What are the common causes of swollen lymph nodes. How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed. What treatment options are available for swollen lymph nodes. When should you seek medical attention for swollen lymph nodes. How can you manage swollen lymph nodes at home. What are the potential complications of untreated swollen lymph nodes. How long do swollen lymph nodes typically last.

Understanding Lymph Nodes and Their Function

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that play a crucial role in our body’s immune system. These nodes are strategically located throughout the body, with notable clusters in the neck, armpits, and groin area. Their primary function is to filter lymph fluid and trap harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

When our body detects an infection or illness, lymph nodes spring into action. They produce and release lymphocytes, specialized white blood cells that combat the invading pathogens. This increased activity often causes the lymph nodes to swell, which is why they can become noticeably enlarged during periods of illness.

Where are lymph nodes located in the body?

Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body, but some of the most commonly noticed areas include:

• Neck (cervical lymph nodes)
• Behind the ears (postauricular lymph nodes)
• Under the jaw (submandibular lymph nodes)
• Above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes)
• Armpits (axillary lymph nodes)
• Groin (inguinal lymph nodes)

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, can occur due to various reasons. While they often indicate that your body is fighting off an infection, the underlying causes can range from minor to more serious conditions.

Infections

The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection. These can be viral, bacterial, or fungal in nature. Some examples include:

• Common cold or flu
• Strep throat
• Mononucleosis (mono)
• Ear infections
• Tooth infections or abscesses
• Skin infections like cellulitis

Immune System Disorders

Certain autoimmune conditions can cause chronic lymph node swelling. These include:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjögren’s syndrome

Cancers

While less common, certain types of cancer can cause lymph node swelling. These include:

• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread from its original site)

Recognizing Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Identifying swollen lymph nodes is crucial for early detection and treatment of underlying conditions. The symptoms can vary depending on the cause and location of the affected lymph nodes.

What are the typical signs of swollen lymph nodes?

Common symptoms include:

• Tender, swollen lumps under the skin, typically in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Pain or discomfort when touching the affected area
• Redness or warmth in the skin over the swollen lymph nodes
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing if the nodes in the neck or chest are affected
• Fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss in some cases

It’s important to note that swollen lymph nodes are often accompanied by other symptoms related to the underlying cause. For instance, if you have a throat infection, you might experience sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in your neck simultaneously.

Diagnosing Swollen Lymph Nodes

When you visit a healthcare provider for swollen lymph nodes, they will typically follow a systematic approach to determine the underlying cause.

How do doctors diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes?

The diagnostic process usually involves:

1. Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any other health issues you may have.
2. Physical examination: They will check the size, texture, and location of the swollen lymph nodes.
3. Blood tests: These can help identify infections, immune disorders, or certain cancers.
4. Imaging tests: X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may be used to get a detailed view of the affected area.
5. Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of the lymph node may be taken for laboratory analysis.

The specific tests ordered will depend on your symptoms and the suspected underlying cause. Your healthcare provider will explain the necessity of each test and what information they hope to gain from it.

Treatment Options for Swollen Lymph Nodes

The treatment for swollen lymph nodes largely depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, especially when caused by minor infections, swollen lymph nodes will resolve on their own without specific treatment.

How are swollen lymph nodes typically treated?

Treatment approaches may include:

• Watchful waiting: For mild cases, your doctor may recommend monitoring the condition to see if it resolves on its own.
• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is the cause, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.
• Anti-inflammatory medications: These can help reduce pain and swelling.
• Treatment of underlying conditions: If an autoimmune disorder or cancer is causing the swelling, treatment will focus on managing these conditions.
• Surgical removal: In rare cases, lymph nodes may need to be surgically removed, especially if cancer is suspected.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s advice and complete any prescribed treatments, even if symptoms improve before the treatment course is finished.

Home Remedies and Self-Care for Swollen Lymph Nodes

While medical treatment may be necessary for underlying conditions, there are several home remedies and self-care measures that can help alleviate discomfort associated with swollen lymph nodes.

What home remedies can help manage swollen lymph nodes?

Consider these self-care techniques:

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm, damp cloth to the affected area can help reduce pain and promote drainage.
• Rest: Adequate rest allows your body to focus its energy on fighting off infection and reducing inflammation.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce fever.
• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps your body flush out toxins and supports immune function.
• Gentle massage: Lightly massaging the area around the swollen nodes can promote lymph drainage.

Remember, these home remedies are meant to complement, not replace, medical treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Lymph Nodes

While swollen lymph nodes are often harmless and resolve on their own, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Recognizing these scenarios can help ensure timely treatment and prevent potential complications.

In what situations should you see a doctor for swollen lymph nodes?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Lymph nodes that are rapidly increasing in size
• Nodes that are hard, fixed in place, or painful to touch
• Swelling that persists for more than two weeks
• Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Redness or warmth of the skin over the swollen nodes
• Swollen lymph nodes with no apparent cause

These symptoms could indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your swollen lymph nodes.

Potential Complications of Untreated Swollen Lymph Nodes

While many cases of swollen lymph nodes resolve without complications, leaving them untreated when they’re caused by certain conditions can lead to serious health issues.

What are the risks of not treating swollen lymph nodes?

Potential complications may include:

• Abscess formation: Untreated bacterial infections can lead to the formation of pus-filled abscesses.
• Sepsis: In rare cases, severe infections can spread to the bloodstream, causing a life-threatening condition called sepsis.
• Delayed diagnosis of serious conditions: Ignoring persistent swollen lymph nodes might delay the diagnosis of underlying conditions like cancer or autoimmune disorders.
• Chronic lymphedema: Long-term swelling can damage lymph vessels, leading to chronic swelling in the affected limb.
• Spread of infection: Untreated infections can spread to nearby tissues or organs.

These potential complications underscore the importance of seeking medical attention when swollen lymph nodes persist or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Early intervention can prevent many of these complications and lead to better overall health outcomes.

Swollen Lymph Nodes and Glands: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Emergencies

Written by Stephanie Watson

• Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes
• When to See a Doctor for Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Swollen Lymph Nodes Diagnosis
• Swollen Lymph Node Treatment and Home Remedies

Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that your body is fighting off an infection or an illness. Most of the time, they return to normal size when their job is done.

Lymph nodes are round, bean-shaped glands, and you have them throughout your body. There are clusters of them in places like your neck, under your arm, and in the crease between your thigh and your torso (where your leg begins). You can sometimes feel these clusters as little bumps, especially if they’re swollen.

They’re part of your lymphatic system. Along with your spleen, tonsils, and adenoids, they help protect you from harmful germs.

The most common signs are:

Because swollen lymph nodes are usually linked to some type of illness, you might also have other symptoms, depending on what that illness is:

• Runny nose, sore throat, or fever (caused by an upper respiratory infection)

• Swelling of clusters of lymph nodes in different places in your body (caused by an infection or an immune system disorder, like rheumatoid arthritis)

• Hard lymph nodes that won’t move or get bigger quickly (signs of certain types of cancer)

Lymph nodes have immune cells called lymphocytes in them. They attack bacteria, viruses, and other things that can make you sick. When you’re fighting off harmful germs, your body makes more of those immune cells — that causes the swelling.

Your lymph nodes come across all kinds of germs, so they can be swollen for lots of reasons. Usually, it’s something that’s relatively easy to treat, like:

• A virus, like a cold
• A bacterial infection, like an ear infection, skin infection, or infected tooth

Much less often, it can be a more serious illness. They can include:

• Tuberculosis, an infection that usually affects your lungs
• Lyme disease, an infection spread through a tick bite
• A problem with your immune system, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• HIV/AIDS, an infection spread through sexual contact and IV drug use
• Certain kinds of cancer, including:
  • Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system
  • Leukemia, a cancer of the blood

In most cases, swollen glands return to normal size after the illness or infection has passed. But here are some things to watch for:

• Glands that swelled up very suddenly

• Glands that are much larger than they should be, not just mildly swollen

• Glands that feel hard or don’t move when you push on them

• Glands that stay swollen for more than 5 days in children or 2 to 4 weeks in adults

• The area around the glands turns red or purple, it feels warm or you see pus

• Swelling in your arm or groin

• Sudden weight loss

• A fever that doesn’t go away

• Night sweats

If you notice any of these, see your doctor.

Your doctor will start by asking you about your medical history and giving you a physical exam. They might be able to get an idea of what’s making your glands swell by where they are in your body.

They also may recommend one of these tests to find out more about what’s going on:

• Blood tests

• X-rays

• Ultrasound. High-frequency sound waves are used to let your doctor see what’s happening inside your body.

• Magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI). A powerful magnet and radio waves are used to make detailed images of your organs and tissues.

• Biopsy. Lymph node tissue is removed and looked at under a microscope.

• PET scan. This looks at the chemical activity in parts of your body. It may help identify a variety of conditions like some cancers, heart disease and brain disorders. This is done less commonly.

• CT scan. A series of X-rays are taken from different angles and put together to form a more complete picture.

If your swollen lymph nodes aren’t caused by something serious, they will go away on their own. A few things may help with any discomfort while you wait for it to run its course:

• Warm compress. A washcloth rinsed in hot water and placed on the area that hurts may help ease pain.

• Rest. Getting good rest can help you get over a mild illness faster.

• Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen may make you feel better. (Talk to your doctor before giving aspirin to children or teenagers. )

If something more serious is causing the swelling, treatment can include:

• Antibiotics for an infection caused by bacteria

• Medications that help with inflammation (for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis)

• Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy (for types of cancer)

Top Picks

Boils Information | Mount Sinai

Furuncle

A boil is an infection that affects groups of hair follicles and nearby skin tissue.

Related conditions include folliculitis, an inflammation of one or more hair follicles, and carbunculosis, a skin infection that often involves a group of hair follicles. 

At the base of the hair follicle are sensory nerve fibers that wrap around each hair bulb. Bending the hair stimulates the nerve endings allowing a person to feel that the hair has been moved. One of the main functions of hair is to act as a sensitive touch receptor. Sebaceous glands are also associated with each hair follicle that produce an oily secretion to help condition the hair and surrounding skin.

Causes

Boils are very common. They are most often caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. They can also be caused by other types of bacteria or fungi found on the skin’s surface. Damage to the hair follicle allows the infection to grow deeper into the follicle and the tissues under it.

Boils may occur in the hair follicles anywhere on the body. They are most common on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks, and thighs. You may have one or many boils. The condition may occur only once or it can be a long-lasting (chronic) or recurring problem.

Symptoms

A boil may begin as tender, pinkish-red, and swollen, on a firm area of the skin. Over time, it will feel like a water-filled balloon or cyst.

Pain gets worse as it fills with pus and dead tissue. Pain lessens when the boil drains. A boil may drain on its own. More often, the boil needs to be opened to drain.

The main symptoms of a boil include:

• A bump about the size of a pea, but may be as large as a golf ball
• White or yellow center (pustules)
• Spread to other skin areas or joining with other boils
• Quick growth
• Weeping, oozing, or crusting

Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• General ill-feeling
• Itching before the boil develops
• Skin redness around the boil

Exams and Tests

The health care provider can usually diagnose a boil based on how it looks. A sample of cells from the boil may be sent to the lab for a culture to look for staphylococcus or other bacteria.

Treatment

Boils may heal on their own after a period of itching and mild pain. More often, they become more painful as pus builds up.

Boils usually need to open and drain in order to heal. This most often happens within 2 weeks. You should:

• Put warm, moist, compresses on the boil several times a day to speed draining and healing.
• Never squeeze a boil or try to cut it open at home. This can spread the infection.
• Continue to put warm, wet, compresses on the area after the boil opens.

You may need to have surgery to drain deep or large boils. Get treatment from your provider if:

• You have a fever or other symptoms with the boil.
• The boil causes pain or discomfort. 
• You have a boil on your spine or the middle of your face.
• A boil lasts longer than 1 week.
• A boil comes back.

It is important to keep a boil clean. To do this:

• Clean boils and change their dressing often.
• Wash your hands well before and after touching a boil.
• Do not reuse or share washcloths or towels. Wash clothing, washcloths, towels, and sheets or other items that have touched infected areas in hot water.
• Throw out used dressings in a sealed bag so that fluid from the boil does not touch anything else.

Your provider may give you antibiotics to take by mouth or a shot, if the boil is very bad or comes back.

Antibacterial soaps and creams cannot help much once a boil has formed.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Some people have repeated boil infections and are unable to prevent them.

Boils in areas such as the ear canal or nose can be very painful.

Boils that form close together may expand and join, causing a condition called carbunculosis.

Possible Complications

These complications may occur:

• Abscess of the skin, spinal cord, brain, kidneys, or other organ
• Brain infection
• Heart infection
• Bone infection
• Infection of the blood or tissues (sepsis)
• Spinal cord infection
• Spread of infection to other parts of the body or skin surfaces
• Permanent scarring

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if boils:

• Appear on your face or spine
• Occur along with a fever, red streaks coming out from the sore, a large build-up of fluid in the area, or other symptoms of infection
• Cause pain or discomfort
• Do not heal with home treatment within 1 week
• Come back after treatment

Prevention

The following may help prevent the spread of infection:

• Antibacterial soaps

• Antiseptic (germ-killing) washes

• Keeping clean (such as thorough hand washing)

Dinulos JGH. Bacterial infections. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif’s Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 9.

Pulia M, May LS. Skin and soft tissue infections. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 126.

Last reviewed on: 11/30/2022

Reviewed by: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Misuse of water was called a “time bomb”

https://ria.ru/20201212/voda-1588920498.html

Misuse of water was called a “time bomb”

Misuse of water was called a “time bomb” – RIA Novosti, 03.03.2021

Misuse of water was called a “time bomb”

WeChat user told how not to harm the body when drinking water. RIA Novosti, 03.03.2021

2020-12-12T15:50

2020-12-12T15:50

2021-03-03T18:14

water

health

900 02 wechat

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MOSCOW, December 12 – RIA Novosti. A WeChat user told how not to harm the body when drinking water. The author of the post noted that drinking a glass of water in the morning after waking up is useful because it will allow you to replenish the water balance in the body after a night’s sleep. In addition, it will reduce blood viscosity and stimulate blood circulation. The user clarified that many people drink water incorrectly, which causes great harm to their health. He talked about common mistakes while drinking water, which can become a “time bomb” for the body. The author of the post also dispelled the myth that you must first brush your teeth before drinking water. Claims that bacteria from the oral cavity will enter the body with water are exaggerated, since bacteria are mainly concentrated on tartar or plaque. It can only be removed by brushing and rubbing. Water does not have such a frictional force to clean off plaque. Moreover, the acid in the intestines can kill pathogenic bacteria.

https://ria.ru/20201025/yaytsa-1581408015.html

https://ria.ru/20201205/kartofel-1587785603.html

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water, health, wechat

900 02 Water, Health , WeChat

MOSCOW, December 12 – RIA Novosti. WeChat user told how not to harm the body when drinking water.

The author of the post noted that drinking a glass of water in the morning after waking up is useful, because it will allow you to replenish the water balance in the body after a night’s sleep. In addition, it will reduce blood viscosity and stimulate blood circulation.

The user clarified that many people use water incorrectly, which causes great harm to their health. He talked about common mistakes while drinking water, which can be a “time bomb” for the body.

The difference between white and dark shelled eggs explained

October 25, 2020, 02:33

1. In a person with cardiovascular disease, this can lead to a heart attack. In addition, drinking plenty of water on an empty stomach thins out stomach acid. When eating, this affects the process of digestion and over time can cause stomach diseases. It is recommended to drink no more than 150 milliliters of water at a time (about half a glass), and also to do it slowly, in small sips.

2. 2.

   Do not replace the first glass of water with milk, coffee, juices and mineral water. This will not replenish the fluid balance, but will start the digestive process, which will negatively affect the health of the gastrointestinal tract. Some of these drinks are diuretic and will cause more fluid loss in the body.

3. 3.

   Do not drink salted water as it will increase blood pressure. In addition, it will increase the daily amount of salt intake, which will put a strain on the kidneys.

4. 4.

   You can drink water with honey for people who suffer from constipation. Honey should be placed in cold or warm water, but not in boiling water.

5. 5.

   Boiled water is the best choice for most people because it is sugar and salt free and won’t stress the kidneys or the cardiovascular system.

6. 6.

   It is not recommended to drink too cold or too hot water. A cold drink stimulates the gastrointestinal tract, quickly reduces the blood vessels of the gastric mucosa. This can lead to discomfort and diarrhea. Hot water injures the delicate lining of the esophagus and can lead to cancer. The use of liquid, the temperature of which exceeds 65 degrees, causes a burn. If this happens regularly, the normal structure of the cells is destroyed, after which malignant formations occur. In order not to irritate the gastric mucosa, the water temperature should be no more than 50 degrees.

A serious danger of potatoes named

December 5, 2020, 10:20

The author of the post also dispelled the myth that you must first brush your teeth before drinking water. Claims that bacteria from the oral cavity will enter the body with water are exaggerated, since bacteria are mainly concentrated on tartar or plaque. It can only be removed by brushing and rubbing. Water does not have such a frictional force to clean off plaque. Moreover, the acid in the intestines can kill pathogenic bacteria.

Read the full version of the material on the website
Raspberry is a deciduous subshrub of the Rosaceae family. Plant height – up to 2.5 m. The roots are winding, woody. Stems erect. Initially shoots are green and grassy. After a year of life, they begin to stiffen and turn brown. The leaves are oval, green above and whitish below. The flowers are white, up to 1 cm in diameter. The fruits are red drupes.

Raspberry composition

Berries contain about 11% of sugars represented by glucose, fructose and sucrose. They contain essential oils, pectins, mucus, proteins, carotene, flavonoids, anthocyanins, tannins, coumarins, ketones, mineral salts, vitamins A, C, group B, PP.

Attention! The leaves contain a lot of manganese. And in the seeds – fatty oil (up to 22%) and phytosterol (up to 0.8%). They also have everything the same as in berries.

Medicinal properties

The fruits have diaphoretic, tonic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antiscorbutic, astringent properties. Leaves and young shoots have an antispasmodic, hemostatic effect.

Effects on the body

The main value of raspberry is that it is a powerful natural antioxidant. Antioxidant activity in it is shown by flavonoids, anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, tocopherol, carotenoids and phenols. These compounds deactivate free radicals – oxygen molecules with one unpaired electron. These molecules seek to restore balance and therefore take electrons from cells, amino acids and many other molecules that they meet along the way. As a result, the latter are destroyed, which leads to rapid wear of the body, early aging and an increased risk of tumor formation. Antioxidants interrupt this process.

Attention! Vitamin C prevents the development of scurvy and is necessary for the full functioning of bone and connective tissues. One serving of berries contains about 30% of its required daily intake.

Phenolic substances improve elasticity and regulate capillary permeability, helping to remove harmful compounds from them. Manganese, which is abundant in raspberry leaves, is essential for protein synthesis. Magnesium supports the normal functioning of the heart muscle. And vitamin K – normalizes blood clotting.

Cosmetic properties

In cosmetology, raspberry extracts are most often used. They help eliminate acne, acne, age spots, normalize oily skin, and also stimulate hair growth. In addition, they:

• protect against cell membrane destruction;
• slow down aging;
• moisturize the epidermis;
• cleanse pores;
• nourish the skin;

The extract is used for therapeutic baths, included in the composition of masks for oily skin, lotions, creams, shampoos, hair balms and other cosmetics.

Contraindications and side effects

It is worth minimizing the use of raspberries in the presence of problems with the kidneys and gallbladder. And all because it contains calcium oxalates, which can provoke an exacerbation of these diseases.

It is worth refraining from the product during the period of exacerbation of stomach ulcers, gastritis or diseases of the duodenum 12. Due to the content of purines, the product is contraindicated in nephritis and gout.

Applications and standards

Fruit syrup is used in pharmacology to improve the taste of drugs. For the prevention and treatment of diseases, dry plant materials can be used. It is produced in briquettes, filter bags and in bulk. Raspberries in filter bags are brewed in boiling water: 1 pc. to a glass of water. In loose form, it is used to prepare decoctions: 2 tbsp. l. raw materials pour 500 ml of boiling water, insist 2 hours, filter and take half a glass 4 times a day before meals.