Normally, cervical, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes in a child are probed with a strong push. However, it happens that parents notice an increase in lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).
Causes of enlarged lymph nodes in children
Lymph node enlargement occurs as a result of:
- the presence of a cold or infectious disease;
- neoplastic processes;
- metabolic disorders in the body.
The increase in cervical lymph nodes in children is characterized by painful sensations and increased density of the nodes themselves. Such an increase may indicate the presence of a viral infection in the nasal area, an ear or a tooth disease. Quite often an increase in the size of the cervical lymph nodes testifies to the presence of mumps.
If the inguinal lymph node in a child is enlarged, this implies an infection of the lower extremities, which can be localized on the skin of the child, in bones or muscles. Most often, this increase can be seen if the baby has diaper dermatitis, in case of inflammation of the joints or organs of the reproductive system, after the vaccination with BCG.
During teething can be increased submandibular lymph nodes in the child.
An enlarged lymph node in the child's armpit indicates the presence of an infectious disease of the hand, shoulder or forearm of various etiologies (eg, chicken pox or purulent lesions of the skin). The enlargement of the lymph nodes only on one side can be the result of vaccination, hand damage.
How and when to treat lymph nodes in children?
You should immediately consult a doctor if you have the following symptoms:
- if the lymph nodes in the child are increased for more than two weeks;
- at disease all lymph nodes are enlarged;
- there is an increase in lymph nodes in children in the absence of an infectious or catarrhal disease in the anamnesis;
- increased body temperature;
- painful sensations when swallowing;
- one of the lymph nodes can be larger in size compared to the rest.
With difficulties in establishing an accurate diagnosis, the doctor can additionally prescribe an X-ray and perform a puncture to study the structure of the tissue of the enlarged lymph node.
Most diseases begin with lymphadenopathy of one
Parents need to remember that if there is even a slight increase in the lymph node in one area, you should monitor the dynamics of the child's condition for some time. In the presence of seals in other areas, a doctor's consultation is required for accurate diagnosis and ultrasound of all internal organs in order to eliminate infectious diseases (liver, kidney, spleen, abdominal cavity).