptoms are:

lump on the jaw, redness of the skin;
pain when chewing or talking;
difficulty working facial muscles;
high temperature.

In the lungs

This is one of the most dangerous conditions of the body, which may be the result of untreated bronchitis or pneumonia, or pulmonary obstruction. To reduce foci of pathology, it is recommended to take medications, but inflammation of the lymph nodes in the lungs may be an irreversible process prone to cancer. In case of tumor diseases, the risk of lumps appearing in the structure of the bronchopulmonary system is high; the patient should be alert to the following signs of an anomaly:

pain during cough reflex;
feeling of internal heat, fever;
acute migraine attack.

In the back of my head

With ARVI, a pathogenic infection with a flow of lymph and blood can enter the occipital zone, increasing the number of attacks. To avoid complications, this condition requires successful treatment with pills. However, if the lymph node in the back of the head is inflamed, this is not always a consequence of a cold. There are other possible reasons for the development of the clinical picture. This inflammation is especially appropriate in childhood. This:

rubella;
one of the forms of otitis;
reaction to medications;
infectious lesions of the scalp.

In the abdominal cavity

The disease is infectious in nature, the official diagnosis is Mesadenitis. Accompanied by acute pain on the right or left side of the peritoneum; foci of inflammation are not always palpable. At risk are children 6-14 years old, less often the older generation. There are several reasons why there is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity. Here are the most commonly diagnosed among them:

pulmonary tuberculosis;
infectious mononucleosis;
acute tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections;
pneumonia of one of the forms;
cytomegalovirus activity.

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The inflammation is spontaneous in nature, the symptoms begin with a high temperature and confine the patient to bed. Other signs of the disease are:

impaired appetite;
signs of dyspepsia;
nausea, single attacks of vomiting;
dry mucous membranes, thirst;
chronic diarrhea.

In children

All described provoking factors can predominate in childhood. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in children has become more and more common in recent years. Symptoms are similar to those of adult organisms and require urgent treatment. For example, cat scratch disease can provoke a relapse, when a pathogenic infection can enter the body if the integrity of the skin is broken. The main symptom is that the lymph nodes hurt, and a compaction appears in the form of a small pea.

What causes lymph nodes to become inflamed?

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a dangerous condition that can cost a person his life. It is preceded by stagnation of lymph and penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into biological fluids. Other reasons for enlarged lymph nodes become a consequence of the disturbed composition of the lymph flow. Before determining the pathology and taking medication, a detailed diagnosis is important.

How to treat swollen lymph nodes

If the disease is infectious in nature, you cannot do without antibiotics. Before treating inflamed lymph nodes, it is important to eradicate the main provoking factor. Then undergo diagnostics, make sure that the formed tumor is benign in nature, there are no special instructions for medical prescriptions. In case of oncology, urgent surgery is indicated. Otherwise, the approach is comprehensive.

How to treat

In case of purulent processes and immune diseases, the main goal of conservative therapy is to relieve pain, relieve swelling and inflammation, and return the affected corner to its usual shape and size. To achieve sustainable positive dynamics, the doctor will tell you how to treat the inflamed lymph nodes, and it is important not to violate such valuable recommendations. So:

antibiotics Sumamed, Amoxicillin, Amoxiclav orally;
Lymphomyosot orally or intramuscularly.
Dimexide externally (in the absence of ulcers);
Vishnevsky ointment or ichthyol ointment externally;
vitamin C in different forms of release.

Treatment at home

To increase the patient's chances of recovery, superficial self-medication is excluded. It is important to first agree with a specialist when taking all medications in a comfortable environment and not to violate the dosage. Only in this case will treatment of lymph nodes at home be productive and the risk of complications minimal. It is prohibited to heat foci of pathology, since elevated temperatures promote the growth of “bumps” and enhance the activity of pathogenic flora. Vodka compresses and the use of iodine mesh are a worthy alternative.

Treatment with folk remedies

Echinacea tincture is considered the most effective and affordable remedy for treating lymphadenitis. When properly prepared and used, the plant has an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, and also quickly relieves an acute attack of pain. To make home treatment of lymph nodes with folk remedies productive, chop the stems of the plant and pour 500 ml of vodka. Infuse for a couple of weeks, take 5 drops three times a day for a month. Additionally, you can apply a therapeutic compress if the focus of pathology is visible.

Video

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Inflammation of the lymph nodes in medical science is called lymphadenitis. Usually it is not an independent disease, but represents (usually organs located in close proximity to the lymph node). In some cases, lymphadenitis occurs primarily: the infectious agent penetrates the lymphatic network through mechanically damaged skin or mucous membrane. Failure to provide medical care for this disease risks serious infectious complications - adenophlegmon or sepsis. To prevent these life-threatening conditions, it is necessary to consult a specialist when the first signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes appear.

What are lymph nodes and why are they needed? Terminology

Peripheral lymph nodes (lymph nodes, LNs) are part of the human immune system. There are several groups of lymph nodes in the neck area:

mental lymph nodes;
submandibular lymph nodes;
anterior cervical lymph nodes;
posterior cervical lymph nodes;
posterior and anterior ear lymph nodes;
occipital lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes of some groups are palpable even in a healthy person. In infants under 1 year of age, posterior cervical, occipital, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes are identified. Moreover, the occipitals are palpated until a maximum of three years of age; in older children they cannot be determined. Submandibular lymph nodes, on the contrary, can be identified throughout a person’s life. Detection of supraclavicular, femoral and popliteal lymph nodes during examination is considered a sign of pathology.

The functions of the lymph nodes are:

formation of immune cells – immunopoietic;
formation of blood cells - lymphocytes - hematopoietic;
participation in biochemical processes - metabolic;
stimulation of cell proliferation in some organs – stimulating;
preventing the penetration of foreign substances into the body - barrier.

Normally, peripheral lymph nodes, including cervical ones, are defined as single round formations with a diameter of 3 to 8 mm (submandibular - up to 1 cm, inguinal - up to 1.5 cm), soft consistency, mobile, not fused with each other and surrounding tissues, painless.

Enlargement of lymph nodes above the specified sizes indicates some pathological process in the body. Acute or chronic inflammation of these organs is called lymphadenitis (acute or chronic, respectively). Enlarged lymph nodes of unknown etiology, which are asymptomatic, are called lymphadenopathy. The last term is especially often used by pediatricians at the preliminary diagnosis stage.

The program “Live Healthy!” talks about the role of lymph nodes in our body:

Why does cervical lymphadenitis occur and how does it develop?

Inflammation of the lymph nodes can be caused by nonspecific or specific infectious agents. Among the causative agents of nonspecific infection, the leading etiological role belongs to staphylo- and streptococci, penetrating into the lymph nodes from the primary source of infection through the blood or lymph flow or through contact.

The primary source of infection in this case may be erysipelas, osteomyelitis, caries, carbuncles, and purulent wounds in the head and neck area.

Specific cervical lymphadenitis is most often caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Treponema pallidum (the causative agent of syphilis).

Often, inflammation of the lymph nodes is complicated by acute and chronic infectious diseases of the ear, nose and throat - sinusitis, ; and in children, in addition, childhood infections - mumps, rubella, scarlet fever, diphtheria.

As mentioned above, the causative agent of the disease can enter the lymph node in three ways:

hematogenous;
lymphogenous;
contact.

Penetrating into an organ, the infectious agent begins to actively multiply in it, releasing toxins and metabolic products. This is accompanied by the appearance of signs of local inflammation - the lymph node increases in size, its tissues produce inflammatory fluid, and the patient begins to experience pain. If there is no treatment at this stage of the disease, the process progresses - pus forms in the thickness of the lymph node, which sooner or later melts the organ tissue and forms either, or enters the tissue and forms paralymphadenitis and adenophlegmon. When the pathogen damages blood vessels and enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, sepsis can develop.

Classification of cervical lymphadenitis

Schematic representation of lymphadenitis. On the left is a healthy neck, on the right are inflamed lymph nodes on it.

Depending on the etiological factor, lymphadenitis can be nonspecific (caused by pyogenic flora) and specific (arising against the background of syphilis, anthrax and other infections).

According to the nature of the course, it can be acute or chronic.

Depending on the characteristics of morphological changes in the lymph node, the following forms of lymphadenitis are distinguished:

catarrhal;
hyperplastic;
purulent;
fibrinous;
ichorous;
necrotic;
hemorrhagic.

Signs of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes, possible complications

Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes is often a unilateral process, but in some cases the lymph nodes are affected simultaneously on both sides.

In acute lymphadenitis caused by a nonspecific infection, the first signs of the disease are enlarged lymph nodes and their slight soreness. In adults, signs of general intoxication at this stage of the disease are practically or completely absent; in pediatric patients, there may be an increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels, loss of appetite, worsening sleep, and a feeling of general malaise.

If the pathological process enters the purulent stage, the node becomes denser, its pain when touched increases sharply, symptoms of intoxication appear and gradually increase - headache, weakness, increased body temperature, loss of appetite. During movement, pain in the area of inflammation sharply intensifies, so the patient, as a rule, spares it, limiting movements. Swelling and redness are observed in the area of the affected lymph node.

If at this stage of the pathological process the patient is not provided with medical assistance, the tissues of the lymph node are destroyed and an abscess is formed, which subsequently breaks through and pus comes out into the surrounding tissues, forming adenophlegmon. Adenophlegmon is defined as a dense infiltrate, sharply painful on palpation, in which there are areas of softening (accumulation of direct purulent masses).

When palpating the lymph node, a crunching sound may be detected, indicating putrefactive processes in the affected area.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs, as a rule, with the phenomena of lymphangitis - inflammation of the lymphatic vessels adjacent to it, which are defined as painful on palpation, dense cords with symptoms of edema and hyperemia (redness) above them.

Chronic nonspecific lymphadenitis occurs without pronounced symptoms: there are no signs of intoxication, locally enlarged, dense, not fused to each other and to the surrounding tissues, practically painless lymph nodes are detected. During a long-term process, the lymphoid tissue of the nodules is replaced by connective tissue, as a result of which the lymph node shrinks and lymph circulation in the affected area is disrupted - swelling appears, lymph stagnates in the vessels, and elephantiasis develops.

Specific lymphadenitis has its own clinical characteristics depending on the pathogen that caused it. Thus, with lymphadenitis of tuberculous etiology, the affected nodes often become necrotic, which is accompanied by symptoms of pronounced intoxication - an increase in temperature to febrile levels, severe general weakness, chills, and lack of appetite. With syphilis, as a rule, the lymph nodes are affected only on one side - they are slightly increased in size, not fused to each other and surrounding tissues, and are located in a chain. Purulent lymphadenitis is not typical for syphilis.

In the absence of adequate treatment, the following complications of cervical lymphadenitis may occur:

lymphatic fistulas;
septicopyemia;
sepsis.

Diagnosis of cervical lymphadenitis

The doctor will detect enlarged lymph nodes visually and/or by palpating them.

Diagnosis of acute nonspecific cervical lymphadenitis, as a rule, does not cause difficulties for a specialist. The diagnosis is based on complaints, the history of the disease and the patient’s life, the totality of clinical signs of the disease, the results of examination and palpation of the affected area. To clarify the diagnosis, a detailed blood test (to detect signs of inflammation) and an ultrasound of the affected lymph node (to determine its structure) are prescribed. In some cases of acute, as well as for the diagnosis of chronic lymphadenitis, it is necessary to perform a puncture biopsy of the lymph node - puncture it with a special needle, during which the affected cells are collected for examination. Instead of a biopsy, it is possible to perform an operation to excise the lymph node, followed by histological examination of the surgical material. Also, according to indications, ultrasound of the lymphatic vessels, lymphography with contrast, lymphoscintigraphy, magnetic resonance and computed tomography may be prescribed.

Specific lymphadenitis is diagnosed using special methods. So, in the punctate from the lymph node of a patient with syphilis, pale treponema will be found. Tuberculous lymphadenitis is confirmed by the results of the Mantoux or Pirquet tuberculin tests, as well as the detection of Pirogov-Langhans giant cells in the punctate (material taken during a puncture biopsy). On radiographs of the soft tissues of the neck, one will notice dense shadows - calcifications; on a radiograph of the lungs - foci of tuberculosis in them.

Treatment of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes

Catarrhal and hyperplastic forms of lymphadenitis are treated conservatively in an outpatient setting. The emphasis is on the treatment of the underlying disease, the complication of which is lymphadenitis.

rest the affected area;
systemic antibiotic therapy, preferably taking into account the sensitivity of the pathogen to drugs, or broad-spectrum antibiotics - a group of protected aminopenicillins, cephalosporins of I–III generations;
anti-inflammatory drugs – nimesulide, diclofenac, etc.;
absorbable drugs – Serta;
multivitamins – Duovit, Vitrum, Multitabs;
immunomodulators – preparations based on Echinacea (Immunal, Echinacea compositum, etc.);
locally - compresses with dimexide and an anti-inflammatory drug (the ratio of dimexide and water in the compress is 1:4; a high concentration of the drug is unacceptable - it will cause a burn);
UHF therapy.

If lymphadenitis has already developed to the purulent stage, then conservative treatment will not be possible. In this case, it is necessary to open the node, abscess or adenophlegmon, treat the wound surface with an antiseptic solution, drain it and treat it further as a purulent wound. In this case, an antibiotic is prescribed systemically (again, taking into account the sensitivity of microorganisms to it) and infusions of solutions (reosorbilact, saline, trisol) for the purpose of detoxification.

The essence of the treatment of chronic nonspecific cervical lymphadenitis is the active treatment of the underlying chronic disease of the ear, throat or nose, which causes inflammation in the lymph nodes, as well as correction of the immune system.

Treatment of specific lymphadenitis is carried out according to protocols for the treatment of the primary process - tuberculosis, syphilis, etc.

Prevention of cervical lymphadenitis

Since lymphadenitis is a polyetiological disease, its specific prevention does not exist. To prevent the occurrence of the disease, it is necessary to maintain the health of the immune system, promptly treat acute infectious diseases (otitis, tonsillitis, caries) and prevent their chronicity. The occurrence of microtraumas and wound infections should also be prevented.

Forecast

Catarrhal and hyperplastic acute lymphadenitis, provided that it is adequately treated and the disease that provoked it, ends with complete recovery of the patient.

The prognosis of chronic lymphadenitis is less favorable - in most cases it ends with the replacement of the lymph node with connective tissue with complete disruption of its function.

The prognosis for purulent forms of lymphadenitis depends on how far the process has gone and how timely and adequate its treatment was. In the case of the development of purulent complications - septicopyemia, sepsis - even a fatal outcome of the disease is possible.

Almaty TV channel, video about lymphadenitis:

Review TV, “Medicine” program on the topic “Causes of lymphadenitis”:

Pediatrician E. O. Komarovsky talks about enlarged lymph nodes in children: