Symptoms and treatment of lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes caused by an infection.
Lymph nodes are paired organs of the lymphatic system that perform a filtering function for lymph that comes from different organs. Nodes are located near lymphatic and blood vessels. There are cervical, intrathoracic, inguinal, supraclavicular, popliteal, etc. This article will discuss the symptoms and treatment of lymphadenitis.
General symptoms of the disease:
- enlargement of lymph nodes;
- painful sensations in the area of the location of nodes;
- high temperature;
- general malaise;
- headache and weakness.
In childhood, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs much more often. Read more about the treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis in children.
Causes of lymph node inflammation
In most cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs as a result of one or another disease of the body. There are two types of the disease: non-specific and specific lymphadenitis.
The cause of the nonspecific is pathological processes that develop against the background of a viral infection. Periodontitis, abscesses, advanced carious processes, angina, colds, toxoplasmosis, foci of suppuration and even allergic reactions are a "favorable" background for the occurrence of nonspecific lymphadenitis. Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit in most cases also belongs to this type.
The causes of specific lymphadenitis are severe infections: AIDS, mononucleosis, tuberculosis, leukemia, etc. d.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
Purulent lymphadenitis. The disease is accompanied by severe, sometimes throbbing, pain and immobility of the lymph nodes. When purulent melting occurs, the skin around the lymph node reddens noticeably. The tumor formed in this area has clear contours, but different density. When you press on it, you can hear a characteristic crunch. The condition of the patient with purulent lymphadenitis is of moderate severity (headache, weakness, rapid heartbeat, low-grade fever). With improper treatment, inflammation can spread throughout the body. Special attention should be paid to inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women and men.
Nonpurulent lymphadenitis is characterized by an increase in lymph nodes. At the same time, they are mobile and slightly compacted. The patient's condition is satisfactory.
Classification of the disease:
- according to the course of the disease (acute and chronic lymphadenitis);
- by the nature of the liquid that appears in the focus of inflammation (serous, purulent, fibrous and hemorrhagic).
Acute lymphadenitis lasts about two weeks, chronic - more than a month. Inflammation of cervical lymph nodes in adults can be both acute and chronic.
Diagnostics
Visual examination of the patient and collection of anamnesis are important. After that, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive blood test and X-ray or computer tomography. This is done in order to rule out cancer. In severe cases, a lymph node biopsy is prescribed.
To identify the causes of inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes, the doctor will recommend a general urinalysis, as well as an analysis for syphilis, hepatitis and HIV infection.
Our website https://dobrobut.com/ provides information on the diagnosis and treatment of lymphadenitis. In addition, you have the opportunity to make an appointment with a specialist and learn how to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear.
Treatment of lymphadenitis
All measures should be aimed at treating the underlying disease. Therefore, it should be carried out only by a specialist who will diagnose the patient's condition and prescribe medication. Note that all antibacterial drugs, including antibiotics for inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes, are prescribed only by a doctor.
If necessary, a narrow-profile consultation or additional examination may be prescribed.
Enlargement of lymph nodes on the neck in a child
Lymph nodes on the baby's neck can increase for various reasons. Most often, this happens as a result of an infection entering the body. Angina, flu, cold are diseases that provoke an increase in lymph nodes. However, not only them, but also more serious diseases can manifest themselves in this way. Accordingly, parents should consult a pediatrician as soon as possible, who will prescribe tests and treatment.
Enlargement of lymph nodes on a child's neck is a good reason to visit a child's doctor.
Prognosis of the disease
Timely detected inflammation of the lymph nodes, high-quality diagnosis and correct treatment guarantee a favorable outcome of the disease. And more severe manifestations of lymphadenitis (acute and purulent form) with unqualified therapy can lead to damage to the lymph node. In this case, it fuses with the surrounding tissue, which leads to the replacement of lymphoid tissue by connective tissue. The result is a complete violation of the filtering function.
Prevention of inflammatory processes
Lymphadenitis, as mentioned above, is a secondary disease. Therefore, in order to avoid colds and viral diseases, we recommend strengthening your immunity, eating well, exercising and giving up bad habits. We advise parents of babies to treat wounds on hands and feet with antiseptics in a timely manner, and if necessary, consult a pediatrician. The pediatrician will tell you which doctor deals with inflammation of the parotid lymph nodes, which often occurs in childhood.
If you have any questions, contact our medical center. You can make an appointment at any time convenient for you. Our specialists will advise and recommend a particular examination. Including, you will receive an answer to the question "what to do in case of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the jaw." Contact us - we work 24/7.
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