What are lymph nodes and where are they located in the body. How do lymph nodes contribute to the immune system. When should swollen lymph nodes be a cause for concern. What conditions can cause lymph node swelling.

The Crucial Role of Lymph Nodes in the Immune System

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that play a vital role in our body’s defense mechanism. These unassuming structures are the unsung heroes of our immune system, tirelessly working to keep us healthy. But what exactly do they do?

Lymph nodes act as biological filters, sifting through lymphatic fluid to capture and neutralize harmful substances. This process is essential for ridding the body of germs and removing waste products. During an infection, these nodes can become swollen and noticeable, particularly in areas like the neck, armpit, and groin.

How Many Lymph Nodes Are in the Human Body?

The human body contains hundreds of lymph nodes, forming clusters throughout various regions. While the exact number can vary from person to person, it’s estimated that we have between 500 to 700 lymph nodes. These nodes are strategically positioned to monitor lymph flow from different parts of the body.

Mapping the Lymphatic System: Where Are Lymph Nodes Located?

Understanding the location of lymph nodes can help us better monitor our health. Here are some key areas where lymph nodes are concentrated:

• Neck (cervical lymph nodes)
• Armpits (axillary lymph nodes)
• Groin (inguinal lymph nodes)
• Behind the ears
• In the chest, between the lungs
• In the abdomen

It’s important to note that while many lymph nodes are close to the skin’s surface and can be felt when swollen, others are located deep within the body. For instance, there are no lymph nodes in the brain or spinal cord.

Can You Feel Normal Lymph Nodes?

Typically, healthy lymph nodes are not easily palpable. They become noticeable only when they swell in response to an infection or other health issues. If you can feel your lymph nodes without any apparent cause, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation.

The Lymphatic System: A Complex Network of Defense

Lymph nodes are integral components of the lymphatic system, a complex network that works in tandem with the circulatory system. This intricate web of vessels and nodes spans the entire body, serving as a secondary circulatory system that manages fluid balance, absorbs fats from the digestive tract, and supports immune function.

How Does Lymph Flow Through the Body?

Lymph flow is a one-way street, moving from the tissues towards the heart. Unlike blood, which is pumped by the heart, lymph relies on muscle contractions and body movements to propel it through the lymphatic vessels. This is why physical activity is crucial for maintaining a healthy lymphatic system.

The Filtering Function: How Lymph Nodes Protect Us

The primary function of lymph nodes is to filter out potentially harmful substances from the lymphatic fluid. But how exactly does this process work?

1. Lymph enters the node through afferent lymphatic vessels.
2. Inside the node, the fluid passes through a maze-like structure filled with immune cells.
3. Harmful substances are trapped and destroyed by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
4. Clean lymph exits through efferent vessels and eventually returns to the bloodstream.

This filtering process is crucial for maintaining our health, as it prevents the spread of infections and helps eliminate cellular waste products.

What Happens When Lymph Nodes Encounter Pathogens?

When lymph nodes detect pathogens like bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the lymph, they spring into action. The nodes produce more lymphocytes to combat the invaders, which causes them to swell. This swelling is often the first sign that our body is fighting an infection.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: When to Be Concerned

Swollen lymph nodes are a common occurrence and usually indicate that your immune system is working hard to fight off an infection. However, in some cases, persistent swelling can be a sign of more serious conditions.

How Long Do Lymph Nodes Stay Swollen?

Typically, lymph nodes remain swollen for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the underlying cause. If swelling persists for more than two weeks or is accompanied by other symptoms like unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Common Causes of Lymph Node Swelling

While swollen lymph nodes often trigger concern, it’s important to understand that they can be caused by various conditions, many of which are benign. Let’s explore some common reasons for lymph node swelling:

Lymphadenitis: When Lymph Nodes Become Infected

Lymphadenitis occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi infect the lymph nodes directly. This condition can be localized, affecting only a few nodes, or generalized, involving multiple node clusters throughout the body.

Symptoms of lymphadenitis include:

• Painful, swollen nodes
• Soft or matted nodes
• Skin streaking around the affected area
• Abscesses
• Fluid seepage from the skin

Treatment for lymphadenitis may involve antibiotics, pain relief medication, anti-inflammatories, or in severe cases, surgery. The specific treatment plan depends on factors such as the severity of the infection and the patient’s overall health.

Throat Infections: A Common Cause of Neck Swelling

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are often associated with throat infections, which can be either viral or bacterial in nature.

Viral throat infections, such as the common cold, typically resolve on their own but may cause temporary lymph node swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.

Strep throat, a bacterial infection caused by group A streptococcus, can lead to swollen neck lymph nodes along with other symptoms like sore throat, fever, and red spots on the roof of the mouth. Unlike viral infections, strep throat requires antibiotic treatment.

Impetigo: When Skin Infections Affect Lymph Nodes

Impetigo, a bacterial skin infection, can cause lymph nodes in the armpits and groin to swell. This condition occurs when group A streptococcus bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin.

Symptoms of impetigo include:

• Red sores that burst and develop a honey-colored crust
• Itchy rash
• Swollen lymph nodes near the affected area

Impetigo is highly contagious but can be effectively treated with topical or oral antibiotics.

Beyond Infections: Other Causes of Lymph Node Swelling

While infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes, there are other conditions that can lead to this symptom:

Autoimmune Disorders

Certain autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can cause chronic lymph node swelling. In these cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation throughout the body, including in the lymph nodes.

Cancers Affecting the Lymphatic System

Although less common, persistent lymph node swelling can sometimes indicate lymphoma or leukemia. These cancers affect the lymphatic system directly and can cause painless, gradually enlarging lymph nodes.

Medications and Allergic Reactions

Certain medications, particularly those that affect the immune system, can cause lymph node swelling as a side effect. Additionally, severe allergic reactions can lead to temporary lymph node enlargement.

Monitoring Lymph Node Health: When to See a Doctor

While most cases of swollen lymph nodes are benign and resolve on their own, there are situations where medical attention is necessary. Consider consulting a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Lymph node swelling that persists for more than two weeks
• Nodes that are hard, fixed in place, or rapidly growing
• Swelling accompanied by unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fever
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swollen nodes
• Redness or inflammation of the skin over swollen lymph nodes

A thorough examination by a healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause of persistent lymph node swelling and guide appropriate treatment.

What Diagnostic Tests Might Be Used to Evaluate Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Depending on the clinical presentation, doctors may employ various diagnostic tools to assess swollen lymph nodes:

1. Physical examination
2. Blood tests to check for infections or other systemic conditions
3. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
4. Fine needle aspiration or biopsy for microscopic examination of lymph node tissue

These tests help healthcare providers determine the underlying cause of lymph node swelling and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Maintaining Lymphatic Health: Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Factors

While we can’t always prevent lymph node swelling, there are steps we can take to support overall lymphatic health:

• Stay hydrated to promote lymph flow
• Engage in regular physical activity to stimulate lymph circulation
• Practice good hygiene to prevent infections
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or meditation
• Consider lymphatic massage or dry brushing to support lymph flow

By adopting these habits, we can help our lymphatic system function optimally and support our body’s natural defense mechanisms.

Can Lifestyle Changes Improve Lymphatic Function?

Indeed, certain lifestyle modifications can enhance lymphatic function. Regular exercise, particularly activities that involve bouncing or jumping, can significantly boost lymph flow. Additionally, staying well-hydrated and reducing intake of processed foods can help maintain a healthy lymphatic system.

The Future of Lymphatic Research: Emerging Trends and Potential Breakthroughs

As our understanding of the lymphatic system continues to evolve, researchers are exploring new avenues for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of lymphatic disorders. Some exciting areas of ongoing research include:

• Development of targeted therapies for lymphatic disorders
• Exploration of the lymphatic system’s role in neurological health
• Investigation of lymphatic function in cancer metastasis
• Advancements in imaging techniques for better visualization of lymphatic vessels and nodes

These research efforts hold promise for improving our ability to diagnose and treat lymphatic system disorders, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients dealing with various conditions affecting this crucial component of our immune system.

How Might Future Discoveries Impact Lymphatic Health Management?

As research progresses, we may see more personalized approaches to managing lymphatic health. This could include tailored therapies based on individual lymphatic system profiles, innovative diagnostic tools for early detection of lymphatic disorders, and novel interventions to enhance lymphatic function in both health and disease states.

The lymphatic system, with its network of nodes and vessels, plays a vital role in our overall health and well-being. By understanding the function and importance of lymph nodes, we can better appreciate the complexity of our immune system and take proactive steps to support our body’s natural defense mechanisms. While swollen lymph nodes can be a cause for concern, they are often simply a sign that our immune system is working as it should. However, persistent or unusual swelling warrants medical attention to rule out more serious conditions. As research in this field continues to advance, we can look forward to new insights and innovations that will further our understanding of lymphatic health and improve our ability to maintain it.

Purpose, location, and disease warning signs

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that play a crucial role in the immune system. They filter lymphatic fluid, which helps rid the body of germs and remove waste products. During an infection, a person may notice swollen lymph nodes, for instance, around the neck.

The body contains hundreds of lymph nodes. They form clusters around the body and are particularly prominent in areas such as the neck, armpit and groin and behind the ears.

The body’s cells and tissues dispose of waste products in lymphatic fluid, which lymph nodes then filter. During this process, they catch bacteria and viruses that could harm the rest of the body.

Lymph nodes are an essential part of the body’s immune system. Due to their function, they come into contact with toxins, which can cause them to swell. Although swollen lymph nodes are common, they may occasionally indicate lymph node cancer, or lymphoma.

Keep on reading to learn more about lymph nodes and their function within the immune system.

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which is a complex network of nodes and vessels.

In certain areas of the body, such as the neck, armpit, and groin, lymph nodes sit close to the skin. This means a person may feel them swell when an infection develops.

Lymph nodes are also present in the stomach and between the lungs. However, there are no lymph nodes in the brain or spinal cord.

The name of a lymph node depends on its location in the body.

Lymph nodes form clusters throughout the body. Their main function is to filter out potentially harmful substances.

All tissues and cells in the body excrete lymphatic fluid, or lymph, in order to eliminate waste products. The lymph then travels through vessels in the lymphatic system and passes through lymph nodes for filtering.

Lymph nodes contain lymphocytes. These are a type of white blood cells that help destroy pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When lymph nodes detect a pathogen in the lymph, they produce more lymphocytes, which causes them to swell.

Upon encountering bacteria or damaged cells, lymph nodes destroy them and turn them into a waste product.

When the lymph reenters the bloodstream, waste products travel to the kidneys and liver. The body then excretes waste products in the urine and feces.

Learn more about how the lymphatic system works here.

Swollen lymph nodes do not always indicate cancer. Below, we list some of many conditions that can cause lymph node swelling.

Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis occurs when bacteria, viruses, or fungi in the lymph infect lymph nodes. When this happens, lymph nodes swell and are painful to the touch.

If multiple clusters of nodes become infected, a person may feel pain and swelling in both their neck and groin.

The most common type of lymphadenitis is localized lymphadenitis. This means the condition only affects a few nodes. If the infection occurs in several node clusters, a doctor will likely diagnose generalized lymphadenitis.

The condition usually results from an infection elsewhere in the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of lymphadenitis include:

• sore, swollen nodes
• soft or matted nodes
• skin streaking around the nodes
• abscesses around the nodes
• fluid seeping from the skin

Treatment

Lymphadenitis treatments include:

• antibiotics
• pain relief medication
• anti-inflammatories
• surgery

The type of treatment necessary will depend on a variety of factors, such as the severity of the disease and a person’s underlying conditions and allergies. A doctor will help a person choose the most suitable treatment based on these factors.

Learn more about swollen lymph nodes in the neck here.

Viral or bacterial throat infections

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may be due to a viral or bacterial throat infection, such as strep throat.

Viral infections

Viral throat infections, such as colds, can present with swollen lymph nodes, a runny nose, and pinkeye.

These infections usually resolve on their own. However, a person can take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate pain they may experience when swallowing.

Strep throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that develops in the throat and tonsils due to group A streptococcus. People may contract strep throat if they come into contact with droplets containing the strep bacteria.

A person with strep throat may experience swollen lymph nodes on the neck, a sore throat, a fever, and red spots on the roof of the mouth.

Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics.

Impetigo

Impetigo is an infection that develops due to group A streptococcus and may cause lymph nodes in the armpits and groin to swell.

A person can contract impetigo when the bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin. This can happen through sharing a towel, razor, or yoga mat.

Symptoms

Symptoms of impetigo include:

• itchy spots or sores around the nose or mouth that occur with change in skin color
• swollen lymph nodes
• painful sores
• blisters

Treatment

If a person has impetigo, they should seek medical attention to address their symptoms and prevent the condition from spreading to others.

Treatment will usually involve antibiotics.

Ringworm

Ringworm, or jock itch, is a fungal infection that can affect many areas of the body. If the fungus develops in the groin, a person may experience lymph node swelling in that area.

Typically, ringworm starts as a fungal lesion. The fungus often transmits when people share towels or razors.

Ringworm thrives in moist environments, and therefore a person should take care to dry thoroughly after a wash and try not to stay in damp clothes.

Symptoms

Common ringworm symptoms include:

• a patchy rash with a ring-like appearance and clear borders
• itchiness
• stinging
• flaky skin

Treatment

A doctor will prescribe an antifungal treatment to address ringworm.

The best way to prevent ringworm is to wear breathable fabrics, avoid sharing towels and razors, and dry thoroughly after bathing.

Learn more about swollen lymph nodes in the groin here.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma occurs when cancer cells spread from one cluster of lymph nodes to another. By contrast, in non-Hodgkin lymphoma, there is no order in how cancer cells spread throughout the lymphatic system.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of lymphoma include:

• swollen lymph nodes
• fever
• night sweats
• fatigue
• unexplained weight loss

These are also common symptoms of viral infections, which can make lymphoma hard to diagnose. However, in people with lymphoma, symptoms tend to persist for longer periods of time.

It is of note that these symptoms do not clearly indicate cancer. If a person experiences any of these, they should contact a doctor to identify the cause of their symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment options for lymphoma include:

• CAR T cell therapy: This is a type of immunotherapy that uses a person’s own immune system to attack cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: This therapy uses medication to destroy cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high energy beams to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
• Stem cell transplant: A person receives stem cells from a donor. After they undergo high doses of chemotherapy, which destroys cancer cells and unhealthy blood cells, doctors implant stem cells, which start to produce new, healthy blood cells.

A person should contact a healthcare professional if they are experiencing persistent swelling of lymph nodes.

Swelling usually indicates an infection, and therefore a person should not immediately worry about lymphoma.

After reaching a diagnosis, a doctor will recommend the appropriate course of treatment.

Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system. They filter lymph, which contains pathogens and damaged cells, and send the dead cells to the kidneys and liver.

Lymph node swelling usually results from an infection. In rare cases, however, it may be due to lymphoma.

If a person is concerned about swelling and other symptoms they have, they should contact a doctor.

Pituitary Gland Location and Main Functions

Location of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, behind the bridge of the nose. It is about one-half inch (1.25 cm) in diameter. The pituitary gland rests within a hollowed out area of the sphenoid bone called the sella turcica.

The pituitary gland sits below the optic chiasm—the point where the fibers of the optic nerves cross each other—and between the internal carotid arteries. The sphenoid sinus, which is used to access the pituitary gland during transsphenoidal surgery, is below the gland.

Function of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is referred to as the “master gland” because it monitors and regulates many bodily functions through the hormones that it produces, including:

• Growth and sexual/reproductive development and function
• Glands (thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and gonads)
• Organs (kidneys, uterus, and breasts)

The pituitary gland is connected by a stalk to a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. Together, the brain and pituitary gland form the neuroendocrine system. This system constantly monitors glands and organs to determine whether to send or to stop the chemical messengers (hormones) that control their functions.

Learn more about the Barrow Pituitary Center – what we treat, treatments/procedures and to find a Pituitary specialist.

The arrow indicates the location of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.

Anatomy of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary has two lobes, the anterior and the posterior lobe. Each of the two lobes of the pituitary gland contains different types of cells and produces different types of hormones.

The anterior lobe makes up about 80% of the pituitary gland. It regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction through the hormones that it produces. The production of these hormones is either stimulated or inhibited by chemical messages sent from the hypothalamus to the pituitary.

• Human growth hormone (HGH or GH)
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Adrenocorticotrophin hormone (ATCH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• luteinizing hormone (LH)
• prolactin

The posterior lobe produces two hormones, vasopressin and oxytocin. These hormones are released when the hypothalamus sends messages to the pituitary gland through nerve cells.

• Vasopressin is also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). It acts on the kidney to conserve water and is important in fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus, which is important during childbirth. Oxytocin also contracts the smooth muscle of the breast for milk production.

Pituitary Gland Videos

Where is the pituitary gland located? What does it do?

Removal of Pituitary Adenoma Leaving Tumor Pseudocapsule Intact

Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery Explained

Where is the pituitary gland located? What does it do?
Removal of Pituitary Adenoma Leaving Tumor Pseudocapsule Intact
Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery Explained

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Pancreas – how to understand what is wrong

The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system that produces digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. It is located in the lower part of the abdominal cavity, behind the stomach, near the duodenum, at the level of the 1st-2nd lumbar vertebrae. The length of the organ is up to 22 cm, weight – 70-80 g. It is covered with a thin connective capsule, the main substance under it is divided into segments, between them there are connecting cords with excretory ducts, vessels, nerves. For the withdrawal of produced digestive enzymes and other substances, it has a main and additional duct.

If the normal functioning of the pancreas is disturbed, an inflammatory process develops in it. A group of diseases that are characterized by inflammation in the tissues of this organ, a violation of its work is called pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas is a dangerous disease, accompanied by severe pain, disruption of the digestive and endocrine systems. If a person does not receive medical care in a timely manner, complications may develop, up to a fatal outcome.

How to treat inflammation of the pancreas

See a doctor if you have symptoms of pancreatic disease. He will identify the causes of the disease and prescribe medication, diet. If the inflammatory process is caused by blockage of the excretory ducts, urgent surgery may be required to save the patient’s life.

Patients with acute form of pancreatitis are hospitalized in a hospital, where doctors constantly monitor their condition, changes in indicators in the general and biochemical blood tests, urine tests.

Medication is not enough for the human body to overcome a disease. For a successful recovery, or the removal of seizures in the chronic course of the disease, cold, hunger and peace are needed. The patient is benefiting from bed rest. In the first three days, a complete refusal of food is recommended, nutrients are administered intravenously. To relieve pain symptoms, a cold compress is placed on the stomach.

Causes of the disease

Inflammatory processes in the pancreas can occur:

• due to alcohol abuse – the most common cause of the disease in men;
• after injuries of the abdomen, operations, when the tissues or ducts of this organ were damaged;
• due to malnutrition – inflammation can develop if fast food, fatty, spicy, smoked, fried foods predominate in a person’s diet;
• with cholelithiasis – in women it develops 3-5 times more often than in men, and gallstones can clog the ducts, which disrupts the outflow of digestive enzymes and they begin to digest gland tissues;
• due to metabolic disorders in obesity, diabetes mellitus, during pregnancy or after childbirth;
• due to long-term use of antibiotics, corticosteroids, hormonal drugs;
• due to genetic predisposition – in some men, and more often in women, the pancreas produces a thicker secret, it is more slowly excreted through the ducts, and even a single abuse of alcohol, fatty, fried foods can provoke an attack of pancreatitis;
• after poisoning – food, alcohol, when working with varnishes, paints and inhaling their vapors, other toxic substances.

Forms of pancreatitis

At the first attack, the doctor diagnoses acute pancreatitis. If you follow a diet, other medical prescriptions, and take medications, inflammation can go away without consequences. If a person is responsible for his health, eats right, refuses alcohol, smoking, monitors weight, the attack may not recur.

But with systematic disorders, the pancreas works with an increased load, its condition worsens and the disease becomes chronic. If a second attack occurs less than 6 months after the first, acute recurrent pancreatitis is diagnosed. If the attacks recur for more than 6 months, the diagnosis is chronic pancreatitis. It has two phases: exacerbation and remission. If the diet is followed, the use of maintenance therapy, remission lasts for years, there are no acute attacks.

Symptoms of inflammation of the pancreas

Acute and chronic pancreatitis have different symptoms.

Acute

In an acute attack, the patient feels severe pain in the hypochondrium. Depending on the location and size of the focus of inflammation, it can be right-sided, left-sided or encircling.

Other signs indicating an inflammatory process in the pancreas:

• belching with a rotten smell, hiccups;
• persistent nausea, repeated vomiting;
• loose stools several times a day or constipation;
• temperature increase;
• feeling of dry mouth;
• changes in blood pressure;
• increased sweating;
• unhealthy skin color, brown spots, bruises over the navel or on the back in the lumbar region are possible.

Most of these signs, in addition to acute pain, are also observed in alcohol intoxication. The disease in men is not always diagnosed in a timely manner – patients relieve pain symptoms for some time with painkillers and hope to feel better when the hangover passes. It can be life threatening. If after drinking large doses of alcohol there is pain in the lower back, hypochondrium, check the pancreas.

Chronic form

Knowing how the pancreas hurts, you can not miss the first signs of the development of a chronic inflammatory process. Timely access to a doctor will help to avoid complications, infection, hormonal disorders in the body.

Signs of pain in the pancreas:

• dull aching;
• felt in the upper abdomen;
• can give to the chest, lower back, lower abdomen;
• increases after drinking alcohol, fried, smoked, spicy, fatty foods, marinades, an attack can be provoked by a cup of coffee, a cigarette smoked on an empty stomach;
• increases after stress.

It is difficult to diagnose only by the nature of the pain symptoms. With pancreatitis, other signs of disturbances in the functioning of the body appear. Consult a doctor if you often feel aching pain in the back or abdomen, the skin has acquired a yellowish tint, the appetite has disappeared, and weight is decreasing. Similar signs in women can be observed during pregnancy, and are mistaken for manifestations of toxicosis. In order not to miss a dangerous disease, from the first weeks of pregnancy, women need to regularly attend antenatal clinics, take blood and urine tests.

If chronic pancreatitis is left untreated, inflammation can spread to other organs of the digestive system, the endocrine system is disrupted, which increases the risk of developing diabetes and cancer.

Treatment

Pancreatitis is a group of diseases in which inflammatory processes develop in the pancreas. To effectively treat it, the doctor must determine the nature and localization of inflammation, the cause that caused the attack. After providing first aid and removing acute pain, an examination is carried out.

Diagnosis

To confirm the diagnosis and assess the patient’s condition, the gastroenterologist uses laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods:

• general and biochemical blood tests – identify signs and shows quantitative characteristics of inflammation, determine the level of bilirubin, enzymes;
• urinalysis – shows the level of enzymes;
• analysis of feces for parasites – is prescribed if it is suspected that the pancreatic ducts are clogged with parasites;
• ultrasound – shows the size of the gland, seals, fibrous areas;
• radiography (if possible, a more informative examination is prescribed – endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography) – is prescribed to detect stones or other bodies that clog the ducts;
• probing – characterizes the exocrine function of the gland;
• MRI or CT – reveal tissue necrosis, the boundaries of the affected areas.

Therapy Features

In case of an acute attack, the patient is hospitalized in a hospital where detoxification, bowel and peritoneal cleansing are carried out.

To relieve acute pain, antispasmodic and analgesic drugs are used, a cold compress is placed on the stomach. Limit physical activity. To reduce the secretion of hormones with a decrease in the patency of the ducts or their blockage, Platifillin or Atropine is prescribed. Antibiotics are used to prevent infection and relieve inflammation. In the first days, a complete refusal of food is shown, nutrients are administered intravenously. After 3-5 days, liquid cereals are introduced into the diet, simultaneously with the intake of enzymes: Pancreatin, Mezim-Forte. To save the patient from nausea, Motilium or Cerucal is prescribed.

Prevention of new exacerbations

To avoid new exacerbations of pancreatitis, you need to eat right, give up alcohol, cigarettes, and avoid stress. You need to eat in small portions 5-6 times a day. Eliminate fried, fatty, smoked foods, spices, marinades from the diet. Boil, bake or steam food. Give up coffee, sugary carbonated drinks. Take your pancreas-supporting medications prescribed by your doctor regularly.

Salivary glands: location, structure, functions

You hardly ever think about your saliva unless you are faced with the problem of its excess or deficiency. However, the saliva produced by the salivary glands plays a very important role in the context of the health of your oral cavity and, moreover, of your entire body. That is why it is so important to know what can interfere with the normal functioning of the salivary glands, and how to keep them healthy and working.

Location and function

You have six major glands (three on each side of your mouth) that continuously produce saliva. The excretory ducts of the parotid glands open above the maxillary molars, while the ducts of the submandibular glands exit into the oral cavity next to the molars of the mandible, and the sublingual gland irrigates directly the floor of the mouth.

Thanks to the enzymes present in saliva, the process of digestion of food begins as soon as food enters your mouth. In the absence of saliva, which moistens and softens food, chewing and swallowing become noticeably more difficult. Saliva also hydrates your mouth so you can speak without difficulty. Equally important, saliva washes away bacteria from the teeth and reduces the acidity of the oral environment, protecting teeth and gums from caries and gingivitis . In addition, calcium, phosphorus and fluorine salts contained in saliva contribute to the strengthening of enamel.

Keeping Your Salivary Glands Healthy

By following these simple guidelines, you can keep your salivary glands healthy and functioning, providing your body with much-needed fluid.

• If you smoke or otherwise use tobacco, consider giving up this bad habit.
• Limit your alcohol intake and avoid so-called soft drugs.
• Strictly control any disease, such as diabetes.
• Tell your doctor if your prescribed medication causes dry mouth.
• Talk to your doctor about ways to stop snoring and breathing through your mouth while you sleep.
• Take good care of your teeth and gums to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
• Seek medical attention at the first sign of oral infection or salivary gland swelling.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

What is xerostomia?

If your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva, you may start to suffer from xerostomia, or more simply dry mouth . Anyone can experience a dry mouth, especially from excitement or stress, but many people regularly experience this problem, which can be a side effect of medication or a consequence of more serious diseases that affect the salivary glands. Symptoms of xerostomia are difficulty in chewing food, changes in taste, burning sensation in the mouth, sores on the mucous membrane and cracks in the lips.

There are over 500 drugs (both prescription and over the counter) that can cause or worsen dry mouth. Decongestants, antihistamines, some antidepressants, blood pressure medications, sedatives, anticonvulsants, and antipsychotics often have this effect. Drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease and anti-nausea and vomiting drugs used to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy can also cause dry mouth.

To reduce symptoms of xerostomia drink water in small sips throughout the day and avoid smoking and caffeinated drinks and alcohol. Chewing gum or sugar-free lollipops can help stimulate saliva production. You can also use a saliva substitute recommended by your doctor.

Diseases that affect saliva production

Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the salivary glands and can cause xerostomia, or mouth ulcers. Dry mouth is a symptom of HIV, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes mellitus . In some cases, a feeling of dry mouth occurs during radiation and drug therapy for cancer, note oncologists .