The functioning of the body largely depends on the correct metabolism, the purification of cells and tissues. An important role in these processes is played by the lymphatic system. It includes peripheral organs covered with a connective tissue, called nodes. Their size varies from 0.5 mm to 5 cm or more, localization - near large blood vessels.
What are the lymph nodes?
The described peripheral organs are biological filters. Lymph nodes are barriers to the spread of tumor cells, viruses and bacteria, fungi and other infectious agents. They instantly "learn" foreign and dangerous substances, provoking an immediate immune response in the form of the production of special antibodies.
Inflamed lymph nodes - causes
The organs of the filtering system are arranged in groups of up to 10 pieces. Each bunch of lymph nodes "serves" nearby areas. Thanks to this arrangement, the immune system can react as quickly as possible to foreign cells, poisons and microorganisms. The causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes are a violation of the proper functioning of the areas near them. The provoking factors are infections, cancers, intoxications and other pathologies.
Inflammation of lymph nodes under the mouse
Sealing and increasing the size of the examined group of organs can indicate injuries, bruises and sprains in the area of the shoulder and nearby areas. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits is often the result:
- infections of the respiratory system ( angina , sinusitis and others);
- allergies;
- exacerbations of asthma;
- influenza ;
- diseases of the oral cavity (caries, periodontitis and the like).
Sometimes the inflamed lymph node under the mouse signals of more serious problems, among which:
- folliculitis ;
- neoplasm in the mammary glands;
- malignant tumors in neighboring areas;
- growth of metastases from other organs;
- severe damage to the heart and lungs.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin
The causes of pathological processes in this area may be mechanical damage to the skin and soft tissues of the buttocks, pubic, hips. Other factors causing inflammation of inguinal lymph nodes:
- venereal diseases;
- defeat of the reproductive system;
- urological diseases;
- any type of neoplasm of any quality in the surrounding areas;
- carbuncles and boils;
- infection of the genitourinary system;
- germination of metastases.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the jaw
This bunch of peripheral organs worries people more often than other clusters. Submandibular lymphadenitis occurs on the background of respiratory diseases of any origin. Often he is among the first symptoms of viral infections and influenza. Inflammation of cervical lymph nodes is observed in other pathologies:
- caries;
- stomatitis;
- periodontitis ;
- tooth abscess;
- Staphylococcal or streptococcal lesions of the skin;
- chickenpox;
- alveolitis;
- measles;
- toxoplasmosis;
- parasitic infestations;
- infected wounds on the head;
- supercooling;
- cyst tooth;
- parotitis;
- lipomas;
- tumors;
- atheroma;
- immunodeficiency states.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear
The described group of organs is located along the vein along a vertical line. Like submandibular lymphadenitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the auricles testifies to pathological processes in the nearby areas. Their increase and soreness may accompany:
- otitis;
- defeat of the auditory nerve;
- eustachiitis;
- a furuncle of an ear.
In the immediate vicinity of this bunch of lymph nodes is the oral cavity and upper respiratory tract, so their inflammation sometimes speaks of the following diseases:
- flux;
- caries;
- sinusitis;
- angina;
- diseases of the tonsils and salivary glands;
- cyst tooth;
- pharyngitis;
- tonsillitis.
Often the lymphadenitis begins in the background:
- hypothermia;
- influenza;
- acute respiratory infections;
- mumps;
- rubella;
- chicken pox;
- herpetic infection.
Nuchal lymph nodes are inflamed
The bunch under consideration swells and causes unpleasant sensations in the same cases as the submaxillary and bovine lymphadenitis. There are specific diseases in which the lymph node on the nape is inflamed:
- trophic ulcers;
- immunodeficiencies;
- mononucleosis;
- tuberculosis;
- acute allergic reactions;
- terminal stages of cancer.
How to understand that lymph nodes are inflamed?
There are basic signs of lymphadenitis:
- change in the size of lymph nodes;
- fluctuations in body temperature;
- the presence of unpleasant sensations.
Additional symptoms, how to spot an inflamed lymph node:
- redness of the skin above the affected area;
- headache;
- drowsiness, weakness.
How do inflamed lymph nodes look?
In a normal state a person does not even guess where the described organs are located. Inflammation of the lymph nodes immediately makes itself felt:
- increase in their size;
- tubercle or several in the area of the pathological process;
- hyperemia of the skin.
The visual symptoms of inflamed lymph nodes can be easily noticed without special medical training. With their strong increase in the area of lymphadenitis, oval and round, solid formations resembling beans are probed. They are mobile, during a slight pushing slightly shifted. Some people report a weak pulsation in the affected area.
Inflamed lymph nodes and temperature
Presented peripheral organs are responsible for an emergency immune response. For this reason, the symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes always include a rise in body temperature, as a reaction of the defense system to the "invasion" of foreign cells and substances. The heat can reach frightening values, up to 40-41 degrees, depending on the severity of the disease and the presence of putrefactive processes.
Are sore lymph nodes sick?
Any lymphadenitis is combined with unpleasant sensations and the expressed discomfort. The lymph node usually hurts during palpation and pressing on it, trying to feel it. In rare situations, the described sign is felt constantly, without external influences. Pain is particularly severe if there is a purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes. In such cases, a person feels twitching and a strong ripple from the inside.
What if the lymph nodes are inflamed?
The procedure for action with lymphadenitis depends on its localization, intensity. It is important to find out what the inflamed lymph nodes testify. To find out the cause of the pathology, you need to contact the doctor. To treat lymphadenitis without eliminating the main factors that provoked it is pointless. Only after their disappearance, the functioning of the immunity and the filtering system will be restored.
Lymph nodes are inflamed - to what doctor to address?
This problem occurs for a variety of different reasons. To determine why a particular lymph node has become inflamed, a specialist who is involved in the therapy of organs and systems located near the affected area will help. First, for the purpose of a basic examination and anamnesis, you should visit a therapist and an oncologist. After a preliminary diagnosis, these doctors refer to a narrow-profile doctor. The final decision will depend on the cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes, the treatment can be performed by:
- otolaryngologist;
- dentist;
- gynecologist;
- urologist;
- mammologist;
- endocrinologist;
- cardiologist;
- infectionist;
- parasitologist;
- gastroenterologist;
- pulmonologist;
- venereologist;
- surgeon;
- dermatologist and other specialists.
Lymphadenitis - treatment
The therapeutic approach is developed in accordance with the form of the course of the disease, its cause and severity. In standard situations, you are assigned:
- rest in the area of affected lymph nodes;
- ration enriched with vitamins and minerals;
- support of the immune system;
- abundant warm drink.
To stop the clinical picture, medicines are used:
- analgesics ( Nimesil , Ketanov);
- anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs (Ibuprofen, Paracetamol);
- antihistamines (Suprastin, Eden).
In the presence of bacterial pathogens, antibiotics are selected for inflammation of the lymph nodes. They are appointed only by a specialist after performing laboratory tests, determining the type of microbial damage, the sensitivity of pathogenic microorganisms to existing drugs. Antibiotics with a wide spectrum of activity are often used:
- Erythromycin;
- Hemomycin;
- Ampicillin;
- Sumamed ;
- Azithromycin;
- Unidox Solutab and analogues.
In addition, the physician can recommend and physiotherapy, such as ultra-high-frequency therapy. Some patients are interested in whether heated inflamed lymph nodes can be heated. Doctors categorically forbid it. Exposure to heat only exacerbates and intensifies the pathological process, can lead to suppuration and abscess. To relieve pain, it is better to apply cool compresses and lotions.
In the presence of purulent lymphadenitis surgical methods are prescribed, how to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes:
- autopsy;
- drainage of purulent cavities;
- sanitation;
- subsequent detoxification and antibacterial therapy.
In parallel, the main diseases that cause inflammation of the lymph nodes should be treated. This is especially important in the chronic course of the pathology, when lymphadenitis progresses for years with short periods of remission and frequent relapses. After eliminating all the factors that provoke the disease, the filtering system becomes normal.
Inflammation of lymph nodes - the consequences
This problem is a dangerous condition that causes serious complications. Even one inflamed lymph node at the ear, under the jaw, on the back of the head, or in another area can provoke the following pathologies:
- abscess;
- tachycardia;
- adenophlegmon;
- lymphedema;
- severe intoxication;
- involvement in the process of lymphatic vessels;
- mediastinitis;
- thrombophlebitis;
- lymphatic fistula;
- septicopyemia;
- generalized swelling;
- "elephantiasis";
- lymphostasis;
- growth of metastases;
- migration of tumor cells to distant organs and others.
Without correct treatment and elimination of the causes of the chronic pathological process, inflammation of several lymph nodes first occurs, after which it spreads over the entire bunch. Gradually, neighboring groups are affected, and lymphadenitis becomes generalized. The result of such consequences of the disease is scarring of organs, replacement of lymphoid tissue with connective cells. This leads to disruption of the entire filtration, immune system.