Inflammation of lymph nodes in a child: what to do, how to treat

Lymph nodes are quite precise "sensors" that react sharply to the fact that a virus or infection has appeared in the body. In the near future, they can provoke a disease. Parents themselves call this ailment "glands". Inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child, their swelling indicate that there is a disorder in their health. Parents should immediately think about this and make every attempt to eliminate them.

Lymphadenopathy is called inflammation of the lymph nodes in medical practice. If 1 group of lymph nodes is affected, it can be localized, if more than 2, not adjacent to each other, then it is called generalized.

There are about 500 lymph nodes on the child's body, the purpose of which is to "separate" bacteria and other pathogenic forms. Thus, the lymph nodes protect the body from all kinds of bacteria and infections. Lymph nodes are located either in groups or one by one in strategic places for the body. They can be divided into: cervical, axillary, inguinal, which can even be felt. Other lymph nodes and their groups cannot be felt in any way because they are located much deeper. If the lymph nodes are in a normal state, then their size does not exceed the size of a small pea. They move easily, are very mobile and painless. If they are enlarged and painful, then this indicates various diseases, ranging from common colds to rare ones, which include leukemia.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

A child's illness is a very unpleasant situation for parents. It is not dangerous when a child has chickenpox or a common cold, which does not pose any threat to him, and quite another thing, other diseases, which, if there is no due attention from parents, can cause negative consequences for the fragile child's body. The causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child can be completely different.

The last dangerous diseases include inflammation of the lymph nodes. All this is caused by some infection that has a negative effect on the body. Lymph nodes are the protective barrier of the entire body. To be more precise, lymphadenitis is not just an independent disease, it only serves as a signal that there is another, more dangerous disease in the human body. For example, inflamed cervical lymph nodes in children indicate that the child has tonsillitis or laryngitis. Mumps can also be the cause.

The enlargement of lymph nodes occurs in the following way. At the moment when bacteria enter the lymph nodes through the lymphatic channels, the latter, having received the information carried by the immune cells, begin to produce cells that will have to fight the infection. Therefore, at the moment of fighting the infection, the lymph nodes increase in size.

In particularly difficult cases, the lymph nodes are unable to cope with the load placed on them. This causes severe inflammation. This can even lead to a purulent process. The lymph nodes may not only increase in size, but even the skin itself becomes red and more swollen.

The inflammation itself can be either a secondary disease or a primary one. In this case, the infection penetrates directly into the lymph nodes, while it somehow bypasses the internal organs. This most often happens if the integrity of the skin is damaged. These include all sorts of scratches and other wounds. Quite often, the lymph nodes become inflamed as a result of cat scratches.

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Symptoms of lymph node inflammation in a child

As a rule, in such situations, the disease begins, first of all, with a pronounced general depressed state of the body. Inflammation appears in the area of damaged lymph nodes. The child may immediately develop a high body temperature. Moreover, he may even begin to show signs of intoxication. Parents should seek medical help as soon as possible. At the same time, no independent actions are encouraged in this case, on the contrary, they can cause one continuous harm. The first and last thing that parents can do is to give a fever-reducing drug before the ambulance arrives. And then only if the body temperature exceeds 39 degrees.

When a lymph node becomes inflamed, it becomes many times larger, so it is easy to identify during the first examination of the patient. A pronounced sign can also be considered the presence of pain at the moment when the inflamed nodes are palpated. The skin above the node turns red or becomes hyperemic, severe tissue swelling appears. This indicates an acute inflammatory process. At the same time, the temperature can rise even more, which does not rise to high numbers in the catarrhal form. This mainly occurs as a result of a purulent inflammatory process, which leads to a change in well-being for the worse. The general condition becomes weaker, sluggish. If the inflammation manifests itself in this form, then it is also characterized by a headache, malaise, which indicates that there is intoxication in the body.

When the lymph nodes become inflamed, the following symptoms of lymph node inflammation in a child occur:

• The lymph nodes become enlarged and cause great concern to the child;
• An unpleasant headache begins;
• Weakness appears and, as we have already said earlier, a rise in temperature;
• Later, the pain becomes more intense, and the skin at the site of the lymph node becomes red, which indicates suppuration of the nodes themselves;
• The general condition is getting worse and worse.
• The sad consequences include high temperature, chills and pronounced weakness in movement. This is the same purulent lymphadenitis.

If, when one lymph node increases, there is no pain, no increase in temperature, which progresses the growth of the node, then these signs make it clear that this lymph node works much more actively, compared to others. Most often, this happens against the background of or after diseases that the child has already suffered. Over time, the lymph node becomes its previous size.

It is worth noting that local treatment of lymphadenitis can only bring temporary relief. Only the fight against the main disease itself, which is the main reason, as a result of which, in fact, the glands have enlarged, can have a positive effect.

The pathogens themselves fly through the system of lymphatic and blood vessels throughout the body. Therefore, inflammatory processes can begin and give rise to development from all sorts of organs and systems. If the purulent process does not stop developing, then the body temperature will increase significantly, up to the highest or hectic numbers. Purulent lymphadenitis can be expressed as a "failing finger", which is noticeable if, when pressing, the center of the inflamed lymph node softens. This indicates only purulent inflammation. If the inflammation is caused by bacteria of a certain rare nature, for example, with tuberculosis, then the abscess comes to the surface of the skin and a disease called "fistula" is formed. The enlarged nodes open on their own, with liquid pus flowing out, and the contents of the lymph node are the same in condition as the caseous mass. To clarify why the lymph nodes are inflamed, a targeted biopsy is performed, after which the obtained material is sent for histological and cytological analysis. This type of research makes it possible to eliminate the malignant nature of the disease.

Inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes in children

Any doctor, after examining a child, can give an approximate diagnosis of the disease. For example, if inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes in children occurs, then the presence of such diseases can be assumed:

• measles;
• toxoplasmosis;
• rubella;
• mononucleosis.

They are considered the most common diseases that can lead to inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes in children. If the disease is extremely severe, then inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes in children can be noticed without even feeling. In this case, the child's face has an inflamed, puffy appearance.

As a rule, inflammation of 1 or several lymph nodes occurs near the source of infection. The latter can enter the lymph node from a wound, a boil, a diseased tooth, etc.

Thus, the occipital lymph nodes can also increase in case of infections located where the hair is located, and the preauricular lymph nodes grow as a result of infectious conjunctivitis and felinosis. Enlarged cervical lymph nodes can be found to a greater extent. Usually, it is explained by upper respiratory tract infections. They can appear as a result of dental diseases and oral diseases, infectious monoculosis and other viral infections. And, for example, inguinal lymph nodes usually become larger as a result of infections or leg injuries.

However, there is no need to diagnose your child on your own. A medical examination is absolutely necessary for this, which will put everything in its place. An experienced specialist will determine whether the enlargement of the lymph nodes can be considered local or widespread. The specialist will also evaluate their consistency, size and mobility, determine whether there is pain during palpation, signs of inflammation of the surrounding tissues, areas of damaged skin and other possible sources of infection.

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Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes in children

Experts point out many reasons why the cervical, including occipital and inguinal lymph nodes in children become enlarged or swollen:

1. cat scratches. This is a fairly common cause among children who are in constant contact with cats. Animal saliva contains many bacteria that easily penetrate the blood if a child is bitten by an animal or scratched. After 2-3 days, inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes in children can be noticed. That is, his lymph node becomes inflamed;
2. colds. In children, to whom illness easily sticks, enlarged lymph nodes are very common. In most cases, lymph nodes become inflamed in the child's neck;
3. infectious diseases. In this case, the child has an enlarged lymph node, which is located near the main cause of the infection. If the lymph node on the child's neck is inflamed, it may be a consequence of a disease of the respiratory system, throat, head. But if children have inflamed lymph nodes in the groin, then most often the cause is a disease of the genitourinary system. Inflamed lymph nodes behind the ears in children usually occur if the child experiences toothache or ear pain, as well as eye infections.

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Inflammation of the intestinal lymph nodes in children

Mesadenitis is a disease in which inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity occurs, or to be more precise, inflammation of the lymph nodes of the mesentery of the intestine in children. The name of the disease comes from Greece. After all, from anatomy lessons you can see that the mesentery is called "mes", the gland is "aden", we add "itis" and get the full name of the disease. Its synonyms also include mesenteric lymphadenitis or mesenteritis. The origin of mesadenitis and the ways of its development remain unexplored to this day. Most often, when it occurs, doctors say that the lymph nodes react this way because some kind of infection has entered them.

If we talk about mesadenitis as a children's issue, then this disease is most often found in children aged 6-13. Mesadenitis is very similar to an exacerbation of appendicitis. It has many common symptoms. Simple or purulent mesadenitis (there is also tuberculous and pseudo-tuberculous, but, fortunately, they can be encountered much less often) develops suddenly and very quickly. The only difference from the symptoms of appendicitis is acute cramping pain in the abdomen, which can be expressed in attacks and overlap with intestinal spasms. Body temperature in this case can rise sharply - perhaps up to 38 degrees. In this case, the child feels sick and there are bouts of vomiting. Diarrhea or constipation are also characteristic of this disease. With purulent mesadenitis, the symptoms, and therefore the child's condition, become even worse. In addition to all the above-described symptoms, inflamed lymph nodes can sometimes be felt when palpating the abdomen, which causes severe intoxication.

Mesadenitis in children can be treated only when the clinical picture is clearly established. It also happens that doctors are interested in whether the appearance of symptoms of a viral disease in the child's body served as a harbinger. These include flu, tonsillitis, intestinal infections. And if the origin of mesadenitis is one hundred percent established, it can be eliminated, starting with the sanitation of the sources of infection. After this, you can move on to conservative treatment of mesadenitis in children. The most important thing is to remove acute inflammation at the initial stage of the disease.

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Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes in children

As a rule, after the disease that caused inflammation of the lymph nodes has been cured, the "glands" also return to their initial state. For example, inflamed, and therefore enlarged lymph nodes as a result of angina "swell" within a couple of days. If the disease has become the cause of inflammation of the "glands" and is difficult to cure, the recovery process slows down, then the lymph nodes become smaller and smaller, but much more slowly. Sometimes it happens that lymphadenopathy is very difficult to cure. It does not go away. In this case, surgical intervention to remove the lymph node is simply necessary.

What swollen lymph nodes may mean:

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the cervical region due to a bacterial or viral infection in the nasopharynx. Angina, scarlet fever, chronic tonsillitis - can also be the cause.
• The parotid lymph nodes may enlarge: the middle and outer ear may become inflamed, pediculosis and furunculosis may appear.
• Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the chin area. In this case, the lower lip may be inflamed, there may be a disease of the front teeth, stomatitis.
• Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity. It can occur as a result of a viral or bacterial infection in the digestive system. Severe abdominal pain is the most dangerous and unpleasant symptom.
• Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes in children can be caused by an infection of the lower extremities with the transition to the muscles, bones and skin of the child. It occurs in cases where the joints are inflamed, diaper dermatitis is severe, furunculosis in the gluteal region, inflammation of the genitals.

Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in children

Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in children is a fairly common disease in childhood. Their submandibular lymph nodes are most susceptible to inflammation. This usually occurs due to persistent inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It is called "nonspecific lymphadenitis."

This lymphadenitis can be considered common for many diseases, which include acute respiratory viral infections, flu or tonsillitis. Such diseases may not necessarily be acute. If a child has not been treated for tonsillitis since childhood, then the lymph nodes are constantly enlarged in size and will not become smaller even after the issue with chronic tonsillitis is resolved.

At the beginning of their life, children do not have many infectious agents and the most popular form of their absorption is the oropharynx. Hence the whole "bouquet" of problems with enlarged lymph nodes. This includes angina, tonsillitis and subsequent removal of the tonsils. Submandibular lymphadenitis in a child can also be included in the immune complex of these entry gates.

Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in children is usually referred to as reactive lymphadenitis. One way or another, this disease is cured by the same solution to the problems with the disease that became its source.

It is not difficult to diagnose submandibular enlarged nodes of the immune system. To do this, you only need to squeeze your fingers into a hand and slowly press them into the submandibular area with gentle movements. Examination is very necessary, because a good doctor can distinguish the presence of adhesion with the surrounding tissues of the lymph nodes, the consistency of the node. Quite often, lymphadenitis looks and can be felt as mobile nodes of moderate density.

A visit to the dentist will give the opportunity to remove all inflammatory processes of the teeth and surrounding tissues. Rapid growth of teeth, irregular hand washing and microtraumas can be the cause of constant infection.

In this case, it is worth paying attention to the frequency of vaccinations. The child should be vaccinated according to the schedule. Otherwise, diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough and scarlet fever will further add doubts about which source of enlarged nodes should be considered effective and primary. In this situation, an acute infection will manifest itself in the coming days and then an appointment with an infectious disease specialist simply cannot be avoided.

If the lymph nodes are slightly enlarged, this may be the result of vaccinations. This may not even be related to the vaccination itself, but to an activated and slightly weak immune system.

In order to avoid inflammation of submandibular lymphadenitis in children, do not delay a visit to the pediatrician. The child in any case requires constant monitoring, and lymphadenitis is the main reason for the child to be examined by a doctor again.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arms in children

The largest group of lymph nodes is located in the armpit area. These nodes are created to destroy infections and inflammations that enter the body. When a lymph node in the armpit becomes inflamed, this indicates that there is a disease of one of the internal organs located nearby, under the arm.

The main symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit are: swelling, compaction (lump), inflammation, tumor. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in children is divided into 2 groups: a consequence of a cold or an infection of the ENT organs. Therefore, if you find inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit in a child, this may indicate that he has recently suffered an infectious disease or some poisoning, food or chemical. This may also indicate that the visual signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in a child indicate the development of a dangerous disease in the body and in any case, the baby should be examined by a pediatrician before treating him with folk remedies at home.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpits in children can occur due to various diseases and skin wounds in the area of the arms and shoulders. The most common cause of this can be the so-called "cat scratch disease". In medicine, this is called "benign lymphoreticulosis". The disease proceeds as follows: after a cat scratches a child, inflammation of the lymph node that is located close to the scratch occurs, which serves as an open gate for all kinds of infections. If a child is scratched by a cat, then the wound should be immediately lubricated with brilliant green or iodine and the child's condition should be carefully observed for some time. In certain cases, toxoplasmosis can also go along with inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpits in children.

Diagnosis of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

To establish the cause of lymph node inflammation, a professional medical diagnosis of lymph node inflammation in a child is required. At the moment when the desired infections are identified, it is necessary to fight them in such a way that the treatment of lymphadenopathy is carried out in parallel. In this case, parents should not forget that before the first meeting with the doctor and taking a blood test, the lymph nodes are in no case allowed to be warmed. Therefore, the diagnosis of lymph node inflammation in a child is very important.

The doctor's task after he has discovered enlarged lymph nodes in a child is to conduct a thorough physical examination. This may include a full examination of the tonsils for inflammation. The doctor must also detect wounds and cuts in the skin or scratches from animals, rat bites or ticks, if any are present on the child's body. If the cause of the inflammation of the "glands" is not identified within a week, the doctor must invite a chest X-ray and blood tests. In addition, the doctor can take a piece of lymph node tissue for examination. In such a case, a special needle is inserted into the lymph node, through which its contents are sucked out. This procedure, with the help of modern technology, is painless and does not take too long: it is performed in the doctor's office using local anesthesia. If specialists suspect a cancerous disease, they, as a rule, prescribe special studies of the entire lymphatic system.

After the disease that caused the inflammation of the lymph nodes has been cured, the “glands” become the same size as before, reaching their normal state.

Treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child should not be treated independently. This is especially true for folk remedies. If parents have discovered inflammation, they should immediately call an ambulance. A high temperature may be a signal for this. In order to successfully eliminate inflammation in the lymph nodes, it is important to make an accurate and correct diagnosis and only then begin treatment for the disease that was caused by inflammation of the lymph nodes. Sometimes, in order to establish an accurate diagnosis, a lot of time is needed, and a couple of ultrasound examinations, which may include inflamed lymph nodes or other internal organs of the child.

First, you need to understand why the lymph nodes become inflamed. To do this, you need to consult a doctor again, who would carefully and with all attention and care examine the child, and only then prescribe all sorts of tests and a chest X-ray. Remember that you cannot heat the "glands" in any way before coming to the doctor. If you do not notice this, then this can cause suppuration or infection. In some cases, a thorough laboratory examination is very important. For this, the doctor takes a piece of tissue from the diseased lymph node with a special needle and then sends it for examination. This procedure is quick and easy. The pain is not heard, since local anesthesia is used. And only after all the tests, the doctor can safely prescribe treatment for inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child. But in any case, it should be carefully planned, balanced and thought out.

Prevention of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

Of course, you can't do without preventing inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child. If you notice that your child's lymph nodes are inflamed, treatment should be prescribed at the same time, without postponing it. And only then, under strict supervision of a doctor, can you begin treatment.

Often parents start warming up inflamed lymph nodes in different ways. It is simply forbidden to do this, so as not to lead to the child developing severe suppuration and even infection. Warming up should be done only if your attending physician has given his permission for this and then only on the territory of a medical institution.

If your baby has enlarged and swollen lymph nodes, then the treatment should be aimed not at the lymph node itself, but at the underlying disease. Unfortunately, in some cases the doctor is unable to establish a diagnosis only due to some complaints from the parents and the child himself. And the tests obtained do not provide a clear vision of the child's further treatment. In this case, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound examination of the affected lymph node, as well as internal organs. These include the spleen, liver, and abdominal lymph nodes. If even after this the picture does not become clear, a specialist in this field prescribes an X-ray examination, which shows whether the baby has a latent tuberculosis infection or not.

If the doctor is inclined to believe that the child's blood may contain pathogens of CMV, herpes or toxoplasmosis, he may prescribe a laboratory serological blood test. If the situation of inflammation of the lymph node is clarified, then the only solution to this difficult situation may be a puncture and its implementation, as well as a subsequent biopsy of the lymph node.

One way or another, parents should sound the alarm if they suddenly notice inflammation of the lymph nodes in their child, and not let it slide. But you shouldn’t panic or get scared. As a rule, the cause of the inflammation is simple, understandable and easily treatable. It doesn’t happen often, but it still happens that you can’t do without medical help, but this happens rarely. In any case, parents cannot quickly assess the child’s condition and the cause of the disease. It is best to entrust the child’s health to a good, highly qualified doctor who will make an accurate diagnosis and establish the correct treatment.

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Prognosis of lymph node inflammation in a child

The most unfavorable prognosis for inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child is considered to be complications of lymphadenitis. These include inflammatory complications associated with the addition of bacterial flora or exacerbation of a chronic infection in the blood. Clinically, this is indicated by the development of an abscess or phlegmon. Severe manifestations can be observed with general intoxication or sepsis. A purulent process in the area of the lymph nodes requires urgent surgical intervention, which consists in opening the abscess and draining it. Antibacterial therapy in this case should serve as an indispensable component of therapeutic measures. If inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child is not treated properly, this can contribute to a breakthrough of purulent contents into the underlying tissues, that is, adenophlegmon develops. The child's condition usually worsens significantly in this case due to the intoxication syndrome. The development of serious complications with inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child can only be stopped by observing a set of preventive measures. An adequate course of therapy should be administered for any disease that can lead to lymphadenitis. It is important to prevent infection of various abrasions or superficial wounds of the skin in the child.

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