Swollen Glands, Hernias, and Other Lumps Under the Skin

Are you concerned about swollen glands or other lumps under the skin?

Yes

Concern about swollen glands or lumps under skin

No

Concern about swollen glands or lumps under skin

How old are you?

Less than 12 years

Less than 12 years

12 years or older

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Why do we ask this question?

• If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Can you feel a lump in the neck or throat?

Yes

Lump in throat or neck

Did the lump develop quickly (over hours)?

Yes

Lump in neck or throat developed quickly

No

Lump in neck or throat developed quickly

Are you having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)?

Yes

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

No

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

Are you having trouble swallowing?

Can you swallow food or fluids at all?

Yes

Able to swallow food or fluids

No

Unable to swallow food or fluids

Is your voice hoarse for no clear reason?

Yes

Unexplained hoarseness

Do you have any symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland sits in your neck in front of your windpipe. It can become swollen if it’s not working properly.

Yes

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

No

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

“Hardware” includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.

Yes

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

No

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

Do you think you may have a fever?

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Has the pain lasted for more than 3 days?

Yes

Pain for more than 3 days

No

Pain for more than 3 days

Is it a soft lump near the belly button, the groin, or the site of a past surgery?

This type of lump could be a hernia.

Yes

Soft lump near belly button, groin, or surgical site

No

Soft lump near belly button, groin, or surgical site

Does the pain go away when you press on the lump?

Yes

Pain goes away when lump is pressed

No

Pain goes away when lump is pressed

Have you had the lump or swollen gland for more than 2 weeks?

Yes

Swollen gland or lump for more than 2 weeks

No

Swollen gland or lump for more than 2 weeks

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Pain in adults and older children

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Symptoms of infection may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
• Red streaks leading from the area.
• Pus draining from the area.
• A fever.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

• Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
• Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
• Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
• Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
• Medicines taken after organ transplant.
• Not having a spleen.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when your body has too much thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:

• Tiredness.
• Muscle weakness.
• Weight loss.
• Sweating and not being able to tolerate hot temperatures.
• Fast heart rate.
• Feeling edgy or anxious.
• Enlarged thyroid gland (your thyroid gland is in your neck).

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:

• Tiredness and weakness.
• Weight gain.
• Depression.
• Memory problems.
• Constipation.
• Dry skin, brittle nails, and coarse, thinning hair.
• Not being able to tolerate cold temperatures.

A soft lump in one of these areas (belly button, groin, past surgical site) may be a hernia. A hernia can occur when there is a weakening in the muscle wall and part of an internal organ (often part of the bowel) pushes through.

With a hernia, the lump may go away when you press on it or lie down, and it may get worse when you cough. It may or may not be painful.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

• You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
• It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Make an Appointment

Based on your answers, the problem may not improve without medical care.

• Make an appointment to see your doctor in the next 1 to 2 weeks.
• If appropriate, try home treatment while you are waiting for the appointment.
• If symptoms get worse or you have any concerns, call your doctor. You may need care sooner.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

The possible causes of your swollen glands

Oh how I remember the joy of swollen glands.  “Me glands are up again, Mum”, I would proudly announce. I would wake up in the morning, and straightaway could feel that familiar tenderness on both sides just below my jawline.

Prodding my neck, there they were – tender little pea-sized lumps. It meant at least three days off school, a whole week if I could produce a convincing enough performance. Eventually an ear, nose and throat specialist became involved, and I had to cast aside my boyish glands, along with the tonsils that had caused them. My duvet days (or in those times, candlewick bedspread days), were over.

Superheroes of the immune system

There are lymph glands all over the body but the ones that most commonly swell up are in the neck. Part of the immune system, their main job is to defend the body against infection. They are the superheroes of the body, containing white blood cells and antibodies, ready to fight any criminal bacteria or viruses (germs) swanning around the neighbourhood looking for trouble.

So infection is a major cause of swollen lymph glands. In most cases, they swell up for a week and then go down. I’ve already mentioned tonsillitis as a cause of swollen glands in the neck, but any infection in that area, such as throat infections, the common cold or tooth infections, will also cause them to don their crime-fighting capes.

Infections in other areas can lead to swollen glands. Scalp infections and infestations (such as head lice) can result in swollen glands at the back of the head. Infections of the skin of the arm can cause swollen glands in the armpit. Infections of the leg or genitals, or nappy rash, can cause glands to swell in the groin.

Glands all over

There are some infections that bring out the whole force. These mainly involve viruses – flu (influenza), chickenpox, and glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), Off the record, some lymph glands told me they think this is an over-reaction, but when Captain Thymus orders you to jump, you say ‘How high?’

“So that’s it, Dr Knott,” I hear you say. “Swollen lymph glands equals infection. Can we go play Angry Birds now?”

Well, no. Unfortunately, that’s not the whole story.

When swollen glands mean trouble

Cancer

When swollen glands persist or are in an unusual place, cancer is the main concern. Cancer cells can break off from a tumour, pass through the lymph channels and settle in the lymph glands, causing them to swell.

Lumps in the armpit can be due to breast cancer, lumps in the neck can be caused by throat cancer and skin cancer can cause the nearest lymph glands to swell.

Cancer of the blood and lymphatic system, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and leukaemias, can all cause several lymph glands to swell.

Cancer of the stomach and lung can result in swollen lymph glands, are usually deep in the chest or abdomen and are not obvious from the outside.

Rarer causes

Nature can be cruel, not only to patients but also to medical students. Just when you think you’ve got this swollen gland lark pinned down, along comes a whole bunch of rarer causes that you wouldn’t dream in a million years could cause lymph glands to swell.

For instance: as a reaction to phenytoin, an anti-epileptic medicine – who knew? Glycogen storage disorders (conditions in which there is a problem in the processing of glycogen, a storable form of glucose) can do it. Then there’s sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis (all inflammatory conditions), as well as less common infections such as HIV, tuberculosis and Kawasaki disease.

So when should I start to worry?

If you do develop swollen glands, don’t panic. In most cases, it’s just the superheroes of the immune system doing their job. The cause will most likely be a simple infection and they will go down in a week or two.

However, if your glands come up for no reason (for example, you have no symptoms or signs of an infection, it’s time to see a doc. Glands that persist for more than a couple of weeks or come up in an odd place (for example, in that little space between the base of your neck and your collar bone (clavicle), are also reasons to seek medical advice.

What can I do to make swollen glands go away?

Well, not a lot. It’s either a question of waiting for them to go away by themselves, or seeing a doctor to get the cause diagnosed and treated. Take ibuprofen or paracetamol to control the discomfort in the meantime if necessary.

There’s nothing you can do to make the glands stay swollen for another 24 hours either, but you can say they still feel tender. After all, the Lone Ranger screened on a Friday, and I didn’t want to miss that, did I?

Neck Swelling – familydoctor.org

Can Dental Problems Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

When you’re starting to feel a little sick, you may notice some swelling on the sides of your neck. Those tiny lumps feel soft and tender to the touch and may even hurt a little. These are called lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are common and are a good sign. The swelling in these lumps is one of your body’s reactions to illness or infection.

When your lymph nodes get swollen, it means your immune system is working to clear away infection and viruses or bacteria. These swollen lumps act like filters that help your body get rid of cells or foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid and are located throughout your body in the jaw, arms, groin, abdomen, and legs.

The lymph nodes that swell up are the ones located closest to the area of the infection or illness. For example, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes in the neck is an upper respiratory infection. Lymph nodes can swell up with pretty much any kind of infection, including dental issues.

Dental Issues That Can Swell Your Lymph Nodes

Tooth Infections

A tooth infection is a pocket of infection and pus that develops because of a bacterial infection in the mouth. They are most commonly formed because of untreated dental cavities, a traumatic injury to the teeth, or even a poorly performed dental procedure. One of the symptoms of these kinds of infections, other than swelling of the face and toothache, is swollen lymph nodes in the jaw or neck.

It is crucial to catch them quickly because, in some cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. If the bacterial infection from an untreated tooth infection spreads to the neck, jaw, or brain, it can become life-threatening. The best way to prevent tooth infections is to practice good oral hygiene and be aware of the symptoms.

Canker Sore

A canker sore is an open mouth ulcer or sore, typically inside the lips or cheeks. They’re usually white or yellow and surrounded by inflamed soft tissue, and are really painful. Canker sore and swollen lymph nodes usually go hand in hand. Canker sores can have many causes like a virus or vitamin or mineral deficiency. Still, it’s always better to visit your dentist and let them examine it.

Get The Oral Health Assistance You Need

Dental problems are very delicate; they can lead to more significant issues within your body. If you notice anything unusual on your mouth, it’s better to visit a dentist as soon as possible, like canker sore and swollen lymph nodes. If you’re looking for a dentist in Knoxville, TN, look no further than Jim Erpenbach DDS. 

Dr. Erpenbach is a founding member of the American Academy of Oral Systemic Health and an accredited member of the Academy of Biomimetic Dentistry. He is a compassionate dentist who thrives on giving his patients conservative care and high-quality service. If you want to receive unparalleled care from the best dentist in Knoxville, TN, contact the best today.

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When to be concerned about swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are found throughout the body. The most common ones that can be felt are both in the front and back of the neck, under the armpits and in the groin. One can also find them around the elbows and on the left side above the collarbone (Virchow’s node). In addition to these lymph nodes on the surface just under the skin, there are nodes virtually everywhere in our body — inside the abdomen, in the lungs — everywhere.

Lymph nodes are one of our first lines of defense. They are like oil filters and remove abnormalities from the bloodstream and body. They stop the spread of bacteria and viruses which cause all types of infections. They also filter out abnormal cancer cells as they break off and threaten to spread (metastasize). We have thousands of lymph nodes that often go unnoticed. When they are filtering out “the bad stuff,” they can go from a few millimeters in size to as big as walnuts in just a matter of days.

Some of the more common causes for enlarged lymph nodes include simple things like a sore throat. There, the nodes are fairly localized to the neck. In other viral infections, such as mononucleosis, although the ones in the neck are the most involved, the nodes throughout the body become enlarged. Any scratch, bite, or infection can make a particular lymph node draining that area, swell. Tuberculosis, AIDS, shingles — virtually any type of infection — can cause enlargement of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).

We have all been trained to watch out for “lumps and bumps.” This last week, my sister called concerned that she felt some “pea-sized lumps” under her arms. She had not felt them before. She had just had normal mammograms, so she didn’t think she had breast cancer, but wondered when she needed to worry. Multiple small nodes that she described are called “shoddy” by physicians. Rarely do they signal any problem. Over age 40, persistent large lymph nodes have a 4 percent chance of cancer. Under 40 years of age, it is only 0.4 percent. Children are very much more likely to have swollen nodes. They seem to come and go frequently because children have so many new infections.

When nodes are soft and tender and have just appeared recently, they are almost always a sign of an infection that, once cleared, will allow the nodes to return to normal size. When they are rock hard and persist they can be worrisome for metastatic cancer. When there are multiple nodes palpable in multiple areas, then one must be concerned about lymphomas and leukemias.

The medical approach to enlarged lymph nodes varies depending on the age of the person and other health conditions. It also depends on the size of the lymph node, how long it has been there, and how it feels. In my sister’s case, these small nodes aren’t very worrisome at all. If they continue to grow and persist over six weeks, they need to be evaluated by a physician. Often times, a trial of antibiotics will be given, although if there is no other sign of infection it probably won’t do much good. If a particular node persists after six to eight weeks with no response to antibiotics, it needs to be biopsied. Sometimes this is done with a needle, but more frequently the node is removed surgically. The pathologist then examines it for abnormalities.

Remember the discussion here is about lymph nodes. Some newly discovered lumps, such as those in the breast, need to be evaluated right away. Anytime new lumps and bumps are felt and are accompanied by fevers, chills and weight loss with no obvious infection, they should be evaluated by a health care provider immediately. Leukemias and lymphomas can present this way.

In my sister’s case, I told her to wait six weeks, and since she felt these were new, at the most she could obtain simple blood work (a CBC) to be sure that everything is OK. If she is definitely sure these are new and they persist after six weeks, she needs to see a physician.

So, don’t panic should you feel some of these enlarged lymph nodes. They should return to normal on their own. But, don’t ignore them either, if they persist.

Dr. John L. Pfenninger’s column appears on Sundays. His office, Medical Procedures Center, is located in Midland.

Swollen lymph nodes in cats

Updated September 24, 2019

Lymph nodes are organs found throughout the body that play a key role in the body’s immune response to foreign invaders. When lymph nodes are inflamed due to illness, they increase in size and can be tender to the touch. Lymphadenopathy is the medical term for enlarged or swollen lymph nodes.

What causes swollen lymph nodes in cats?

Lymphadenopathy can occur due to any illness, be it severe or minor, in humans and cats alike. However, lymphadenopathy in cats is much more common due to severe illness.

Generally, cats with lymphadenopathy feel poorly. They will likely be lethargic and depressed with decreased appetites. If the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged, swallowing may be painful and will also affect your cat’s appetite.

While you may not notice enlarged lymph nodes, your vet will. Lymph nodes are present throughout the body, but peripheral nodes can be felt in the neck, in front of the shoulder, and behind both knees.

Lymphadenopathy can occur in response to any illness, including:

• Viral disease, such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia (FeLV)
• Bacterial disease, such as bartonellosis (Cat Scratch Fever) and tularemia
• Cancers, such as leukemia or lymphoma
• Protozoal disease, including toxoplasmosis, hepatozoonosis, and cytauxzoonosis
• Fugal disease, such as blastomycosis, cryptococcal infection, and histoplasmosis
• Immune-mediated, as is the case with eosinophilic reactions

Diagnosing your cat’s swollen lymph nodes

Lymphadenopathy itself tells your cat’s veterinarian that he is likely battling a serious illness. Diagnostic tests will be run to determine the underlying cause of lymph node enlargement. A full chemistry and complete blood count (CBC) will be run to check major organ function as well as look for abnormalities in the number of red and white blood cells. FIV and FeLV tests can be run in house as well. Luckily these tests can all be covered by cat insurance. 

If routine blood tests give no insight into what may be causing your cat’s enlarged lymph nodes, your veterinarian may suggest a lymph node aspirate. A needle can be used to obtain cells directly from your pet’s lymph node. These cells can be viewed under a microscope by a pathologist and may show infective organisms or cancer cells, thereby giving your veterinarian an underlying cause for your pet’s enlarged lymph nodes.

There is no specific treatment for lymphadenopathy, as it is a symptom of disease and not a disease itself. Lymphadenopathy will resolve when the underlying cause is also resolved.

In cats, lymphadenopathy can be very subtle and easy to miss. If you notice signs of illness in your cat or if you feel enlarged lymph nodes, schedule an appointment with his veterinarian right away.

Are Swollen Glands in Neck or Sore Throat Symptoms of Coronavirus?

Since COVID-19 erupted all over the globe, we’ve learned more and more about the symptoms associated with it. And we’ve also confirmed that they’re not the same for everyone.

May of the symptoms seem run of the mill. Take a sore throat—you might be tempted to shrug off this symptom, it may still indicate infection. The most prevalent symptoms are fever, dry cough, tiredness, and shortness of breath. One report suggests that the most common order of symptoms is a fever, followed by a cough, then aches and pains in the throat, muscles, and head.

Still, for you, a sore throat may come first (or not at all). “Some patients that have experienced sore throat during COVID-19 have reported that it feels like a super dry throat,” says Leo Nissola, M.D., a scientist and investigator at the COVID-19 National Convalescence Plasma Project as well as advisor at COVIDActNow. “And the medical reports show redness in the throat, without bacterial infection, like strep, for example.”

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Is a

Sore Throat a Symptom of COVID-19?

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That’s a tricky question. It can be, but it’s not necessarily a defining factor.

There are numerous causes for inflammation of the inner lining of the throat, including allergies, upper respiratory infections (both viral and bacterial), acid reflux, and even throat cancer.

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“At this time, all upper respiratory illnesses are COVID-19 until proven otherwise,” says Inna Husain, M.D., an assistant professor in otolaryngology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.What’s more, an April review in the European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology revealed that ear, nose, and throat symptoms may precede the development of severe cases of COVID-19.

That said, “there is nothing intrinsically different between a sore throat brought on by COVID-19 and one brought on by any other upper respiratory infections,” says Michael Lerner, M.D., a Yale Medicine laryngologist and assistant professor of otolaryngology at Yale School of Medicine.

What, Exactly, Does a “Sore Throat” Mean?

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On a basic level, you will experience some sort of discomfort in your throat. More specifically, you’ll feel pain when swallowing that can be achy, sharp, or even create a burning sensation.

A sore throat may also be accompanied by a runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, or fever. Other symptoms, according to Alexandra Kreps, M.D., an internist at Tru Whole Care, include “changes in your voice, swollen lymph nodes in your neck or jaw area, and when looking at your tonsils in a mirror they may be red and irritated or could have white patches or pus if severely infected.”

However, Dr. Nissola, says “it is more likely to be a COVID-related sore throat if there are more symptoms, such as fever and malaise.”

A good rule of thumb: “If your sore throat is also accompanied with fever or cough, be suspicious. If your sore throat comes after an episode of heartburn likely its related to reflux. If it is accompanied by sino-nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, it may be allergies,” says Dr. Husain.

What Should You Do If You Have a Sore Throat?

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How you treat your sore throat symptoms should really consider the root cause.

Generally, though, Dr. Husain recommends hydration (drinking water or tea), steam inhalation, and lozenges containing lubricants such as honey. Pain relievers such as Tylenol can also help with discomfort.

Adds Dr. Lerner: If sore throat is from excessive coughing, you can address it though cough suppressants. For nasal congestion, which causes mouth breathing and dryness, try humidification or hydration through nasal saline or irrigation. “Patients that have COVID-19 should be cautious of nasal spread and do this in a safe way, so as not to expose others to aerosols and droplets that may occur from these types of treatments,” he says.

If sore throat is due to allergies, on the other hand, pretreatment with antihistamine prior to allergy season or known allergen exposure— in other wards take an allergy pill— can be helpful, says Dr. Husain.

Last, if the sore throat is caused by reflux, following an anti-reflux diet may lead to a favorable outcome. “I would encourage people to eliminate anything heavily acidic or citrus as this can irritate the lining of the throat. Hard foods such as crackers or chips can also be irritating,” says Dr. Husain, who notes that if a sore throat is present, avoiding coffee or alcohol as well as reducing smoking cigarettes, smoking marijuana, and avoiding vaping is recommended.

While none of these things will necessarily “cure” a sore throat, they can help with some of the discomfort associated with it.

Should You Get Tested for COVID-19 if You Have a Sore Throat?

“For people with new-onset sore throat or any other listed by the Centers for Disease Control as potentially a symptom of COVID, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider to help determine if testing is appropriate,” says Dr. Lerner.

Overall, to help keep COVID-19 or any infection or illness at bay, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask and engage in social-distancing.

Rozalynn S. Frazier
Rozalynn S Frazier is an award-winning, multimedia journalist, and certified personal trainer living in New York City.

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90,000 Why are lymph nodes in the neck inflamed and what to do about it

What are lymph nodes

Lymph nodes or lymph glands are small formations ^{in the neck, armpits, groin and other areas located near vital organs. The main task of the lymph nodes is to filter the lymph and help the body fight infections.}

What is lymph, everyone knows in general terms. It is also called ichor: this is the same colorless liquid that appears on the wound if the skin is slightly damaged.But there is much more lymph in the body than it might seem. It washes the cells of all organs and tissues, fills the intercellular spaces, is considered a special type of connective tissue and one of the most important elements of immunity.

It is the lymph that flushes dead cells, decay products, viruses, bacteria from the body.

Lymphocytes form the basis of lymph – the main cells of the immune system capable of recognizing pathogens. Flowing through the lymph nodes, the lymph is filtered: viruses and bacteria are retained in them and destroyed.

When a person is healthy, the glands cleanse the lymph without undue stress. But if a viral or microbial attack is too strong, they have a hard time. The lymph nodes overflow with “garbage” that they do not have time to digest, become inflamed and become like peas rolling under the skin.

In general, enlarged lymph nodes are a sign that an inflammatory process is developing somewhere nearby.

Why the lymph nodes in the neck become inflamed

Here is a list of the most likely causes:

• Respiratory tract diseases are the same ARVI.
• Problems in the mouth or nasopharynx. For example, caries, pulpitis, inflammation in the sinuses.
• General infections – chickenpox, measles, cytomegalovirus.
• Skin infections – for example, inflammation caused by an unsuccessful attempt to squeeze out a pimple.
• Otitis.

However, there are also more unpleasant causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes.

When you need to see a doctor with enlarged lymph nodes

Most often, enlarged lymph nodes are not an independent disease, but only a symptom.Therefore, they are usually accompanied by other signs of infection:

• general malaise and weakness;
• temperature rise;
• headache;
• sore throat, ears, or mouth;
• runny nose, nasal congestion.

Is there such a thing? So, do not worry and with all the bunch of symptoms go to the therapist. The doctor will help you quickly cure a cold, otitis media, or send you to the same dentist – if he decides that caries may be the cause of the trouble.As soon as you cope with the underlying disease, the lymph nodes will also deflate and no longer cause concern.

Much worse if the lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed, and you have no signs of ARVI or other infections. In this case, we can talk about systemic inflammation – autoimmune diseases, oncological processes, HIV infection.

When to see a doctor immediately

Here is a list of symptoms, for any of which you must not just go to a therapist, but run:

• The skin over the enlarged lymph node turns red and becomes hot – this indicates the onset of a purulent process.
• Lymph nodes in the neck have enlarged for no apparent reason.
• The lymph glands are inflamed not only in the neck, but also in other places. For example, under the arms, in the groin, at the elbows.
• Nodes do not move when you try to push them down.
• Swollen lymph nodes are accompanied by increased sweating, persistent fever (without other symptoms of infectious diseases), unexplained weight loss.
• It becomes difficult for you to swallow or breathe.
• Lymph nodes do not return to normal size for two weeks or more.

The doctor will either send you to the surgeon to open the abscess, or offer to have a blood test, x-ray, or take a piece of the inflamed lymph node for microscopic examination (this procedure is called a biopsy). Depending on the test results, you will be prescribed the appropriate treatment.

How to relieve the condition right now

Make a warm compress

Soak a cloth in warm water, squeeze it well and apply it to your neck.

Attention: this method is not suitable if you observe symptoms of a purulent process – reddening of the skin over the lymph node, an increase in its temperature.With such symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Take pain reliever

Paracetamol-based products work best. But aspirin and ibuprofen can be harmful in some cases.

So, children, adolescents, and also people with blood clotting problems should be careful with aspirin. In addition, both drugs are contraindicated in chickenpox. Therefore, it is better to consult a physician.

Get more rest

If possible, take a sick leave or a day off for a couple of days.Rest is necessary for the body to quickly cope with the disease.

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Doctor-oncologist of the highest category, head of the second surgical department of the Kamchatka Regional Oncological Dispensary Anatoly Blinov told the AiF-Kamchatka correspondent about how to recognize thyroid cancer, who is at risk and how to treat this ailment.

Unwanted increase

Tatiana Boeva, kamchatka.aif.ru: Anatoly Grigorievich, how urgent is the problem of thyroid cancer for the inhabitants of the peninsula?

Anatoly Blinov: Very relevant! Thyroid cancer (TC) has been “growing” all over the world in recent years. In Russia, in 2015, the incidence rate of this type of oncopathology was 7.09 per 100 thousand of the population, for the same year in Kamchatka this figure is one third higher – 10.7.

The increase in morbidity is associated with the deterioration of the ecological situation on the planet. Most often, an increased level of radiation becomes the background for the development of pathology.

– But it seems that such an increase is not registered in Kamchatka?

– This refers not only to the natural radioactive background – but, by the way, we have it balancing at the upper limit of the norm. Add to this and X-rays, radiation therapy for other pathologies. The incidence rate is also influenced by population migration: people also come to our peninsula with their illnesses.

Among other provoking factors, it is worth noting chronic diseases of the thyroid gland, such as nodular goiter, for example, and autoimmune diseases, when their own immune cells attack their own tissues due to failures in the body’s defense system.

In the structure of cancer incidence, thyroid cancer in Kamchatka is 3%. In Russia, this figure is 1.8%.
In 2012-2015, 245 patients were operated on for thyroid nodules in the regional oncological dispensary.In 116 of them, according to the results of histological studies, thyroid cancer was detected.
The bulk of the patients of the oncologic dispensary with thyroid pathology are citizens aged 50-55 years, 80% of them are women.

– What about iodine deficiency? After all, even a schoolchild knows that this trace element is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

– We have enough iodine in Kamchatka! It is found in water, fish, and other seafood. You do not need to take literally illiterate advertising and absorb iodine-containing products without measure, such a diet will not bring anything but harm.Just watch yourself! Dysfunction of the thyroid gland usually leads to the formation of nodes in it. And this is the first sign of trouble. It is necessary to be examined!

– What are the initial signs of the disease?

– The signs are nonspecific, however, symptoms such as unmotivated weakness, drowsiness, malaise for no apparent reason, often characteristic of hypothyroidism, should be alerted. Or, conversely: increased irritability, tearfulness, palpitations – these may be signs of thyrotoxicosis.As a rule, with such complaints, a person goes to a therapist, takes tests – and everything is fine there. In this case, it will be useful to pass a special test for thyroid hormones. Dysfunction of the gland is accompanied by the appearance of nodes. Against the background of a similar pathology, cancer can occur. Timely diagnosis and the appointment of adequate treatment will help prevent the development of oncology.

There is a very simple way to detect a lump in the neck – self-examination in front of a mirror.Feel and look at the neck in the larynx region. Found a bundle – running to the doctor. And even if the lymph nodes just enlarged in the neck, it is necessary to do an ultrasound of the thyroid gland and cervical lymph nodes. The fact is that, according to your well-being, there may not be any signs of pathology at all, except that you groped for a nodule on your neck.

Forecast – favorable

– Are there any specific signs of malignancy of a common nodular goiter?

– These include the beginning rapid growth of the node, its high density (the doctor writes about this in the conclusion after the ultrasound examination), the size of the node is 3 centimeters or more.As well as enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

It is necessary to remember about risk groups. These are women under 25 and over 60 years old and men of all age groups, if there is a goiter. If your family has a history of thyroid disease, if you have a history of radiation exposure due to radiation in the head and neck area, treatment with radioactive drugs is also a reason to be wary.

– If, nevertheless, oncopathology happened – what is the prognosis for the patient?

– With timely diagnosis, most often the prognosis is favorable.In the event that an ultrasound examination in the thyroid gland diagnoses a node, be sure to do its puncture – a fine-needle biopsy – and send it for cytological examination. Upon detection of malignant cells, we operate. Any cancer of the thyroid gland is treated using a surgical method: we remove the thyroid gland or part of it and the lymph nodes in the neck.

The five-year survival rate of our primary patients operated on for thyroid cancer is 100 percent. Of course, subject to timely diagnosis.

After the operation, the patients are monitored, once a year they are examined. But today these people are healthy! Here is an illustrative case: we operated on one woman for thyroid cancer back in 1989. Since then, she has given birth to her second child, he has already served in the army! Mom is still alive and well. And many of our other patients have been living and well for more than 20 years.

Prevent rooting

– Is there any hope for recovery in advanced cases?

– And even in advanced cases, the chances of survival are quite high.Metastases in thyroid cancer most often develop in the lungs, but can appear in any organ where the malignant cells enter the hematogenous route – with the blood stream. We effectively treat metastases with radioactive iodine, we have several cases of complete cure and such patients.

Of course, not everything is as good as we would like: there are two types of oncopathology of the thyroid gland, proceeding unfavorably, in which metastases do not perceive radioactive iodine. It is a hereditary medullary cancer with an incidence of 3% and a poorly differentiated cancer that accounts for about 1% of all thyroid cancers.

I repeat once again: be attentive to yourself and your loved ones, regularly undergo preventive medical examinations, not allowing diseases to take root in your body. In addition, a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, physical activity and good sleep will always serve any body at any age.

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the front of the neck, above the larynx. It releases hormones into the bloodstream that are necessary to regulate metabolic processes in the body and its normal functioning.Thyroid cancer, in addition to the presence of a lump or swelling in the neck, may be accompanied by the following symptoms: pain in the neck and sometimes in the ears, pain when swallowing, difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, hoarseness or hoarseness of the voice, and frequent coughs other than colds. In some people, the disease is asymptomatic.
According to medical statistics, residents of Asia are more prone to developing thyroid cancer.

90,000 Which doctor should I contact with inflammation of the lymph nodes

Endocrinologists of Moscow – latest reviews

Specialist from God.Professional, responsible, tidy. Knows how to listen, promptly prompt the correct solution to a particular health problem. He is very suitable for patients, delves into all the subtleties, helps to understand, sincere, sociable. All the best. At the reception, Larisa Alexandrovna conducted an examination, asked questions, prescribed treatment, prescribed some tests, and gave advice. I will give, professionally. I am very pleased. It is necessary to look for such doctors in our time. I am delighted, very happy. All the best to her and the team as a whole.

Oksana,

September 27, 2021

Everything is very good, not much is not what I expected.Anastasia Alexandrovna examined my tests and said that everything was fine with the endocrine system. I counted on and signed up with her as a nutritionist and expected her to prescribe a diet based on my analyzes. The doctor at the reception wrote me a prescription for diet pills and suggested a general diet. As a specialist, she is good, attentive, she explained everything clearly.

Catherine,

September 29, 2021

The doctor is attentive.Things are good. The reception took place. Sirarpi Levonovna prescribed an examination before. I haven’t been repeated yet. Doctor, she behaved well with the child. Explained everything clearly. The consultation lasted 30 minutes, enough time.

Marianne,

October 11, 2021

At the appointment, the doctor listened to me, studied all previous studies in detail, answered all my questions and ordered an additional examination.After receiving the results of the examination, I will come to him for a second appointment. The doctor is attentive, polite, explains everything clearly and easily. I can recommend this specialist to my friends, if necessary, and if necessary, I can apply again. I was pleased with the quality of the reception.

Moderation,

October 15, 2021

Reception took place on time.The doctor told me everything, explained about our problem, sent me for the necessary tests, checked the thyroid gland. While I am satisfied with the reception, I will still record. Tatyana Ivanovna communicated well with the child with confidence. I chose the doctor based on experience and reviews.

Helena,

06 October 2021

The doctor is attentive.I like. Valeria Dmitrievna will always listen and advise. My sugar began to rise, and with leading questions we found out what was the reason. Does everything slowly. Corrected the treatment regimen. I have not yet achieved the result that I need. I am very pleased with the reception. It was the second time, and I am going to continue to visit.

Valentine,

September 28, 2021

At the reception, the doctor listened to me, answered all my questions and gave her recommendations.The doctor is attentive, sociable, treats the patient with understanding, is competent in his field, explains everything clearly and easily. I can recommend this specialist to my friends, if necessary, and if necessary, I can apply again, because I really liked the doctor. I was pleased with the quality of the reception.

Irina,

September 30, 2021

The reception suited me.Anna Sergeevna has appointed to pass the necessary tests, in principle everything is fine. The doctor is pleasant, it is interesting to communicate with her, understands the problem, explains the situation well. As a result, the doctor gave the necessary recommendations for further actions.

Victoria,

07 October 2021

The doctor is a professional in his field, calmly conducts an appointment, he is confident in what he advises and in what he tells.I liked the reception very much. Mark Aleksandrovich scrupulously listened to me, wrote it down, gave me advice, and drew up a treatment plan. In principle, everything suited me. I would apply again because I am a self-confident specialist.

Vladislav,

06 October 2021

I liked the doctor, answered the questions,
gave advice on nutrition, prescribed tests, prescribed vitamins.I will be observed, I hope for a positive result.

Moderation,

October 14, 2021

Show 10 reviews of 4,869 90,000 We help with inflammation of the lymph nodes – Kiev ENT center

Human lymph nodes play an important role in the immune system .These small organs are responsible for moving lymph, producing antibodies, blocking bacteria and foreign substances. Lymph nodes are glands of a rounded shape, located in humans in the neck area , under the armpits, in the groin, under the collarbones and in other hidden places. When occurs, an increase in lymph nodes is a sign of serious inflammatory processes in the body.

Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck

Most often there is an increase in cervical lymph nodes .They are located at the bottom of the chin, under the jaw. There is also lymphatic tissue on the neck itself, which may enlarge. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck can be unilateral or bilateral.

One-sided

Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck on the one hand occurs for various reasons. It can be reactive lymphadenopathy , caries, unilateral tonsillitis and other diseases that are not systemic in nature. At the same time, the nodes increase in size, causing a noticeable asymmetry of the neck.To understand why there was an increase in lymph nodes in the neck on one side , you need to see a doctor.

Double-sided

Most often an increase in lymph nodes under the jaw is observed on both sides. This process is accompanied by fever, malaise, increased sweating and local symptoms such as coughing. The cause can be both systemic diseases and various infections.

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes

When swelling of the lymph nodes occurs, the causes of are usually associated with infectious processes.They act as a filter that traps infection by taking the hit. The most common reason lymph nodes become inflamed is sore throat. It can also happen with other pathological processes.

Angina

Tonsillitis and swollen lymph nodes often go hand in hand. During this disease, the palatine tonsils, consisting of lymphoid tissue, become inflamed. And then, along a chain reaction, there is an increase in the cervical lymph nodes .Along with this, a person feels a sore throat, coughs, his temperature rises.

Other reasons

In addition to sore throat, reasons , for which lymph nodes are enlarged, are varied. This symptom can be caused by:

• Immune diseases
• Tuberculosis
• Diseases of the teeth
• Acute infections – measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever, etc.
• Development of tumor processes – for example, in throat cancer

How to determine an enlarged lymph node

This symptom is fairly easy to spot. How to define an enlarged lymph node ? You need to feel the neck or other places where they are. If you feel a hard swelling, which usually does not exist, lymph nodes have enlarged.

What to do with enlarged lymph nodes?

The best answer to this question is to see a doctor. It is impossible to find out on your own why is associated with an increase in cervical lymph nodes in a child or an adult. Sometimes this is the only symptom of the disease, and only differential diagnosis will help find answers.

If your lymph glands are inflamed, an abundant warm drink, gargling, and bed rest will help to alleviate the general condition of the body.

What should not be done if the lymph nodes are enlarged?

It is strongly not recommended to warm the inflamed nodes, rub them, put compresses. Alternative methods of treatment are also unlikely to help and can even harm. Without the help of a doctor, it is impossible to find the cause of the enlarged lymph nodes and be cured.

Methods for the treatment of lymph nodes

Correct diagnosis is required for the enlarged lymphoid tissue to return to its normal size.Only by determining the cause of this symptom, you can remove it. As a rule, therapy includes taking antibiotics that affect the pathogenic microflora. They kill the infection, treat the underlying disease, and the nodes return to their original shape. In addition, the doctor may prescribe drugs that strengthen the immune system.

There are edge cases in which doctors have to take urgent measures . If the inflamed node festers, it is opened. It is better to avoid such complications and treat inflammation on time.

Features of the treatment of enlarged lymph nodes in Betterton

Our ENT center for children and adults helps people who suffer from swollen lymph nodes. First, is waiting for you with a expert consultation. He will prescribe a comprehensive diagnosis to determine the cause of this symptom. The examination in the center is carried out on modern equipment, which gives a high level of reliability.

When the diagnosis is made, our specialists select treatments , taking into account the cause, age and individual characteristics of the patient.For example, for tonsillitis, they prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other medications in combination with rinsing and physical therapy. An integrated approach allows you to quickly get rid of the disease.

In the case of advanced tonsillitis, when the tonsils are greatly enlarged, and the lymph nodes are constantly swollen, we offer cryotherapy. This procedure allows the altered tissue to be frozen with a stream of liquid nitrogen. At the same time, healthy areas are preserved and regenerate quickly.

Possible complications

If you do not pay attention to the problem in time, pus may accumulate in the inflamed lymphoid tissue, and then you will have to open the nodes.In addition, inflammation can spread to veins, muscles, and other adjacent tissues. In advanced cases, inflammation of the blood develops. A special danger is enlargement of lymph nodes in children – it can even lead to death.

Prevention

In order not to suffer from swollen lymph nodes , you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, temper and play sports. If there is a history of ENT diseases, treat them on time. During outbreaks of infections, it is better to use special respiratory masks or get vaccinated.

Do not try to treat yourself! Consult otolaryngologists at Betterton Hearing Centers in the capital ×

Make an appointment with a doctor:

Make an appointment with a doctor:

90,000 symptoms, diagnosis, treatment. Video – www.wday.ru

Another cause of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes can be insect or animal bites, as well as serious injuries, skin burns, etc.

There are two types of inflammation: specific lymphadenitis and nonspecific. In the first case, we are talking about those diseases that are caused by inflammatory processes due to the ingestion of parasites such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, etc. Specific ones cause more severe infectious diseases that cause significant damage to health, often even fatal.

Nonspecific usually occurs with the following diseases:

1. Tooth abscess.This is usually an infection located in the root zone of the tooth. Untreated caries, periodontitis, and other dental diseases, as well as mechanical trauma, or the infection got into the oral cavity with an injection while treating a particular problem, can be the cause of its appearance. As a rule, inflammation of the lymph nodes in this case may be accompanied by pain, a feeling of bitterness in the mouth, swelling of the gums, and bad breath.

2. Allergy is a disease caused by a special sensitivity to certain things.Concomitant symptoms can be a runny nose, sneezing, cough, cramps and pain in the eyes, tissue swelling.

3. Angina. Inflammation of the lymph nodes begins in response to inflammation of the tonsils. It is usually accompanied by a sore throat (especially when swallowing), sore throat and dryness in the throat, fever, and in some cases the appearance of plaque on the tonsils (in this case, they speak of purulent sore throat).

4. ARVI is the most common cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck.Moreover, with this disease, several groups of nodes can easily increase at once, which causes a certain discomfort to a person. Concomitant symptoms may include cough, nasal congestion, headache, vomiting, and general weakness.

5. Lymphangitis – inflammation of the lymphatic vessels themselves. Usually appears in response to the ingestion of streptococci and staphylococci. Other symptoms that usually indicate that it is lymphangitis are narrow red stripes on the skin, a feeling of chills, the appearance of edema, and weakness.

6. Toxoplasmosis. Disease provoked by Toxoplasma parasites. It is usually transmitted either through the ground or through animal excrement. In addition, you can catch such a disease by eating meat or eggs cooked incorrectly.

Why are the lymph nodes in the neck inflamed, and what to do

Alena KATASHINSKAYA

11 February 2020 19:07
0

Photo: Photo: evertonpechodontol.wixsite.com

Lymph nodes, or lymph glands, are small growths in the neck, armpits, groin, and other areas near vital organs. Their main task is to filter lymph and help the body fight infections.

What is lymph, everyone knows in general terms: it is the same colorless liquid that appears on the wound if the skin is slightly damaged.Lymph washes the cells of all organs and tissues, fills the intercellular spaces and is considered a special type of connective tissue and one of the most important elements of immunity.

Lymph is composed of lymphocytes – the main cells of the immune system, capable of recognizing pathogens. The lymph is filtered by flowing through the lymph nodes: in them bacteria are trapped and destroyed.

If a person is healthy, the glands freely cleanse the lymph. But if a viral or microbial attack is too strong, the lymph nodes “overflow” with bacteria, not having time to process them, become inflamed and “swell” under the skin.

In general, enlarged lymph nodes are a sign that an inflammatory process is developing somewhere nearby.

What leads to inflammation of the lymph nodes

In most cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs as a result of one or another disease of the body. In this case, two types of the disease are distinguished: nonspecific and specific lymphadenitis.

The cause of nonspecific lymphadenitis is pathological processes that develop against the background of viruses and infection entering the body.These include:

• periodontitis,
• abscesses,
• advanced carious processes,
• tonsillitis,
• colds,
• toxoplasmosis,
• foci of suppuration,
• allergic reactions.

The causes of specific lymphadenitis are severe infections:

• AIDS,
• mononucleosis,
• tuberculosis,
• leukemia, etc.

If the lymph nodes in the child’s neck are enlarged

In newborns, the capsule of the lymph nodes is very delicate and thin, so it is difficult to feel them under the skin.By the age of one year, lymph nodes can already be felt in almost all healthy children. The maximum number of lymph nodes appears by the age of 10. And in an adult, their total number is 420-460.

There are several reasons for enlarged lymph nodes in children:

• infections;
• tumor processes;
• Metabolic disorder called storage diseases.

Normally, in healthy children, no more than three groups of lymph nodes are usually probed.So, should not be felt :

• chin;
• supraclavicular;
• subclavian;
• chest;
• elbow;
• popliteal lymph nodes.

The main signs of the normal state of the lymph nodes:

• the size of the node is not more than the diameter of a small pea,
• single lymph nodes,
• the consistency of the lymph nodes is soft and elastic,
• they are mobile and not connected to the skin and to each other (” not soldered “),
• painless.

In young children, the lymph nodes located on the front and back of the neck can increase with inflammation of the ENT organs (tonsils), salivary glands, as well as with carious lesions of the teeth.

It often happens that the inflammatory process has already passed, and the lymph nodes remain enlarged for some time. As a rule, additional treatment is not required in this case, it is enough just to observe the condition of this area. But it happens that the inflammation is localized in the lymph node itself.In this case, the node greatly increases in size and hurts. The skin above it becomes red and hot to the touch. In such a situation, an urgent medical consultation is required.

An increase in certain groups of lymph nodes can also be observed in diseases of the blood system, systemic (rheumatism) and autoimmune diseases. Enlarged lymph nodes are usually discovered by chance. If such a “find” occurs, the baby must be shown to the doctor.

Possible complications with enlarged lymph nodes

If you do not pay attention to the problem in time, pus may accumulate in the inflamed lymphoid tissue, and then you will have to open the nodes.In addition, inflammation can spread to veins, muscles, and other adjacent tissues. In advanced cases, inflammation of the blood develops. Also, complications of lymphadenitis can be the occurrence or spread of cancer, thrombophlebitis.

A particular danger is the enlargement of the lymph nodes in children – it can even lead to death.

When to see a doctor

For any finding of enlarged nodes. It is impossible to independently find out the cause of the enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes in a child or an adult.Sometimes this is the only symptom of the disease, and only differential diagnosis will help find answers.

If your lymph glands are inflamed, warm drinks, gargling, bed rest will help to alleviate the general condition of the body.

Methods for treating lymph nodes

First of all, correct diagnosis is necessary to determine the treatment. Usually, therapy includes taking antibiotics that affect the pathogenic microflora. They kill the infection, treat the underlying disease, and the nodes return to their original shape.In addition, the doctor may prescribe drugs that strengthen the immune system.

There are extreme cases in which doctors have to take urgent action. If the inflamed node festers, it is opened. But it is better to avoid such complications by contacting a doctor in time for help.

Prevention

The advice is simple: you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, temper and play sports. If there is a history of ENT diseases, then treat them in a timely manner. During outbreaks of infections, it is better to use special respiratory masks or get vaccinated.

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90,000 Rubella

Rubella is an acute, contagious viral infection. While rubella virus usually causes mild fever and rash in children and adults, infection of a woman during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can lead to miscarriage, fetal death, stillbirth, or a congenital malformation in the infant known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS ).

Rubella virus is transmitted by airborne droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs.Humans are the only known carriers of the rubella virus.

Symptoms

Children usually have mild illness with symptoms including rash, mild fever (<39 ° C), vomiting, and mild conjunctivitis. The rash, which appears in 50-80% of cases, usually first appears on the face and neck, then goes down the body and lasts 1-3 days. Swollen lymph nodes behind the ears and in the neck are the most common clinical signs. Infected adults, more commonly women, may develop arthritis with joint pain, usually lasting 3-10 days.

After infection, the virus spreads in the human body within 5-7 days. Symptoms usually appear 2–3 weeks after exposure. The most infectious period usually occurs 1-5 days after the onset of the rash.

If a woman is infected with rubella virus early in her pregnancy, there is a 90% chance that she will transmit the virus to her fetus. This can cause fetal death or congenital rubella syndrome (CRS). Babies with CRS may shed the virus for a year or more after birth.Babies with CRS can shed the virus for a year or more after birth.

Congenital rubella syndrome

Children with CRS can suffer from hearing impairment, eye defects, heart defects, and other life-long disabilities, including autism, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid dysfunction. Many of these disorders require expensive therapy, surgery, and other expensive medical care.

The risk of CRS is highest in countries where women of childbearing age do not have immunity to the disease (either from vaccinations or from previous rubella).Before the introduction of the vaccine, up to 4 children per 1000 live births were born with CRS.

Vaccination

A single dose of rubella vaccine based on a live attenuated strain provides more than 95% of long-term immunity, similar to immunity generated by natural infection.

Rubella vaccines are either monovalent (vaccine directed against only one pathogen) or, most often, combined with other vaccines such as measles (CC), measles and mumps (CSK) or measles, mumps and varicella vaccines smallpox (KSKV).

Adverse vaccination reactions are usually mild. These can include pain and redness at the injection site, mild fever, rashes, and muscle aches. In the Region of the Americas mass immunization campaigns, reaching over 250 million adolescents and adults, have not identified any serious adverse reactions associated with this vaccine.

WHO activities

WHO recommends that all countries that have not yet introduced rubella vaccine should consider administering rubella vaccine through existing sustainable measles immunization programs.To date, the goal of eliminating this preventable cause of malformation has been set in four WHO regions. In 2015, the WHO Region of the Americas became the first region in the world to be declared free of endemic rubella transmission.

A growing number of countries are using rubella vaccines in their national immunization programs. As of December 2018, rubella vaccination had been introduced in 168 out of 194 countries, and the global average rubella vaccine coverage was estimated to be 69%.Reported rubella cases decreased by 97% from 670,894 cases in 102 countries in 2000 to 14,621 cases in 151 countries in 2018. Among the WHO regions, CRS prevalence is highest in the African Region and the South-East Asia Region, where vaccination coverage is at its lowest.

In April 2012, the Measles and Rubella Initiative – now known as the Measles and Rubella Initiative – launched the Global Measles and Rubella Strategic Plan, which sets a set of global targets in this area for the period until 2020

By the end of 2020

• Complete measles and rubella elimination in at least 5 WHO regions.