Inflammation of the lymph nodes

In medicine, inflammation of the lymph nodes (LN) is called lymphadenitis. This disease develops when an infection enters the human lymphatic system. Lymph nodes of various sizes are located along the entire length of the lymphatic vessels. Lymphatic fluid, which may contain an infection, flows through these nodes.

Lymph nodes are the main barrier that stands in the way of pathogenic microbes, they cleanse the fluid from pathological contents. The lymph nodes contain a huge number of lymphocytes, which lead to the death of the virus. The lymphatic fluid, having passed through several nodes, is completely cleaned, and only then enters the circulatory system. If there are a large number of microbes in the body, the lymph nodes begin to work more intensively, they increase the production of lymphocytes, while slightly increasing in size and becoming painful.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is not an independent disease, it is the body's reaction to an infection that has attacked it. VL in a particular area allows you to identify the localization of the infectious process, since local (or as they are also called regional) lymph nodes react to pathogenic microbes. For example, inflammation of the lymph nodes under the lower jaw may indicate an infection in the oral cavity (caries, periodontitis, etc.), inguinal - on pathological processes in the abdominal cavity, etc.

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Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes can be due to various reasons. In most cases, it is a consequence of some disease in the body.

There are two types of lymphadenitis: specific and nonspecific.

In case of specific inflammation of the lymph nodes, the cause is a very serious infectious disease, for example, AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis, mononucleosis, leukemia (blood cancer), measles, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.

In non-specific cases, the cause is pathological processes resulting from the entry of pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococcus, streptococcus, etc.) into the body, which pose a danger to humans under certain conditions.

Non-specific lymphadenitis is usually caused by advanced carious processes, abscesses, periodontitis, infection during dental treatment, tonsillitis, colds, lymphangitis, toxoplasmosis, allergic reactions, etc. It can also begin due to an existing source of decay (wounds, boils, trophic ulcers, thrombophlebitis, erysipelas, etc.).

Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes of a non-specific nature is primarily manifested by enlargement and pain. In the case of a catarrhal or hyperplastic form of the disease, they are easily detected during examination by palpation.

If suppuration of the lymph node begins, signs of intoxication of the body appear (headache, fever, weakness, temperature, loss of appetite), it becomes painful, dense, clear contours disappear. The area above the affected lymph node swells, turns red, later an abscess appears, fluctuation (fluctuation of pus, accompanied by pulsating pain).

If purulent lymphadenitis is not treated, over time the abscess begins to break through to the outside or into adjacent tissues, which is very dangerous. When pus gets into adjacent tissues or organs, adenophlegmon begins, which manifests itself as a dense painful infiltrate with softened areas. The putrefactive form of the inflammatory process is accompanied by a slight crunch when palpating the affected node. Further destruction of cells and tissues leads to fever, tachycardia, and severe intoxication of the body begins. Among other things, the patient's temperature rises, sometimes to critical levels, and appetite disappears.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes begins, first of all, with their soreness and enlargement. Depending on the form of the disease, the intensity of pain manifests itself.

The pain in acute lymphadenitis in the affected area is sharp and quite strong, and the person feels weak, generally unwell, has a headache, and the temperature rises. Quite often the disease develops together with lymphangitis.

In non-purulent inflammatory processes, the patient usually feels relatively normal. The enlarged nodes become dense, painful when pressed, they are mobile, the skin over the affected area does not change.

Adenophlegmon is characterized by reddening of the skin over the affected area, a dense tumor appears, without clear boundaries, softened in places. The pain is pulsating, strong. The temperature rises to very high levels. The purulent form of lymphadenitis can spread to deeper tissues and cells, which will eventually lead to blood poisoning.

The chronic form of lymphadenitis is practically painless, and only the enlargement of the lymph nodes is felt.

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Consequences of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a natural reaction of our body to various harmful microorganisms that have entered the bloodstream. Diseases that caused the pathological process must be treated promptly, in which case, after recovery, the lymph nodes return to normal on their own. In severe infections, when an acute or purulent inflammatory process begins, together with the treatment of the underlying disease, the patient's condition can be alleviated. In acute, purulent or chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes, the process of replacing lymphoid tissue with connective tissue begins, which leads to disruption of their work, and they are no longer able to fully perform their functions.

Diagnosis of inflammation of the lymph nodes

In case of an inflammatory process in the lymph nodes, first of all, a visual examination of the patient is carried out, anamnesis (past illness) is clarified. After questioning and examination, a blood test is prescribed, which will help to determine the causes of the pathology.

To exclude cancer pathologies or to determine the source of infection, a chest X-ray or computed tomography is prescribed. Computed tomography allows for a more clear picture of the disease, but this procedure is quite expensive.

If the previous methods did not help to determine the cause of the pathological process, a lymph node biopsy is prescribed. The procedure involves a laboratory study of tissue samples of the inflamed lymph node, the contents of its capsule. This diagnostic method significantly increases the chances of establishing an accurate diagnosis.

To establish the cause that provoked the pathology, the doctor prescribes several tests.

If the lymph nodes in the groin area are enlarged, this may indicate diseases of the genitourinary system or venereal diseases. In this case, blood and urine tests, tests for hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV are prescribed. After the results and determination of the cause of the disease, appropriate therapy is prescribed.

Inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes may indicate pathological processes in the upper abdomen and chest, in which case a standard blood test, urine test, and chest X-ray are prescribed.

Parotid, submandibular, cervical lymph nodes indicate an infection in the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, hearing organs, nasal mucosa, etc. In this case, in addition to standard urine and blood tests, a consultation with other specialists (otolaryngologist) will be required.

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What to do if the lymph nodes are inflamed?

If you find an inflamed lymph node, you should first consult a doctor. If the inflammatory process is accompanied by a high temperature, you can take an antipyretic; if you feel unwell, dizzy or have a headache, you should stay in bed and call a doctor to your home.

It is important to remember that inflamed lymph nodes should never be warmed up or have warming compresses applied to the affected area. To relieve pain, you can apply a cool compress to them. If the skin over the pathological area begins to turn red and a throbbing pain appears, this indicates that a purulent process has begun. In this case, you must immediately call an ambulance, since pus can break through not only to the outside, but also to adjacent tissues or organs, which threatens the spread of infection throughout the body. In the purulent form, surgical treatment is necessary, in which the affected lymph node is opened and cleaned of accumulated pus.

If you have discovered that you have inflammation of the lymph nodes, first of all, you need to consult a therapist. The doctor will conduct a visual examination and palpate them. If the inflammatory process occurred against the background of a cold, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment for the underlying disease, after which the lymph nodes should take on their normal size. If it was not possible to establish the cause, the therapist will prescribe additional examination, based on the results of which he may refer you to other specialists (endocrinologist, surgeon, oncologist).

Since inflammation of the lymph nodes is a secondary disease that develops against the background of the development of the main one. Treatment consists of eliminating the source of infection, which should be dealt with by the appropriate specialist, for example, a cold, flu is treated by a therapist, oncological diseases are treated by an oncologist, venereal diseases - by a venereologist, etc. After the source of infection is destroyed, the lymph nodes return to normal.

If the pathological process has become purulent, you must immediately contact a surgeon.

Treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Treating only inflamed lymph nodes is fundamentally wrong. The condition of lymph nodes only indicates that there is a source of infection in the body that the body cannot cope with on its own and thus asks for help.

Fever, weakness, fatigue, headache are frequent companions of the inflammatory process. But temperature is an indicator that the body is actively fighting infection. It is not very good when there is a low temperature with inflamed nodes, this indicates a weakened immune system, in which case a course of antibiotics may be needed.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by pain, swelling, so almost everyone strives to eliminate the pain, but the main thing in treatment is to establish and treat the cause of the disease, i.e. the source of infection. You need to take vitamin C three times a day, which will help the immune system cope with the disease.

Medicines for inflammation of the lymph nodes are primarily aimed at treating the underlying disease.

For upper respiratory tract infections, otitis, genitourinary system, streptococcal infections, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used (vilprafen, azithromycin, benzylpenicillin, etc.).

Camphor oil is a folk remedy for treating inflammation in the lymph nodes in the armpits and neck. Compresses are used for treatment, which are applied to the affected areas for ten minutes.

You can use various anti-inflammatory ointments that are applied to the affected area for a while. Ichthyol ointment is used quite often, which has antiseptic and disinfectant properties. The ointment can be applied to the skin areas above the affected lymph nodes, and a thin bandage can be applied on top if necessary. You can also use streptonitol ointment, which has an antibacterial and antiprotozoal effect. The ointment is applied in a thin layer to the skin surface and a sterile bandage is applied on top (1-2 times a day).

Streptocide ointment and Sinalar K have a good effect in acute lymphadenitis. Before using any drug, you should consult a doctor, as side effects are possible.

Vishnevsky ointment has been used to relieve inflammation in the lymph nodes for quite a long time. This ointment has a very specific smell, but it is no less effective. This ointment is used for bedsores, trophic ulcers, wounds. It has good disinfectant properties, accelerates regeneration processes. To relieve inflammation, it is recommended to apply a compress to the affected area at night, you can also apply a thin layer of ointment to the inflamed lymph node.

For acute lymphadenitis, tablets with antibacterial and bactericidal properties may be prescribed: siflox, vilprafen, sumetrolim, solexin-forte, streptocide, septrin.

Anti-inflammatory drugs for lymphadenitis are necessary to relieve inflammation. Lymph nodes respond to infection in the body by increasing in size and pain, prolonged inflammation can lead to suppuration. Therefore, when treating the main source of the disease, it is necessary to simultaneously reduce the inflammatory process in the lymph node itself. Lymphogran has good anti-inflammatory properties, which can be used by both adults and children.

Antibiotics for inflammation of the lymph nodes

Antibiotics in the treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes show good results, despite the negative attitude of many to such treatment. The use of drugs is advisable at the initial stage of the disease, in order to prevent severe development of the disease.

Amoxicillin, which belongs to the penicillin group, has a good effect. It has a wide spectrum of action and acts detrimentally on staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli and other pathogenic bacteria.

The drug is intended for oral administration, intravenous or intramuscular administration. The doctor prescribes the dose in each specific case individually, depending on the severity of the disease. Usually, tablets are prescribed at 500 mg 3 times a day, but in more severe cases, the dose can be increased to 1000 mg. For children under two years old, the drug is available in the form of a powder for the preparation of a suspension, the dosage in this case will be ¼ teaspoon three times a day. At the age of two to five years, half a teaspoon, from 5 to 10 years, 1 teaspoon three times a day.

Another effective drug for relieving symptoms is amoxiclav, which is a combined antibacterial drug with a broad spectrum of action from the penicillin group. It is available in the form of powder for the preparation of suspensions, tablets, intravenous injections.

The dosage of the drug is individual, depends on the patient's condition, age, body weight. It is recommended to take Amoxiclav before meals to reduce possible side effects. The course of treatment consists of 5 - 14 days, which is determined by the attending physician. It is not recommended to continue treatment for more than two weeks without a secondary medical examination.

For children under 12 years of age, the drug is prescribed depending on body weight, the recommended dose is 40 mg per 1 kg of weight, three times a day.

For children weighing more than 40 kg, the drug is prescribed in the same dosage as for adults: 375 mg every 8 hours for mild illness or 625 mg every 12 hours for moderate illness. For severe illness, 625 mg every 8 hours or 1000 mg every 12 hours. Before taking, the tablets should be thoroughly chewed or dissolved in 100-150 ml of water.

Dimexide is an anti-inflammatory agent, available in the form of a solution for external use. Dimexide improves metabolism in the affected area, has a local anesthetic effect, and has antimicrobial properties. To reduce signs of inflammation, a compress of 30% dimexide is used.

Ciprolet is a broad-spectrum antibiotic. It is one of the few drugs to which microorganisms rarely develop resistance. Therefore, it is often prescribed for acute infectious and inflammatory diseases.

In each specific case, taking into account the patient's condition and the severity of the disease, an individual dosage of the drug is prescribed. The usual recommended dose for oral administration is 0.25 mg (or 0.5 - 0.75 mg in more severe cases) 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 7 - 10 days. It is best to take the tablets on an empty stomach with plenty of water.

Azithromycin has been used in medical practice for quite a long time, but it has not lost its leading position. It has a wide range of action, and is prescribed for infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Before using the drug, it is recommended to undergo a test for the susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to the main substance of the drug. Azithromycin should be taken one hour before meals (or two hours after). It is advisable to take the medicine at the same time. Usually 0.5 mg is prescribed for a three-day course.

Tsifran has an antimicrobial effect, the main substance of the drug is ciprofloxacin. The drug is available in the form of tablets, injections, droppers. This drug is able to destroy a large number of different pathogenic microorganisms. A distinctive feature of this drug is that microbes do not have time to get used to the drug.

The dosage of the drug is determined in each specific case individually, everything depends on the type of pathogen, severity of the disease, age, weight and kidney function. As a rule, the drug is prescribed at 250 - 500 mg every 12 hours. The medicine is taken on an empty stomach, without chewing, and should be washed down with plenty of water.

Biseptol is a combined bactericidal antibiotic that destroys microorganisms that cause diseases of the genitourinary system, lungs, intestines, and ears.

Before using the drug, it is necessary to determine the susceptibility of the microorganisms that caused the disease to the active substance. In each specific case, depending on the disease and the patient's condition, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually. The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 4 tablets per day or 8 measuring spoons of syrup. The course of treatment is two weeks.

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Treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes with folk remedies

Treatment of inflamed lymph nodes using folk medicine can be combined with traditional treatment. Folk methods will help cope with the inflammatory process in the body, improve the patient's condition, and promote rapid recovery.

A decoction of dried hazel leaves and bark has a good anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. To prepare a medicinal decoction, pour a tablespoon of the mixture of leaves and bark with a glass of boiling water, let it brew for half an hour, and then take the remedy three times a day, ¼ glass before meals.

As a compress, you can use one simple folk recipe that will help cope with the pathological process: chop walnut, mistletoe, and chamomile leaves well and boil. Then soak a napkin or bandage (gauze) in a warm decoction and apply to the inflamed lymph nodes for a couple of hours, the course must be carried out until complete recovery.

Echinacea herb effectively helps to cope with inflammation, it has a high antiseptic effect on the body, promotes a speedy recovery. The simplest method of treatment is to regularly take the tincture - 10 drops in half a glass of water 4 times a day.

When treating infections that have caused enlarged lymph nodes, it is necessary, first of all, to eliminate the inflammatory process in the body. For this, it is good to use an anti-inflammatory herbal collection:

Blackhead, toadflax, thyme - 1 tsp each, oregano, St. John's wort, lungwort, valerian root, knotweed, calamus - 2 tsp each, licorice root, wormwood - 3 tsp each, raspberry leaf - 4 tsp, birch leaf - 6 tsp.

To prepare an infusion of herbs, pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture with a liter of boiling water and leave overnight in a thermos (or a well-wrapped jar). The next day, drink the entire infusion, and brew the next one in the evening. The treatment must be carried out in a course of at least 1.5 - 2 months.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is well treated with compresses, which also help reduce pain and improve the condition of the disease.

Compresses can be different: with ointments, with herbs, from leaves, etc. When using compresses, you must always remember that with lymphadenitis, warming compresses are strictly prohibited, they can provoke purulent inflammation, which can break through into adjacent tissues.

A compress made from Vishnevsky ointment has a good anti-inflammatory and stretching effect and can be done at night.

You can also use mint leaves for effective anti-inflammatory compresses. To do this, you will need to crush the mint leaves so that the plant releases juice, then apply to the inflamed lymph nodes, you can wrap a scarf on top. Mint leaves will also have a cooling effect, which will ease the patient's condition.

Prevention of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Lymphadenitis is always a secondary disease, so for the purpose of prevention it is necessary to prevent the development of pathology in the body. To avoid colds and viral diseases, it is necessary to strengthen the immune system, eat right, and exercise. They can also become inflamed due to cuts, scratches, and boils. This is especially true for small children, who very often have broken knees and abrasions on their arms and legs. Any damage to the skin must be immediately treated with antiseptic solutions; in case of deep damage, a sterile bandage must be applied to avoid infection.

It is necessary to undergo regular preventive examinations by a dentist, since inflammatory processes in the oral cavity also provoke an increase in lymph nodes.

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Prognosis of lymph node inflammation

Inflammation of the lymph nodes, which has not acquired an advanced (purulent, acute) form, always has a favorable prognosis for treatment. In such cases, it is necessary to identify the cause of the inflammation and direct the main treatment to destroy the infection. As a rule, special treatment is not required. Since when the inflammation in the body subsides, they also return to their normal state. More severe manifestations of lymphadenitis diseases with improper or untimely treatment can lead to damage to the lymph node. In the acute and purulent form, it fuses with the surrounding tissue, the process of replacing lymphoid tissue with connective tissue begins in it, which subsequently completely disrupts its normal functioning.

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