What are the common causes of swollen lymph nodes. How can you recognize the symptoms of inflamed lymph glands. When should you seek medical attention for swollen lymph nodes. What treatment options are available for swollen lymph nodes.

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, forming an intricate network known as the lymphatic system. But what exactly do these tiny structures do?

Lymph nodes act as filters for harmful substances, including bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. They contain immune cells called lymphocytes, which are responsible for attacking and destroying these invaders. When your body is fighting an infection or illness, these lymph nodes can become swollen as they work overtime to protect you.

Where are lymph nodes located?

Lymph nodes are found in various parts of the body, but some of the most noticeable clusters include:

• Neck
• Under the arms
• Groin area
• Behind the ears
• Under the jaw

These clusters can sometimes be felt as small bumps under the skin, especially when they’re swollen.

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign that your body is actively fighting off an infection or illness. While the swelling can be concerning, it’s usually a positive indication that your immune system is doing its job. But what are the most common reasons for lymph node inflammation?

Viral infections

Many viral infections can cause lymph nodes to swell, including:

• Common cold
• Flu
• Mononucleosis (mono)
• HIV/AIDS

Bacterial infections

Bacterial infections are another frequent cause of swollen lymph nodes. Some examples include:

• Strep throat
• Ear infections
• Skin infections
• Tooth infections

Less common causes

While infections are the most frequent culprits, there are other, less common reasons for lymph node swelling:

• Immune system disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Certain types of cancer (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia)
• Medications
• Injuries

Recognizing the Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Identifying swollen lymph nodes is the first step in determining whether you need medical attention. But how can you tell if your lymph nodes are swollen, and what other symptoms might accompany this condition?

Physical signs of swollen lymph nodes

The most obvious sign of swollen lymph nodes is the presence of small, tender lumps in areas where lymph nodes are typically found. These lumps may be:

• Painful to touch
• Soft or firm
• Movable under the skin
• Varying in size from a pea to a grape

Accompanying symptoms

Depending on the underlying cause, swollen lymph nodes may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss

Is it always easy to feel swollen lymph nodes? Not necessarily. Some lymph nodes are located deep within the body and may not be palpable even when swollen. In these cases, other symptoms or diagnostic tests may be necessary to identify the issue.

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. But how do you know when it’s time to see a doctor?

Red flags to watch for

Consider seeking medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Lymph nodes that are rapidly increasing in size
• Swelling that persists for more than two weeks
• Nodes that feel hard, fixed in place, or irregular in shape
• Unexplained fever lasting more than two days
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Should you be concerned if only one lymph node is swollen? Not necessarily. It’s common for a single lymph node to swell in response to a localized infection. However, if the swelling persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis of Swollen Lymph Nodes

When you visit a doctor for swollen lymph nodes, what can you expect? The diagnostic process typically involves several steps to determine the underlying cause of the swelling.

Initial examination

Your doctor will likely start with:

• A thorough medical history
• Physical examination of the swollen area
• Questions about your symptoms and how long you’ve had them

Diagnostic tests

Depending on the initial findings, your doctor may recommend additional tests such as:

• Blood tests to check for infections or other abnormalities
• Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds) to get a detailed view of the affected area
• Biopsy, where a small sample of the lymph node is removed for further analysis

Can blood tests definitively diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes? While blood tests can provide valuable information, they may not always pinpoint the exact cause. In some cases, a combination of tests and clinical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Swollen Lymph Nodes

The treatment for swollen lymph nodes largely depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, the swelling will subside on its own as your body fights off the infection. However, there are various treatment options available for more persistent or severe cases.

Home remedies

For mild cases, several home remedies can help alleviate discomfort:

• Warm compresses to reduce pain and swelling
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Rest to help your body recover
• Adequate hydration

Medical treatments

If the swelling is caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. For more serious underlying conditions, treatment may include:

• Antiviral medications for viral infections
• Antiinflammatory drugs for autoimmune disorders
• Chemotherapy or radiation for cancer-related swelling

In rare cases, surgical removal of the affected lymph node may be necessary for diagnostic or treatment purposes.

How long does it typically take for swollen lymph nodes to return to normal? The duration can vary depending on the cause. In most cases, swelling subsides within 2-4 weeks. However, some conditions may cause prolonged swelling, necessitating ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Prevention and Long-term Management of Lymph Node Health

While it’s not always possible to prevent swollen lymph nodes, there are steps you can take to maintain overall lymphatic health and reduce the likelihood of frequent swelling.

Lifestyle factors

Several lifestyle choices can contribute to a healthy lymphatic system:

• Regular exercise to promote lymph flow
• Staying hydrated to help flush toxins
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques
• Getting adequate sleep to support immune function

Preventive measures

To reduce the risk of infections that can cause lymph node swelling:

• Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
• Stay up-to-date on vaccinations
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill
• Protect yourself from insect bites that can transmit diseases

Can certain foods or supplements boost lymphatic health? While no specific food or supplement can prevent lymph node swelling, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients can support overall immune function. Some potentially beneficial foods include leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish rich in omega-3s.

Understanding the Link Between Lymph Nodes and Immune System

The relationship between lymph nodes and the immune system is intricate and vital for maintaining our health. These small structures play a crucial role in defending our bodies against harmful invaders.

The lymphatic system’s role in immunity

The lymphatic system, of which lymph nodes are a key component, works alongside the circulatory system to:

• Filter out harmful substances from body tissues
• Produce and distribute white blood cells
• Facilitate the movement of immune cells throughout the body

Lymph nodes as immune hubs

Lymph nodes serve as centralized locations where:

• Immune cells gather to exchange information
• Antigens (foreign substances) are presented to immune cells
• Immune responses are initiated and coordinated

How do lymph nodes communicate with other parts of the immune system? Lymph nodes are connected by a network of lymphatic vessels, allowing for the rapid transmission of immune cells and signaling molecules throughout the body. This interconnected system enables a coordinated immune response to threats in specific areas or throughout the entire body.

Understanding the crucial role of lymph nodes in our immune system underscores the importance of maintaining their health. While swollen lymph nodes can be concerning, they are often a sign that our body’s defense mechanisms are working effectively. By recognizing the symptoms, seeking appropriate medical attention when necessary, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, we can support our lymphatic system and overall immune health.

As research in immunology continues to advance, our understanding of the lymphatic system and its importance in maintaining health grows. This knowledge not only helps in the diagnosis and treatment of lymph node-related conditions but also paves the way for potential new therapies that could enhance our body’s natural defense mechanisms.

In conclusion, while swollen lymph nodes can be a source of worry, they are usually a sign that our body is actively fighting to keep us healthy. By staying informed about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for swollen lymph nodes, we can make better decisions about our health and work more effectively with healthcare providers when issues arise. Remember, your lymph nodes are silent guardians, working tirelessly to keep you safe from harm – a little swelling now and then is just their way of letting you know they’re on the job.

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

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.

Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes

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)

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

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:

When to See a Doctor for Swollen Lymph Nodes

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.

Swollen Lymph Nodes Diagnosis

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.

Swollen Lymph Node Treatment and Home Remedies

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:

Swollen Lymph Nodes | Michigan Medicine

Topic Overview

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body. They are part of the lymph system, which carries fluid (lymph fluid), nutrients, and waste material between the body tissues and the bloodstream.

The lymph system is an important part of the immune system, the body’s defense system against disease. The lymph nodes filter lymph fluid as it flows through them, trapping bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances, which are then destroyed by special white blood cells called lymphocytes.

Lymph nodes may be found singly or in groups. And they may be as small as the head of a pin or as large as an olive. Groups of lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, groin, and underarms. Lymph nodes generally are not tender or painful. Most lymph nodes in the body cannot be felt.

What causes swollen lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes often swell in one location when a problem such as an injury, infection, or tumor develops in or near the lymph node. Which lymph nodes are swollen can help identify the problem.

• The glands on either side of the neck, under the jaw, or behind the ears commonly swell when you have a cold or sore throat. Glands can also swell following an injury, such as a cut or bite, near the gland or when a tumor or infection occurs in the mouth, head, or neck.
• Glands in the armpit (axillary lymph nodes) may swell from an injury or infection to the arm or hand. A rare cause of axillary swelling may be breast cancer or lymphoma.
• The lymph nodes in the groin (femoral or inguinal lymph nodes) may swell from an injury or infection in the foot, leg, groin, or genitals. In rare cases, testicular cancer, lymphoma, or melanoma may cause a lump in this area.
• Glands above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes) may swell from an infection or tumor in the areas of the lungs, breasts, neck, or abdomen.

Common sites for swollen lymph nodes include the neck, groin, and underarms.

What does it mean when lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body?

When lymph nodes swell in two or more areas of the body, it is called generalized lymphadenopathy. This may be caused by:

• A viral illness, such as measles, rubella, chickenpox (varicella), or mumps.
• Mononucleosis(Epstein-Barr virus), which results in fever, sore throat, and fatigue, or cytomegalovirus (CMV), a viral infection that causes symptoms similar to those of mononucleosis.
• A bacterial illness, such as strep throat (caused by the streptococcus bacterium) or Lyme disease (a bacterial infection spread by certain types of ticks).
• Side effects of phenytoin (Dilantin), a medicine used to prevent seizures.
• Side effects of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination.
• Cancer, such as leukemia, Hodgkin disease, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which develops after a person contracts HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). This virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection and some disease.
• Syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection.

How are swollen lymph nodes treated?

Treatment for swollen glands focuses on treating the cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection often goes away on its own. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Any swollen lymph nodes that don’t go away or return to normal size within about a month should be checked by your doctor.

How long will lymph nodes remain swollen?

Lymph nodes may remain swollen or firm long after an initial infection is gone. This is especially true in children, whose glands may decrease in size while remaining firm and visible for many weeks.

Swollen Glands and Lymphadenopathy in Children

Children can have swollen lymph nodes, referred to as lymphadenopathy, for a variety of reasons. It’s usually a sign that the body is fighting off infection by activating the immune system.

Swollen lymph nodes will usually return to their normal size within a few days when a child gets over an infection. However, lymphadenopathy can be a sign of serious conditions, such as cancer or autoimmune disease, so it’s best to keep an eye on it and have your child’s pediatrician check it out if it doesn’t improve within a few days.

Children are small, and you might be able to feel a child’s lymph nodes even if they don’t have lymphadenopathy. It is not uncommon to feel normal-sized lymph nodes in infants and toddlers, with the lymph nodes measuring less than about 1 centimeter (cm), around 1/2 an inch.

What Are Lymph Nodes?

The lymph nodes are part of the body’s lymphatic system, which includes lymph fluid, lymph vessels, the tonsils, the thymus gland, and the spleen.

Lymph nodes serve several functions:

• They filter pathogens (harmful infectious organisms like viruses and bacteria) by recognizing them, trapping them, and destroying them.
• They recognize and destroy cancer cells.
• They produce and store lymphocytes, which are the B cells and T cells of the immune system.
• They are the place where B cells proliferate and produce antibodies, which are specific proteins that recognize, fight, and remember infectious pathogens so they can destroy them if exposed at a later time.

Children have larger lymph nodes than adults, and they can frequently become swollen because children are exposed to new infections that require their immune systems to make immune cells and antibodies.

Lymph fluid includes white blood cells and proteins to help fight infections. As the fluid moves through the lymph vessels (a venous network parallel to the blood circulatory system), lymph nodes filter out materials such as pathogens and cancer cells.

Locations

There are over 600 lymph nodes located throughout the body, ranging from near the surface of the skin to deep in the abdominal, pelvic, and chest cavities.

Lymph nodes are described by their location and include:

• Occipital (back of the head)
• Preauricular (front of the ear)
• Postauricular (behind the ear)
• Paratracheal (next to the windpipe)
• Submandibular (under the jaw)
• Submental (under the chin)
• Facial (in the cheek area)
• Anterior cervical (the front of the neck)
• Posterior cervical (back of the neck)
• Supraclavicular (above the collarbone)
• Popliteal (behind the knee)
• Axillary (in the armpit)
• Epitrochlear (below the elbow)
• Inguinal (in the groin area)

Along with their location, the distribution of swollen lymph nodes can help your child’s healthcare provider determine the cause of the swelling.

Lymphadenopathy may be localized or generalized (widespread). Generalized lymphadenopathy may be related to a viral infection, autoimmune disorder, or disseminated diseases. Localized lymphadenopathy can occur due to a mild infection, an infection from a contaminated injury, or a local spread of cancer.

What Causes Swelling?

Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin

Viral infections are the most common cause of lymphadenopathy in children. However, lymphadenopathy develops whenever the lymphocytes proliferate or when a disease such as cancer or an immune disease affects the lymph nodes.

Common Causes

Many young children temporarily develop swollen glands when they have an infection. Lymphadenopathy can be especially prominent in the nodes closest to the site of infection.

Common causes of lymphadenopathy in children include:

The lymph nodes may also enlarge due to an allergic response. This is when the body’s immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, such as pollen or pet dander. Your child’s lymph glands may become swollen after an insect bite or a severe case of hay fever. Lymphadenopathy might not be as noticeable as the other effects of an allergy.

Serious Causes

Severe infections and cancer can cause fluctuating, yet persistent lymphadenopathy.

Sometimes the body is not able to effectively fight an infection, or the immune system is impaired. Cancer cells can spread to the lymph nodes, and the immune system may be unable to destroy them.

Serious and less common causes of lymphadenopathy in children include:

• Lymphadenitis: Infection of a lymph node
• Pediatric lupus: An inflammatory autoimmune disease
• Kawasaki disease: A rare inflammatory disease that can cause heart problems and other complications in children
• Cat scratch disease: An infection caused by the bacteria Bartonella hensela
• Scrofula: An infection of a lymph node caused by tuberculosis
• HIV: In which lymphadenopathy is a common symptom of early infection
• Pediatric lymphoma: A cancer of white blood cells called lymphocytes
• Leukemia: A cancer of white blood cells called leukocytes

These more severe cases of lymphadenopathy will not resolve until the cause is treated.

Symptoms

Swollen lymph nodes often do not cause symptoms. But they can be tender or painful. Lymphadenopathy may cause symptoms due to pressure on nearby structures. For example, it may be hard to swallow if your paratracheal lymph nodes are swollen.

Axillary lymphadenopathy can cause tenderness under the arms, with increased pain when a child moves their arms. Enlarged cervical lymph nodes can cause neck pain and may make it uncomfortable to lie down. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy in the chest can make it difficult to breathe if the lymph nodes are severely enlarged.

The most common symptoms associated with lymphadenopathy are the symptoms of the primary condition (such as infection or cancer).

Symptoms your child can experience along with lymphadenopathy can include:

• Fever, fatigue, and soreness with a respiratory infection
• Fever, chills, vomiting, and/or rash with a bacterial infection
• Sneezing and watery eyes with an allergy
• A rash and joint pain with autoimmune disease
• Fatigue, weight loss, and swelling near the swollen lymph nodes with cancer
• Frequent infections with HIV

Your child might have pain or redness near the swollen lymph nodes. This occurs because lymphadenopathy is typically a response to a condition in the body, and the lymph nodes that become the most swollen are generally located near the primary condition.

Associated symptoms, such as persistent or unexplained fever, unintentional weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats can be signs of a serious condition.

Diagnosis

Your child’s healthcare provider will take a history of their symptoms and do a physical examination when evaluating swollen lymph nodes. The healthcare provider will consider the size of lymph nodes, their location, consistency (soft, firm, or rubbery), whether redness is present, mobility (if it moves) and whether there is tenderness.

The cervical, axillary, and inguinal nodes are the ones most readily felt during a physical exam. These lymph nodes can be swollen in around half of all children between the ages of 3 and 5 who are perfectly healthy.

Certain lymph nodes, especially the supraclavicular, epitrochlear, and popliteal glands, are rarely swollen, even in children. This would be considered a red flag to healthcare providers that further investigations are needed.

Depending on the clinical history and physical examination findings, your child might have diagnostic tests to determine the cause of their lymphadenopathy.

• Blood tests to check immune cell patterns that could suggest infections, lupus, or cancer
• Cultures to check for bacterial or viral growth
• Imaging tests may be used, such as an X-ray or computerized tomography (CT) scan to look for signs of infection
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan if leukemia or lymphoma are suspected

Your child’s healthcare provider may also obtain a biopsy of the cells from a swollen lymph node for examination with the microscope. This is often performed with a fine needle aspiration (FNA) in which a hollow-core needle is inserted through the skin into the lymph node.

Occasionally, if lymphoma is suspected, the FNA may not be enough to make the diagnosis and an open or surgical biopsy will be recommended so the lymph node or a piece of it is removed in the operating room.

When Further Investigation Is Needed

Your child’s healthcare provider will perform more diagnostic tests in these circumstances:

• If the lymphadenopathy is generalized
• If the lymph nodes are larger than 1 inch
• If lymphadenopathy persists despite treatment
• If lymphadenopathy spreads to other parts of the body
• If the lymph nodes are hard, painless, and fixed
• If there is unexplained weight loss or night sweats

Treatment

The treatment for lymphadenopathy depends on the cause. For mild cases, it is best for your child to get some rest and to be comfortable. Viral infections are generally not treated with medications and they resolve on their own.

Your child might feel a little better if a small ice pack is placed near the swollen area for a few minutes, several times per day. You can check with your child’s pediatrician to see if using a pain reliever or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory for relief of symptoms would be helpful as well.

• For lymphadenopathy that’s caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will often be prescribed to help the infection resolve. This can help with lymphadenopathy too.
• If your child has allergies or an autoimmune condition, you and your child’s pediatrician will have to discuss a long-term plan to minimize the recurrence of symptoms. This may include avoiding triggers and/or using medication.
• And if your child has cancer, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Sometimes lymphadenopathy is monitored as part of the surveillance for assessing the effectiveness of cancer treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes glands to swell?

Lymph glands can swell when they produce more immune cells than usual. This most commonly happens when your body is fighting an infection. It can also occur due to an allergic reaction, autoimmune disease, or cancer.

How can I treat swollen glands in my neck?

You can use ice and anti-inflammatory medication as directed by your healthcare provider. If the swollen glands are caused by a disease that needs treatment, the swelling should resolve once the cause is treated.

A Word From Verywell

Parents often worry when their child has swollen glands or lymph nodes. Sometimes parents are concerned that swollen glands are a sign of cancer, and while they sometimes could be, they are more commonly a sign that your child has a viral or bacterial infection.

It’s important to keep in mind that swollen lymph nodes can take weeks to months to return to their normal sizes. Moreover, since younger children have an average of six to eight upper respiratory tract infections per year, it may seem like your child’s lymph nodes are always enlarged.

If you are worried because your child has swollen glands, remember that by adult standards, almost all kids have “lymphadenopathy.” However, you should show your child’s pediatrician so they can decide if further testing is needed.

What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Among the range of uncomfortable symptoms, swollen lymph nodes tend to spark feelings of dread. They can become quite large, feel tender to the touch, and signal a wide variety of illnesses, from common infections to more serious conditions.

But having a swollen lymph node isn’t always a big deal. It’s usually a good sign: These tender glands—most prominently in your neck, groin, and armpits—are showing that your immune system is in a battle to keep your body healthy.

Lymph nodes are part of your lymphatic system, your body’s infection-fighting powerhouse. “Lymph nodes represent the main factory for the immune system—that’s where all of the activity occurs that relates to the generation of antibodies and the mobilization of cells to fight off infection,” says Stanley Rockson, M.D., director of the Stanford Center for Lymphatic and Venous Disorders and professor of lymphatic research and medicine at Stanford Health Care. “They reflect the body’s response to acute inflammation.”

The vessels of the system are like a highway of one-way lanes; lymphatic fluid that’s full of immune cells is pushed throughout your body, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Along the way, the fluid passes through these bean-shaped (about 600 of them!), which are located in clusters, from your knees up to behind your ears. These nodes, which are the size of a pea, are filled with more disease-fighting cells.

While the lymphatic fluid is on the move, the immune cells scan for “bad guys”—say, a virus or a bacterium—and if it comes across them, it triggers the nodes to boost the number of their disease-fighting cells. This causes swelling to fight off the infection, “and when the job is done they return to their normal size,” says Dr. Rockson.

Swollen lymph nodes are temporary and will eventually resolve on their own, says Dr. Rockson. But how can you tell if these enlarged glands are a sign of something more serious? Here’s how to identify swollen lymph nodes, what causes them, and when the symptom actually warrants a visit to your doctor’s office.

What do swollen lymph nodes look and feel like?

Normally, lymph nodes aren’t visible, but when they’re swollen you may (or may not) be able to see a bump. Depending on how enlarged they are, swollen lymph nodes may feel like little rubbery nodules the size of a pea, or as big as a cherry or even a plum (either soft and tender or firm).

What can cause swollen lymph nodes?

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You just received a vaccine.

Any vaccine needs to spark an immune response in order to be effective—including the annual flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccines. “A vaccine replicates what would be a part of the infection without the infection itself,” explains Dr. Rockson. “The vaccine creates antibodies in the lymph nodes. In order for the response to occur, those cells have to expand in number, which causes the nodes to enlarge. That’s all part of the normal bodily response [to a vaccine].”

So your body is doing what it’s supposed to, and the swollen glands will progressively shrink in size over time (typically in about a week). They can appear anywhere after you receive a vaccine, but you’ll likely notice them under your arms or in your neck, which is often near where the injection was, as infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, previously told Prevention.

A common infection is stirring up symptoms.

Many common infections, whether they’re short-lived or chronic, can cause swollen lymph nodes, says Dr. Rockson. This includes upper respiratory infections, strep throat, ear infections, an infected tooth, measles, mononucleosis, a skin infection, tonsillitis, and pink eye—some of which will likely present with other flu-like symptoms beyond swollen glands or pain and irritation in the affected area.

Most viral infections, like the common cold, will eventually fade without specific treatment, says Dr. Rockson. But if your symptoms are increasingly uncomfortable, it’s best to reach out to your doctor. Bacterial infections—for example, strep throat or some cases of pink eye—will require antibiotics to clear things up.

A less common infection could be at play.

Rarer infections can also spur swollen lymph nodes, such as tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection), and some STIs (like HIV or syphilis). According to the Cleveland Clinic, if your lymph nodes are swollen in two or more areas—say, not the two nodes by your jawline, but one by your jaw and one by your armpit or another spot on your body—that could indicate a wider systemic problem.

So in that case, your doctor would perform various diagnostic tests, depending on your other symptoms. For instance, if you showed signs of tuberculosis, such as fever, night sweats, cough, and weight loss, they might perform a skin test to see if you’ve been infected with the bacteria that causes it. HIV has similar possible symptoms—plus rash, mouth ulcers, and muscle aches—so if there was reason to suspect that you’d been exposed, your doctor would suggest diagnostic blood tests to get to the root of the problem.

An autoimmune disorder could be the culprit.

An autoimmune disease is a misfiring of the immune system, causing it to attack healthy organs, tissues, or cells. According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 80 known autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

That overactive immune system can cause lymph nodes to swell—for instance, in cases of lupus and RA—but not all of these diseases have enlarged lymph nodes as a symptom. Autoimmune disorders can be tricky and frustrating to diagnose; if you’re concerned, talk to your doctor, who will typically look at your constellation of symptoms, which can range from joint pain and swelling to constant fatigue, depending on the specific disease.

In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer.

Swollen lymph nodes rarely point to cancer, per the American Cancer Society (ACS). In fact, experts believe less than 1% of people with the symptom have cancer.

“In the case of cancer, the lymph nodes are trapping cancer cells to prevent their spread through the body. The immune system responds to cancer like it’s a foreign invader, but though the lymph nodes can contain the cancer, they can’t resolve it,” says Dr. Rockson.

Any cancer can lead to swollen lymph nodes, but there are also cancers of the lymph nodes themselves, called lymphoma, says Dr. Rockson. In that case, cancer can either start directly in the lymph nodes or spread to the lymph nodes from other parts of the body, per the ACS. If your swollen lymph nodes persist or you notice any of the unusual signs listed below, talk to your doctor.

❗ When should you call your doctor about swollen lymph nodes?

According to Dr. Rockson, you should talk to your doctor if your swollen lymph nodes persist (longer than two-to-four weeks is a general suggestion on when to seek help, though it depends on the person), become more painful over time, are very firm to the touch, continue to increase in size, or are accompanied by night sweats, redness in nearby skin, or unexplained weight loss. In kids, any node that’s bigger than 1 centimeter should be checked out.

“It’s never wrong to get something evaluated when you’re concerned,” says Dr. Rockson. “Lymph node enlargement is part of normal biology. But when it’s excessive, when it’s persistent, when it’s continuing to get worse over time, that’s when it’s a good idea to get it evaluated.”

Lisa Bain
Executive Director, Health Newsroom, Hearst Lifestyle Group
Lisa heads up a team of editors that produces health, wellness, nutrition, and fitness content for Good Housekeeping, Prevention, and Woman’s Day.

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Symptoms and Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes, referred to as lymphadenopathy, may develop in multiple areas of the body which can include sides of the neck, beneath the chin, behind the ears, under the arms, in the groin, in the abdomen, and less commonly, in the popliteal fossa.

The lymph nodes belong to the lymphatic system which also consists of the thymus gland, spleen, bone marrow, tonsils, and lymphatic vessels. The lymphatic system acts as a partner of the immune system with fighting against infectious substances.

One of the lymph nodes’ functions is to filter the lymph from toxic agents and waste matter. They produce white blood cells called lymphocytes which are divided into several types: T cells and B cells. The B cells, of the bone marrow, release antibodies and T cells, of the thymus, help kill off infected cells.

An enlarged lymph node happens in the process of the body combating an illness. A lymph node should have a normal size of a pea. 

Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes 

Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes can vary based on the person. You may feel pain in places where the lymph nodes have been affected. Plus, the skin might even turn red or purple in these areas. The lymph nodes will feel like tender bumps on or underneath the skin.

A sore throat is a common sign of infection in the upper respiratory tract. A few examples of URIs are the common cold and flu.

As URIs can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes, they may cause victims to have a hard time swallowing or even breathing. This may be accompanied by night sweats, coughing, a runny nose, fever, headaches, or other flu-like symptoms.

In addition, those with inflamed lymph nodes could experience a reduced appetite. The decrease in appetite can lead to unwanted weight loss and lack of energy. 

Causes of swollen lymph nodes

There are various causes of swollen lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy most often occurs due to a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. A broad range of conditions including the HIV, syphilis, tuberculous, measles, toxoplasmosis, and cat scratch fever play a role in the development of lymphadenopathy. Furthermore, skin infections such as impetigo and cellulitis boost the risk for swelling of the lymph nodes.

Several autoimmune illnesses, like systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, are known to cause lymphadenopathy.

In addition, inflammation of the lymph nodes can be an effect of cancer. Lymphoma, cancer which affects the lymphatic system, is another condition that may cause the lymph nodes to become swollen but doesn’t in most patients. Leukemia, cancer of the blood and bone marrow, can also encourage the swelling of lymph nodes.

Breast cancer has additionally been linked to lymphadenopathy. A person with breast cancer might have a portion of their lymph nodes removed as part of the treatment.

Certain drug medications are believed to have a negative impact on the lymph nodes. These medications include:

• cephalosporins
• sulindac
• phenytoin
• carbamazepine
• sulfonamides
• pyrimethamine
• captopril
• allopurinol
• primidone
• quinidine
• hydralazine
• penicillin
• atenolol
• gold

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS) Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

The major clinical symptoms of ALPS result from lymphoproliferation, or the excessive production of a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte, and autoimmune destruction of blood cells. Symptoms tend to be most severe in children, and many people with ALPS experience a lessening or complete resolution of their autoimmune and lymphoproliferative symptoms in adulthood.

Lymphoproliferation

The main lymphoproliferative symptoms in ALPS are enlarged lymph nodes and spleen. While spleen enlargement can be severe in children with ALPS, splenic rupture is very rare. The swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, and groin are usually the most noticeable symptoms of the disease. Sometimes, these enlarged lymph nodes are confused with cancer of the lymph gland, or lymphoma. Large, visible lymph nodes are normal for many people with ALPS. It also is normal for lymph nodes to change somewhat in size, shape, or feel over time. Such changes are usually not indicative of lymphoma.

Autoimmunity

The main autoimmune issues in ALPS are related to reactions against components of blood.

• Anemia occurs when the body destroys its own red blood cells, causing weakness and fatigue.
• Thrombocytopenia occurs when the body attacks and destroys blood components called platelets. When platelet levels are low, the blood does not clot well, and bleeding cannot be controlled following minor injuries. Thrombocytopenia can lead to nosebleeds, gum bleeds, and bruises.
• Neutropenia occurs when the body destroys infection-fighting cells called neutrophils. A decrease in neutrophils increases the risk of infection, which can lead to symptoms such as mouth ulcers and slow wound healing.

ALPS-related autoimmunity uncommonly targets organs, leading to rare complications such as

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidneys)
• Uveitis (inflammation of the iris in the eye).

Lymphoma

People with ALPS have an increased risk of developing lymphoma. Up to age 40, people with ALPS have an approximately 20 percent risk of developing lymphoma. In other words, about 1 in 5 patients will develop ALPS lymphoma by the time they are 40. The risk continues past age 40, although the data on older age groups are limited. Thus, doctors should monitor patients with ALPS for symptoms of lymphoma, such as night sweats, fever, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and sudden lymph node enlargement. Although the lymphoma risk for people with ALPS is much higher than that for the general population, most people with ALPS never develop lymphoma.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ALPS is based on clinical findings, laboratory findings, and identification of mutations in genes, such as FAS, that affect the programmed destruction of cells (apoptosis). Clinical findings that suggest ALPS include:

• Non-cancerous swelling of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) that lasts for more than six months
• Autoimmune disease, especially against blood cells
• Cancer of the lymph nodes (lymphoma)
• Family history of ALPS or ALPS-like features

Laboratory Findings

Prominent findings suggesting an ALPS diagnosis include elevated levels of CD4- and CD8-negative T lymphocytes, called double-negative T cells. Lab tests also can confirm defects in apoptosis of lymphocytes, which is highly suggestive of ALPS. Additionally, an increase in serum vitamin B12 can indicate lymphoproliferation in the form of ALPS caused by mutations in the FAS gene (ALPS-FAS). NIAID scientists also found that people with ALPS-FAS tend to have much higher B12 levels than do healthy people without this condition.

Doctors may perform additional blood tests to help diagnose ALPS. Other markers that may be elevated in ALPS include plasma interleukin-10; plasma interleukin-18; immunoglobulin subtypes IgG, IgA, and IgM; absolute monocyte count; absolute eosinophil count; anticardiolipin antibody; and antinuclear antibody. In contrast, people with ALPS often have abnormally low levels of HDL (high density lipoprotein) and total cholesterol.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: Causes & When To Worry

Lymph nodes are small, bean-like, glands that have a very important role in immunity, since they filter the lymph, removing virus and bacteria that can be cause an infection. Once removed, these micro-organisms are destroyed by lymphocytes, which are immune cells present inside the lymph nodes.  

Lymph nodes can be found throughout the body, but are more commonly found in groups, in places such as the the neck, underarms and groin area. Each group is responsible for helping to fight infections that develop nearby, getting inflamed, or swollen, when that happens. That’s why swollen lymph nodes can appear due to simpler problems, such as a skin infection or UTI, or more serious conditions, such as cancer.

What can cause swollen lymph nodes 

Lymph nodes swell up when there is a nearby trauma or infection, so the location where they get swollen can help with the diagnosis. About 80% of swollen lymph nodes in people under 30 years old, are due to local infections, but they can also have other causes:

1. In the neck 

The lymph nodes in the neck can swell on the lateral area, but also under the jaw or near the ears. When that happens you may feel, or even see, a small lump in those areas, which can be a sign of:

• Tooth abscess;
• Thyroid cyst,
• Changes in the salivary glands;
• Inflamed throat;
• Pharyngitis or laryngitis;
• Cut or bite mark in the mouth;
• Mumps;
• Ear or eye infection.

In more rare situations, swollen lymph nodes in the neck may also signal a tumor in the region, such as the throat, larynx or thyroid.

2. In the groin

Groin lymph nodes may also get swollen due to infection or trauma to the legs, feet or genital area. One of the most common causes are urinary tract infections, but it can also happen after a genital surgical procedure or due to some type of sexually transmitted infection. In rarer cases, swollen lymph nodes in the groin can also be a sign of cancer in the genital area, such as vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer or penile cancer.

3. In the armpit

The most common causes of swollen axillary lymph nodes are wounds or infections in the hands, arms, or axilla, due to a cut, ingrown hair or furunculosis. However, this type of swollen lymph nodes can also signal a more serious problem, such as lymphoma, especially if there is nocturnal fever and transpiration. But there are other situations such as animal bites, brucellosis, sporotrichosis and breast cancer that can also cause swollen axillary lymph nodes.

Cancer is relatively rare, and often the presence of a swelling in the armpit area is not due to swollen lymph nodes, but rather a cyst or a lipoma, which are easy to treat. So if you have swollen lymph nodes that do not improve, please visit your GP.

4. In the clavicle 

Lumps in the upper part of the clavicle may indicate infections, lymphoma, lung, breast, neck or stomach cancer. If the gland in the left supraclavicular area is hard this may indicate gastrointestinal neoplasia, and it is known as Virchow nodule.

5. Throughout the body

Even though it is more common for lymph nodes to swell up in one specific area, they can also happen all over the body. This is usually related to diseases, such as:

• Autoimmune diseases, 
• Lymphoma;
• Leukemia;
• Cytomegalovirus;
• Mononucleosis;
• Secondary syphilis;
• Sarcoidosis;
• Systemic lupus erythematosus;
• Hyperthyroidism;
• Side-effects of medication such as Hydantoin, antithyroid agents and isoniazid. 

6. In the back of the head

Little lumps on the back of the head may indicate the scalp infections, rubeola or even insect bites. Even though it is rare, this type of lump may also happen due to cancer. 

7. Near the ears

Swollen lymph nodes near the ears may indicate conditions such as rubella, eyelid infections or conjunctivitis. 

When can swollen lymph nodes be cancer 

Swollen lymph nodes are almost always a sign of an infection. However, there are some cases in which the swelling may happen due cancer. The only way to be sure is by going to a GP and doing some blood tests, a biopsy and a tomography.

Examination of the swollen lymph nodes can help to identity the underlying cause, so the doctor will often feel the area and see if the gland moves, what’s it’s size is and if it hurts. Painful glands have fewer chances of being cancer.

The risk of a swollen lymph node being cancer is greater when it lasts more than 6 weeks and other symptoms occur, such as:

• Various swollen lymph nodes throughout the body;
• Hardened consistency;
• Absence of pain when touching the lumps  
• Burning sensation.

In addition, age is also an important factor because people over 50 have a higher probability of having a tumor. In case of doubt, the doctor may request a needle aspiration biopsy of the lymph node, to check if there are cancerogenous cells present.

Some neoplastic diseases that also cause swollen glands are: lymphoma, leukemia, and breast, lung, kidney, prostate, skin, head and neck, gastrointestinal tract metastasis and germinative cell tumours. 

When to visit the doctor 

Most cases of swollen lymph nodes do not require treatment, and so they disappear in less than one week. It is recommended, however, that visit GP if:

• Lymph nodes remain swollen for over three weeks;
• There is no pain when touching the swollen lymph node;
• The lump increases in size with time;
• There is weight loss with no apparent cause;
• Other symptoms appear such as fever, fatigue, weight loss and night sweats appear;
• Swollen lymph nodes appear in other areas of the body.

In these cases, the doctor may prescribe several tests, especially blood tests to try to identify the cause, according to the affected lymph nodes, and then start the most adequate treatment.

90,000 Pain in the lymph nodes – causes and treatment

Pain in the lymph nodes is a signal that the body gives us that it is not healthy. Inflammation of the lymph nodes is dangerous and often has a number of consequences, a neglected infection can turn into chronic inflammation of such important organs, the progression of inflammation into purulent forms is possible, which is why, if symptoms are detected, the prompt diagnosis of a specialist and treatment is necessary.

Lymph nodes are natural filters in our circulatory system, which are responsible for the “production” of immune cells, destroy disease-causing viruses and cancer cells. The human lymphatic system is located throughout the body, the prevailing number of system nodes are located in the neck and head.

When pathogens from the environment enter the human body, the lymph nodes begin an active fight against viruses. If there is too much foreign and pathogenic virus in a person’s blood, the body’s resources cannot cope in the usual way, white blood cells cannot cope with such a volume of work.The lymph nodes begin to vigorously produce lymphocytes, trying to protect the body, which is why they increase in size and become inflamed.

Causes of swollen lymph nodes:

As mentioned earlier, an increase in lymph nodes manifests itself in the fight against viral infections, for example, colds, especially those that become more active in the autumn-winter season (ARVI, influenza). In addition to these provoking factors, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the jaw and under it can be promoted by dental diseases, for example, periodontitis, tooth abscess.This list should include vitamin deficiency, stressful situations for a person, lingering diseases of an infectious nature (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, otitis media, etc.). There are many reasons for the weakening of the body and inflammation of the nodes of the lymphatic system, and only a specialist diagnosis will help establish the cause and determine further treatment.

Symptoms of the weakening of the body with inflammation of the lymph nodes

In addition to an increase in lymph nodes in size, the patient experiences soreness, sensitivity at the site of inflammatory processes, and a headache may appear.Against the background of the disease, a person feels unwell, an increase in temperature. Sore throat is felt when swallowing. The patient experiences pain with inflammation of the lymph nodes under the jaw when pressing on the tubercles that appear, dense to the touch and mobile – all these signals indicate abnormalities in the body.

Diagnosis of the disease

Among the diseases accompanied by inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes, about a hundred can be distinguished, which is why only a doctor can determine the nature of inflammation and refer the patient to a narrow specialist: otolaryngologist, oncologist, dentist, etc.e. As such, inflammation of the lymph nodes is only a consequence, not a pathology. Therefore, it does not make sense to treat it separately. When diagnosing, the doctor prescribes a blood test for the patient, which helps to determine the inflammatory process in the patient’s body, then the patient needs to undergo an ultrasound examination, if the situation so requires, a biopsy is performed.

Lymph node inflammation: treatment guidelines

After carrying out diagnostic procedures, the doctor determines the course of treatment, therapy depends on the main diagnosis of the disease.The list of drugs available on the market is extensive, but only your doctor in accordance with the clinical picture can select effective drugs, determine their dosages, and give appropriate recommendations.

With inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes, it is necessary first of all to eliminate the infection that causes the disease. For this, the doctor may prescribe special solutions, patients are shown to apply cold compresses and observe oral hygiene, in case of a complication of the disease, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed.If the inflammation is purulent, conservative treatment will not be effective; in this case, surgical intervention may be required in order to open the submandibular node and pump out the pathogenic fluid formed there.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes has many clinical features, to understand which is the prerogative of only a medical specialist, which is why self-medication is strictly prohibited.

90,000 Enlarged lymph nodes – what to do

Inflammation of the lymph nodes, called lymphadenitis, and often associated with lymphagnitis, is an alarming symptom.If the lymph nodes increase and hurt, you need to consult a doctor to determine the cause that caused such a deviation. In most cases, enlarged lymph nodes signal the development of some kind of disease that requires diagnosis and treatment. Usually, an increase in lymph nodes is caused by an inflammatory process in the human body.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a natural objective process, because the lymph nodes filter all the components that enter the circulatory system.As soon as pathogenic microorganisms enter the lymph node, which is a kind of barrier, lymph cells begin to work in it, which kill harmful viruses and bacteria. But in some cases, the mass of foreign elements in the blood increases so much that the normal number of white blood cells can no longer cope with its function. In response, lymph cells multiply actively to eliminate the infection. And now the lymph nodes grow, become inflamed, redness of the skin and painful sensations appear – inflammation of the lymph nodes is diagnosed.

Signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• enlarged lymph nodes;
• pain in the lymph nodes;
• General malaise, headache;
• high temperature.

If, in addition to the listed signs, the skin in the area of ​​the lymph node turns red, severe pain appears, it means that a purulent process has begun. Other signs of purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes are fever, chills, and a general deterioration in the patient’s condition.

If the enlarged lymph node does not hurt, the temperature does not rise and the node grows slightly in size, this signals that this lymph node is functioning more actively than the others. This is caused by any disease that occurs at the time of inflammation of the lymph node, or has already passed. After some time, the enlarged lymph node takes on its standard size.

There is local and generalized inflammation of the lymph nodes – it depends on the extent of the spread of the disease.If only one category of lymph nodes is affected, they speak of local inflammation of the lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes that are not adjacent to each other swell and hurt, this is a generalized inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Diseases causing enlarged lymph nodes

As a rule, swollen lymph nodes are associated with an infection – affecting the entire body or local. The onset of many serious diseases, including infectious and even oncological, is indicated by enlarged lymph nodes (one or more).

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a symptom of a wide variety of ailments – from banal acute respiratory infections or tonsillitis to serious cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.

By the way, in childhood, inflammation of the lymph nodes is observed much more often than in adults.

It is not uncommon for babies to have lymph nodes at the base of the skull or on the neck that protrude strongly above the surface of the skin, and this is normal. Despite the fact that at first glance, such lymph nodes seem painfully swollen, they do not indicate any deviation, but are simply an individual feature of this child.However, if the enlargement of the lymph nodes is pronounced, and they are more than two and a half centimeters in diameter, this is already a sign of the disease.

Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes

The onset of acute inflammation of the lymph nodes is indicated by painful sensations, swollen lymph nodes, fever, lethargy. In many cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by an inflammatory process in the lymphatic vessels. As a rule, the inflammation of the lymph nodes proceeds the more severe, the more pronounced the infection that caused it.However, it also happens that the initial infectious process is already dying out, and the lymph nodes all hurt and remain swollen.

Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes can have three forms: catarrhal (non-purulent), hemorrhagic (blood impurity appears in the focus) and purulent. Catarrhal inflammation of the lymph nodes is rarely accompanied by a deterioration in the general condition, the lymph nodes located at the site of the initial focus of inflammation hurt and swell, the skin does not redden, the tissues adjacent to the lymph node are not affected by the infection.

With purulent inflammation, the lymph nodes hurt much more, the skin in the focus becomes red, inflamed, the lymph nodes become immobile, general symptoms of the infectious process appear (weakness, lethargy, fever, headache, etc.)

If the patient consulted a doctor on time and the inflammation of the lymph nodes was correctly diagnosed, the treatment will be effective and uncomplicated. But if you start the disease and it goes into a purulent stage, it is quite possible to completely destroy the lymph node and form a piece of connective tissue in its place.In this case, the outflow of lymph in this place will be disturbed, constant edema will appear. Other serious complications of lymphadenitis are an inflammatory process in the veins (thrombophlebitis), purulent inflammation of adjacent tissues, and blood poisoning. In addition, acute inflammation of the lymph nodes often spills over into a chronic form.

Chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes

Chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes can begin in the process of a sluggish chronic infectious disease (for example, in chronic tonsillitis).Another possibility is the transition of the acute phase of inflammation to the chronic one. As a rule, with a chronic course, the lymph nodes enlarge, but do not suppurate. When probing chronically inflamed lymph nodes, the doctor discovers that they are soldered to the adjacent tissues and are compacted. At the same time, the lymph nodes do not hurt, but they remain enlarged for a long time. Gradually, the tissue of the lymph nodes is replaced by a connective tissue, and they decrease in size. Sometimes the overgrown connective tissue causes impaired lymph circulation – edema appears.

Physicians distinguish six groups of causes that cause swollen lymph nodes. These are the following diseases and conditions:

• local infection;
• general infection (generalized, widespread) affecting the body as a whole;
• connective tissue diseases;
• oncological diseases;
• hypersensitivity of the body;
• granulomatosis.

1. Localized infections are bacterial and viral, as well as caused by other microorganisms.

– Bacterial local infections. If the enlargement of the lymph nodes occurs once, it can be provoked by staphylococcus or streptococcus. There are, of course, other, more severe bacterial infections, such as plague or diphtheria. Tuberculosis also belongs to long-term chronic local infections.

– Viral local infections causing inflammation of the lymph nodes. These include, say, rubella, cat scratch disease (bartonella), the most common infections that cause inflammation of the lymph nodes.

In addition to viruses and bacteria, lymph node enlargement is also caused by other pathogens – protozoa, fungi, spirochetes.

After vaccination against a group of diseases (DPT) in children, lymph nodes often become inflamed and sore, but this process is temporary and passes quickly.

2. General (generalized) infections are also caused by bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.

– common bacterial infections that cause inflammation of the lymph nodes include tuberculosis, typhus, and some infectious skin diseases.

– viral infections accompanied by an enlarged lymph nodes include, for example, the following:

• cytomegalovirus,
• rubella,
• chickenpox,
• infectious mononucleosis.

According to some scientific data, AIDS can also be one of the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes.

– Among other causative agents of generalized infections are spirochetes, unicellular microorganisms that can cause enlargement and soreness of the lymph nodes.

In an infectious process that affects the entire human body, inflammation of the lymph nodes first occurs in one of them, and then spreads to several lymph nodes, and then they speak of generalized inflammation.

3. Diseases of the connective tissue that can cause swollen lymph nodes – for example, arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.

4. Hypersensitivity states are observed in some people who are acutely reacting to certain substances.Inflammation of the lymph nodes is an individual response to the administration of medications and other media. An example is horse serum, which is used to make antisera and can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes in hypersensitive patients.

5. Cancer also causes swollen lymph nodes. Among them, for example – leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, lymphoma.

6. Granulomatosis.

If you find enlarged lymph nodes in yourself or someone close to you, you should contact one of the following specialists:

• infectious disease doctor,
• surgeon,
• hematologist,
• oncologist.

Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

T.A. Konon.

Health

The human neck has the highest concentration of lymph nodes in comparison with the rest of the body. And this is a huge responsibility for immunity and beauty! After all, it is in the lymph nodes that the lymph is cleared of toxins. Infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites) and decay products wander through the body in armies. And the lymph nodes, if they are stagnant, cannot cope with all this “dirt”.She begins to crawl out with various problems inside and outside. And it’s not only about all kinds of diseases due to a decrease in the protective reaction. Did you know, for example, that puffy eyes are the result of blockage and inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes?

We will tell you in detail how the lymph nodes are located on the neck, what amazing (and often underestimated!) Role they play, and how to preserve their health.

Contents of the article

Lymph nodes as part of the lymphatic system: why are they needed

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which also consists of vessels, capillaries, trunks, ducts and lymph itself (intercellular fluid).Together, this is a complex and extremely significant structure, which is responsible for immunity and the elimination of waste products, poisons and toxins.

This is something like a SEWAGE for the body, where bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi are neutralized and removed. The release of lymph occurs through the mucous membranes (vagina, urethra, nasopharynx), sweat glands, intestines, nose, spleen and other points.

And the key role in this system – the role of FILTERS and SEDIMENTS – is assigned to the lymph nodes.They produce antibodies and lymphocytes, which neutralize all “garbage” accumulated in the body: toxins, dead cells, corpses of viruses, bacteria, fungi. Thus, the body is protected.

If there is too much of such “garbage” even for the rapidly multiplying lymphocytes, then the lymph node becomes inflamed, increases in size and presses on adjacent tissues and organs. Pain appears.

Lymph nodes in the neck: location and anatomy

Have you tried to find the lymph nodes in your neck? If they are not enlarged, then this is difficult to do.On the neck, the easiest way to feel by touch is the lymph nodes located on the left and right under the lower jaw – the submandibular glands. They are normally quite large – up to 1 cm, and in case of inflammation they increase, become denser and hurt.

In total, there are up to 100 (!) Lymph nodes on the human neck. This is about one fifth of all lymph nodes in the body. Imagine what a huge responsibility on one small and fragile neck!

As in all other parts of the body, the lymph nodes in the neck cleanse the lymph from all unnecessary and harmful (decay products, poisons, infectious agents) and provide immunity.

The lymph route in the neck area is as follows:

• Lymph extends from the face, neck, occiput, throat and supraclavicular region and collects in the lymph nodes of the neck.
• In the lymph nodes, the lymph is saturated with lymphocytes and filtered.
• After cleansing, lymph is transported through a vein located between the collarbones into the circulatory system.

Lymphatic flow of the face goes from top to bottom, the rest of the body – from bottom to top.

Lymph nodes in the neck are arranged in groups.Several groups are distinguished depending on their location.

Where are the different groups of lymph nodes in the neck

• Front

  Under Chin – Chin

  Under the jaw – Submandibular

  In the jugular fossa (v-shaped depression between the clavicles) – Jugular

  Near the larynx – Anterior cervical

• Side (left, right)

  Angles of the lower jaw – Tonsillar

• Rear

  On the back of the neck – Back of the neck

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

The normal size of a lymph node in a person’s neck is a conditional concept.It depends on the individual characteristics of the organism, immunity. But, on average, a diameter of 1 mm to 1.5 cm is considered the norm. This variation is due to the fact that the size of the lymph nodes varies greatly depending on their location. The smallest are jugular (in the fossa between the clavicles), the largest are tonsillar (in the corners of the lower jaw) and anterior (in front of the larynx). Lymph nodes in a healthy state are soft formations.

Lymph nodes on the neck are located mainly shallow under the skin, so in case of enlargement they are most often found.Not like the lymph nodes hidden under the chest or abdominal cavity – here palpation is impossible.

Lymph nodes in the neck can increase by several centimeters. They become denser, to the touch they resemble a pine cone or a pea. They often hurt; mostly when touched. As a rule, these symptoms are not dangerous and disappear after a few days.

The easiest way to detect an increase in the anterior cervical and tonsillar nodes – they are quite large in a normal state, moreover, they are located superficially.Submandibular lymph nodes are easily identified in those who do not suffer from excessive subcutaneous fat. The posterior lymph nodes are felt with varying degrees of success. And the chin and jugular cannot be detected manually at all. They are small and are either under the bone (chin) or just deep (jugular).

On the one hand, enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck is usually associated with inflammation, but this is not always the case. The non-inflammatory nature of such changes is possible in the case of pathologies of the endocrine system, lesions of the connective tissue, and some skin diseases.But most often, an increase in the lymph node in the neck still indicates inflammation.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck: causes

An inflamed lymph node is a reaction to a weakened immune system as a result of various infectious and inflammatory diseases. Inflammation of the lymph nodes is scientifically called lymphadenitis.

On the neck, lymph nodes are most often inflamed with a cold. And this is easy to explain. Inflammation of the nodes – this is an adverse reaction to another inflammation, usually with a close localization.The logic is simple: the throat is inflamed – the lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed. And such changes in nodes in most cases are just a secondary, not a primary process.

Which diseases most often result in inflamed lymph nodes in the neck:

• influenza, ARVI,
• otitis media,
• stomatitis,
• sore throat, sore throat, pharyngitis,
• sexually transmitted diseases.

A serious risk factor for inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck is a decrease in immune strength.And many in the modern world can boast of strong immunity? It is undermined by: stress, nervous strain, vitamin deficiency, hypothermia, long-term illness, anemia.

Especially often the lymph nodes on the neck (anterior and tonsillar) increase in children under 5 years of age. The child’s immune system is weak up to this age, and the lymph nodes react sharply to threats to the immune system. If the child is 6-10 years old, the nodes may become larger due to rapid growth or poor nutrition.

Inflammation of the cervical nodes is dangerous because they are located close to the brain. The cervical region of the lymphatic system is simply obliged to cope with the infection, otherwise the risk of its penetration into the brain tissue will increase.

Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck

The most obvious symptom of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck is an increase in their size. In this case, the nodes often hurt. The pain increases with swallowing and touching the affected area. The skin in the area of ​​the lymph nodes may turn red, edema may form.

General symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes of the neck:

• temp,
• constant feeling of tiredness, weakness,
• headache,
• decreased appetite.

If the inflammation has passed into an acute stage, then such symptoms as suppuration of the lymph node, nausea, severe headache are added. But this does not happen often.

Fight against inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck

Many are interested in whether it is possible to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck at home.The very formulation of the question is incorrect. Lymphadenitis is not a disease, but a reaction! And it is not the lymph nodes that need to be treated, but the cause of their appearance.

Be careful with inflamed lymph nodes! They cannot be warmed up, massaged, kneaded, pressed. Complications may arise. And remember: the brain is near.

A common mistake in reasoning: “Since I have a cold, I need to be treated with warmth.” But not in the case of lymph nodes in the neck. Imagine that you apply dry heat to the suppuration. The powder keg will break so that it will not seem a little to the whole body.

During the treatment period, it is recommended to stay in bed, take vitamins, eat more fresh fruits, and also drink a lot of warm milk and tea.

At the initial stage of inflammation of the lymph nodes, it is required to create resting conditions for the affected area. Physiotherapy assistance may be needed.

A rise in temperature signals a progressive infection. And here it is important to get competent help. The presence of purulent inflammation may even require surgical intervention.

Traditional medicine for inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck

In combination with the treatment of the cause that caused the inflammation of the lymph nodes, they can be helped with the help of traditional medicine.

We suggest trying herbal preparations with anti-inflammatory effect. Their composition is shown in the picture:

We prepare all these fees using a single technology. Grind the herbs in a blender or meat grinder. Pour two tablespoons of the mixture with one liter of boiling water. We leave in a thermos overnight.Next, filter the resulting infusion and take it throughout the day.

Do not forget about folk remedies after you remove the inflammation of the lymph nodes. Natural ingredients are excellent in the fight against lymph congestion.

Prevention of blockage and inflammation of the lymph nodes

There is no special prevention of inflammation of the lymph nodes, because such changes appear as a consequence of the underlying disease. Therefore, we advise you to adhere to the general recommendations for strengthening the immune system so that infections are kept by you.Gymnastics, tempering, healthy and balanced nutrition, fresh air, adherence to work and rest, positive emotions – you already know all this. Just a reminder.

The main thing that we wanted to convey to you is the colossal importance for the health and beauty of the lymphatic system, which for some reason is undeservedly forgotten. Now it is in your hands to make sure that the lymph is clean, the lymph nodes are healthy, and any toxic “garbage” does not linger in the body, crawling out everywhere with sores and killing the immune system.

What you can do now to gently cleanse your lymph nodes and ducts:

• Engage in the mechanical scrubbing necessary to ward off excess fluid in the lymphatic system. A proven lymphatic stimulant is licorice root. Use it together with activated charcoal. From licorice, lymph liquefies, the lymph nodes get rid of toxins, throwing toxins into the intestines. And coal does not let toxins back into the intercellular fluid and carries them out. Licorice also has an anti-inflammatory effect.
• Spend more time outdoors.
• Do exercises and breathing exercises. Perfectly balanced and effective complex is selected in the “Basic Marathon” from MelAnnett.

What to do if the lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed

Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, as a rule, occurs as a result of contact with bacteria and viruses. If the enlargement is caused by an infection, it is called lymphadenitis. Less commonly, cancer can be the cause.

The lymphatic system plays a vital role in maintaining the life of our body and is the main component of our immunity. Lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, chin, underarms, and groin. In some cases, no action is required for treatment and a warm compress is sufficient. Treatment depends on the cause.

Symptoms

The lymphatic system includes a network of organs and lymph nodes located throughout the body.Most of them are found in the head and neck area. Swollen lymph nodes indicate that something is wrong in the body. The first signs are tenderness, soreness and enlargement of the lymph nodes to the size of a bean and even more.

Depending on the cause of the onset, the symptoms of the disease can be as follows:

Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other signs of upper respiratory tract infection.
Swollen lymph nodes throughout the body may indicate HIV, mononucleosis, or immune disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.Swollen limbs may indicate a blockage of the lymphatic system caused by swelling in the lymph nodes that are deep under the skin and cannot be felt.

When the treatment of lymph nodes in the neck requires a visit to the doctor

Lymph nodes return to normal over time if the cause of the enlargement was an infection that responded to treatment. But there are a number of factors for which you should see a doctor:

• Swelling for no apparent reason
• Duration 2-4 weeks
• Nodes are difficult to feel and do not move when pressed
• With persistent fevers, night sweats, and weight loss
• Accompanied by a sore throat and difficulty swallowing.

Why are the lymph nodes in the neck inflamed – causes

Lymph node is a small, round or bean-shaped cluster of cells covered with a connective tissue capsule. Cells are a combination of lymphocytes that produce protein particles that fight viruses and macrophages that break down harmful substances. Lymphocytes and macrophages filter the lymphatic fluid that travels throughout the body and protects us.

Lymph nodes are located in groups, each of which serves a specific area of ​​the body.An increase in a specific area may suggest a cause. The most common infection is infection, especially a viral infection, such as the common cold. But there are other types of lymphadenitis of the cervical lymph nodes , such as parasitic or bacterial, which can cause swollen lymph nodes.

Common infections:

• Measles
• Ear infections
• Tooth infection – abscess
• Mononucleosis
• Skin infections
• HIV

Atypical infections:

• Tuberculosis
• Sexually transmitted infections (syphilis and others)
• Toxoplasmosis
• Bacterial infection from cat scratch

Autoimmune diseases:

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Cancer:

• Lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Other cancers that have spread to lymph node metastases

Complications

If infection is the cause and has not been properly treated, complications can arise.

Formation of an abscess. Localization of the accumulation of pus caused by infection. Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, bacteria and other elements that are dangerous to the body. If an abscess occurs, drainage or antibiotic treatment may be required. Significant damage can be done if vital organs are affected.

Bloodstream infection. Bacterial can occur anywhere in your body and progress to sepsis, caused by significant blood poisoning.Sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Treatment includes hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.

Diagnostics

To diagnose a disease, a doctor may need:

• Medical history
• Medical examination
• Blood test
• Chest X-ray and Computed Tomography
• Lymph node biopsy (as a last resort).

Treatment of lymph nodes in the neck

If a virus is the cause, the lymph nodes in the neck will recover on their own after the infection itself is treated.But if this does not happen or there is another reason, the following treatment may be required:

• Infection. The most common treatment for enlarged lymph nodes is antibiotics. If the cause is HIV infection, appropriate treatment is required.
• Autoimmune disease. With lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, proper treatment of the disease itself is necessary.
• Cancer. Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy may be required depending on the type and degree of development.

Treatment of lymph nodes in the neck at home

If your lymph nodes are swollen and painful, you can relieve your symptoms in the following ways:

• Exposure to heat. Apply a warm, damp compress, such as a sponge dipped in hot water.
• Pain reliever. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen can help relieve pain and bring down fever. Do not give aspirin to children without the advice of a doctor.
• Rest. A good rest is sometimes all that is needed to bring your condition back to normal.

See also: Lymphatic system

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the line of ESMA devices for medicine.

90,000 Inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) in cats

Signs

Diagnostics

Treatment

Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes function as “filters” that protect the body from the spread of foreign agents: all lymph passes through the lymph nodes before entering the bloodstream.They contain immune cells that, if necessary, form an immune response. Inflammation of the lymph nodes is not an independent disease, but a symptom indicating the presence of inflammation in the body. The first to be affected are the lymph nodes closest to the focus of inflammation.

Features

The inflamed lymph node increases in size, swells, may be painful, the skin above it may turn red, and the lymph nodes themselves feel smooth to the touch. With inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in a cat, it is difficult to eat, and breathing problems may occur.With inflammation of the axillary or inguinal lymph nodes, lameness may occur.

Cats with lymphadenitis often have fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

Enlargement of superficial lymph nodes can easily be noticed by an attentive owner by simply stroking and feeling the cat. If an enlargement of one or several lymph nodes is detected (even if the rest of the animal is doing well), it is necessary to show the cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible!

You should not delay the visit to the doctor, in this case there is a risk of developing pathologies dangerous to health and life.Click on the phone number and call our veterinary center right now

8 (499) 372 00 57
or you can order a call back.

Diagnostics

If lymphadenitis is suspected, a thorough history is taken, examination with palpation of all superficial lymph nodes, general and biochemical blood tests.

Sometimes additional diagnostic tests are required: ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, radiography, lymph node biopsy, bacteriological, virological or mycological examination.

Treatment

Treatment should be directed at eliminating the underlying cause of the lymphadenitis. So, with inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes, treatment of diseases of the oral cavity (gingivitis, stomatitis, abscesses, aching teeth) is usually required.

When a systemic infection is detected, antibiotics and antifungal drugs are prescribed.

In case of purulent inflammation of the lymph node, surgical treatment may be required: opening and drainage of the abscess.

The enlargement of lymph nodes can occur not only with inflammation, but also with cancer (lymphoma, metastases).Only a veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe adequate treatment.

We employ highly qualified veterinarians. Click on the phone number and sign up for a consultation right now 8 (499) 372 00 57 Or you can order a call back

Read reviews about our veterinary center.

(c) Zoostatus Veterinary Center for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals.
Varshavskoe highway, 125 bldg. 1.

“I felt tired, but no one even suspected that I was sick”

Aytana’s life changed in a few months.In June 2018, after a blood test, which she was prescribed for inflammation of the lymph nodes , she visited her pediatrician to find out the result. A primary care physician explained to a 15-year-old girl and her family that the analysis showed significant abnormalities and that the level of immunoglobulins (or antibodies) was very low. For this reason, the doctor referred the patient to the Department of Immunology and Primary Immunodeficiency at the Hospital Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona.

The teenage girl was admitted to the hospital at Sant Joan de Daewoo a little later, where hematological, immunological, infectious and diagnostic tests were performed on to find the source of the problem. In July, Aytana underwent surgery to examine swollen lymph nodes and rule out lymphoma.

“We were very scared, but from the very beginning they gave us all the information and explained that it is necessary to carry out an operation to exclude other diseases” , recalls Aytana.

Rapid diagnosis is the key to the patient’s treatment

After the operation, lymphoma was excluded, however, it was confirmed that the cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes in Aitana was a viral infection, which her body had difficulty in fighting due to a decrease in the level of immunoglobulins and insufficient antibody response . The patient’s diagnosis was also confirmed: common variable immunodeficiency (CVI).

. “As a child, I already had low immunoglobulins in blood tests in and, once, I was admitted to the hospital due to platelet deficiency .For several years I have been treated for stunting. The truth is that we did not associate this with a possible illness ”, explains Aytana.

In fact, JVI is the most common symptomatic primary immunodeficiency , a disease that in many cases is not diagnosed until adulthood. According to the patient, she suffered from minor infections and always felt very tired, but neither she nor her family ever suspected that they were symptoms of a possible pathology until Dr. Laya Alsina confirmed the diagnosis…

The cause of this disease in most cases is still not known, although there have been several genetic studies for this diagnosis. Thanks to the experience of the Clinical Immunology and Primary Immunodeficiency Team Hospital Sant Joan de Daewoo and other departments of the hospital, it became possible to quickly diagnose and prescribe treatment for Aytana.

“Everything went very quickly and very well, soon I already knew what was happening to me and what would be the treatment for immunodeficiency ,” sums up the girl, who claims that she has grown a lot in recent months after the experience.

Home Treatment to Reduce Hospital Visits

“The first thing I asked myself was this disease for my whole life?” – Aytana was very worried about her future and the consequences of immunodeficiency for her daily life . The immunology team explained that this is a disease that requires long-term treatment with immunoglobulins. The goal of this therapy, which the patient should do once a month, is to prevent possible infections or their complications .Given that this is a chronic treatment, the family was encouraged to do the procedures subcutaneously (at home, after the relatives were trained in the procedure) rather than intravenously (this is done in a hospital).

Aytane has already performed the second procedure subcutaneous treatment in the day hospital, where she was taught to inject immunoglobulin on her own so that she could do it without having to visit the hospital.

“After the third session I can do it myself.Now I’m still learning and getting used to it because I think I’ll have to punch myself a little, ” says Aytana, who hopes not to visit the hospital too often.

This will be the main immunodeficiency treatment that she will receive at this stage, although her immunodeficiency may sometimes require other treatments .

The patient sums up: “Communication helped me a lot: with my friends and family, and especially with my middle sister.I think that the best thing to do when you have been diagnosed with a difficult diagnosis is to express your feelings, to share concerns and doubts “.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm

Lymph nodes are the basis of the immune system. They help the body cleanse itself of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful cells. The human body consists of a large number of lymph nodes, but those located in the armpit area are usually affected. When an infection enters this zone, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs.However, this process can also indicate the development of breast cancer, so it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner. Specialists of the Medical Center “Clinic of Practical Medicine” recommend not to postpone a visit to the doctor if symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits appear. We will carry out the necessary diagnostic studies in order to establish the exact cause of the pathology and prescribe treatment.

Causes of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits indicates an increase in their activity to fight infection or other harmful cells that have entered the body.However, the causes of enlarged lymph nodes also include:

• blockage and inflammation of sweat glands and hair follicles,
• the presence of boils or festering wounds in the armpit,
• mastopathy and mastitis,
• oncological diseases, etc.

Due to the variety of causes of the disease, treatment for inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits should be carried out by an experienced doctor after all the necessary research has been carried out.

Symptoms of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes

At the initial stage, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpit can proceed rather slowly.First, their size increases, then soreness appears and sensitivity increases in this area. Gradually, the skin becomes reddish. This condition can go away on its own without treatment and removal of the lymph nodes. If this does not happen, general weakness, nausea and fever are added to it.

Treatment for inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes

With an increase in the axillary lymph nodes, therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of the disease.As a rule, conservative treatment is prescribed, which means taking antibiotics, immunostimulating drugs and other drugs. If this method is ineffective, the removal of the axillary lymph nodes is performed. If the inflammation is caused by oncology, the first step is excision of the tumor and biopsy of regional nodes.

Specialists of the Medical Center “Clinic of Practical Medicine” strongly recommend not to postpone the visit to the doctor if there are symptoms of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes.