Inflammation of the lymph nodes
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In medicine, inflammation of the lymph nodes (VL) is called lymphadenitis. The disease develops when the infection enters the human lymphatic system. Throughout the length of the lymphatic vessels are lymph nodes, which have different sizes. Through these nodes and lymphatic fluid flows, which may be an infection.
Lymph nodes are the main barrier that stands in the way of pathogenic microbes; they clear the liquid of pathological contents. In the lymph nodes contains a huge number of lymphocytes, which lead to the death of the virus. Lymphatic fluid, after going through several nodes, is completely cleansed, 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 response to the infection that attacked it. Overhead lines in a particular area, allows you to identify the localization of the infectious process, because local (or as they are also called regional) lymph nodes react to the 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 - pathological processes in the abdominal cavity, etc.
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Causes of lymph node inflammation
Inflammation of the lymph nodes can be for various reasons. In most cases, it is the result of any disease in the body.
There are two types of lymphadenitis: specific and non-specific.
With specific inflammation of the lymph nodes, the cause is a very serious infectious disease, such as AIDS, tuberculosis, syphilis, mononucleosis, leukemia (blood cancer), measles, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
When nonspecific - the cause is pathological processes as a result of ingestion of pathogenic microorganisms (staphylococcus, streptococcus, etc.), which pose a danger to humans under certain conditions.
Nonspecific lymphadenitis is usually caused by neglected carious processes, abscesses, periodontitis, infection during dental treatment, sore throat, catarrhal diseases, lymphangitis, toxoplasmosis, allergic reactions, etc., thrombophlebitis, erysipelas, etc.).
Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes
Inflammation of lymph nodes of a non-specific nature is primarily manifested by an increase and soreness. In case of a catarrhal or hyperplastic disease, they can be easily detected during examination when examined.
If suppuration of the lymph node has begun, signs of intoxication of the body appear (headache, fever, weakness, fever, lack of appetite), it becomes painful, dense, and clear contours disappear. The area over the affected lymph node swells, reddens, later an abscess appears, fluctuation (fluctuation of pus, accompanied by throbbing pain).
If purulent lymphadenitis is not treated, with time the ulcer begins to break out or into adjacent tissues, which is a great danger. When pus enters the adjacent tissues or organs, an adenoflegmon begins, which manifests itself as a dense, painful infiltrate, with softened areas. The putrefactive form of the inflammatory process is accompanied by a slight crunching on probing the affected node. Further destruction of cells and tissues leads to fever, tachycardia, and severe intoxication begins. Among other things, the patient's temperature rises, sometimes to critical points, appetite disappears.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes begins primarily with their soreness and enlargement. Depending on the form of the disease, pain intensity is manifested.
The pain in the acute form of lymphadenitis in the affected area is sharp and quite severe, while the person feels weak, general malaise, headache, fever. Quite often, the disease develops with lymphangitis.
With a non-purulent inflammatory process, the patient generally feels relatively normal. The enlarged nodes become dense, soreness appears with pressure, they are mobile, the skin over the affected area does not change.
Adenoflegmon is characterized by reddening of the skin over the affected area, a thick tumor appears that does not have clear boundaries, is softened in some places. The pain is throbbing, intense. The temperature rises to very high elevations. The purulent form of lymphadenitis can spread to deeper tissues and cells, resulting in blood poisoning.
The chronic form of lymphadenitis is almost painless, with only an increase in lymph nodes.
The effects of lymph node inflammation
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 promptly treated, in this case, after recovery, the lymph nodes return to their normal state on their own. In severe infections, when an acute or suppurative inflammatory process begins, together with the treatment of the underlying disease, the patient’s condition can be alleviated. In case of acute, purulent or chronic inflammation in the lymph nodes, the process of replacement of the lymphoid tissue with connective tissue begins, which leads to disruption of their work, and they are unable to fully perform their functions in the future.
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Diagnosis of inflammation of the lymph nodes
When the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes, first of all, conduct a visual inspection of the patient, find out the history (disease in the past). After the survey and examination, a blood test is assigned to help determine the causes of pathology.
To exclude cancer pathologies or determine the source of infection, a chest x-ray or computed tomography is prescribed. Computed tomography allows you to more clearly see the picture of the disease, but this procedure is quite expensive.
If previous methods did not help determine the cause of the pathological process, a lymph node biopsy is indicated. The procedure consists in the laboratory examination of tissue samples of the inflamed lymph node, the contents in its capsule. This diagnostic method greatly increases the chances of establishing an accurate diagnosis.
To establish the cause that provoked the pathology, the doctor prescribes several tests.
With an increase in lymph nodes in the groin, this may indicate urogenital diseases or venereal diseases. In this case, blood and urine tests, a test for hepatitis, syphilis, and HIV are prescribed. After the results and establishing 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 this case, a standard blood and urinalysis, an x-ray examination of the chest, are prescribed.
Parotid, submandibular, cervical lymph nodes speak of infection in the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, organs of hearing, nasal mucosa, etc. In this case, apart from standard urine and blood tests, consultation of other specialists (otolaryngologist) will be required.
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What to do with inflammation of the lymph nodes?
When an inflamed lymph node is detected, the first thing to do is to seek medical advice. If the inflammatory process is accompanied by high fever, it is possible to take antipyretic, if you feel unwell, dizzy or headache, you should follow the bed rest and invite the doctor to the house.
It must be remembered that the inflamed lymph nodes should not be heated in any way or impose warming compresses on the affected area. To relieve pain, a cool compress can be applied to them. If the skin over the pathological area began to turn red, a throbbing pain appeared, this indicates that the purulent process has begun. In this case, you need to immediately call an ambulance, because the pus can burst not only outward, but also into adjacent tissues or organs, which threatens the spread of infection throughout the body. In the case of a purulent form, surgical treatment is necessary, in which the affected lymph node is opened and cleaned of accumulated pus.
If you find that you have inflammation of the lymph nodes, first of all, you need to consult a general practitioner. The doctor will conduct a visual inspection, probes them. If the inflammatory process has occurred against the background of a cold, the doctor will prescribe an appropriate treatment for the underlying disease, the field of which the lymph nodes should assume the usual dimensions. If it was not possible to establish the cause, the therapist may prescribe an additional examination, according to the results of which he may be referred to other specialists (endocrinologist, surgeon, oncologist).
Since the 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 that the appropriate specialist should deal with, for example, a cold, a therapist treats the flu, an oncologist deals with oncological diseases, a venereologist, etc., venereal diseases. After the site of infection is destroyed, the lymph nodes return to normal.
If the pathological process has acquired a purulent form, an urgent need to contact the surgeon.
Treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes
Treating only the inflamed lymph nodes is fundamentally wrong. The lymph nodes in their condition only indicate that the body has a source of infection that the body cannot cope on its own and asks for help in this way.
Fever, weakness, fatigue, headache are frequent companions of the inflammatory process. But temperature is an indication that the body is actively fighting the infection. It is not very good when the temperature is low when the nodes are inflamed, which indicates a weakened immunity, in which case a course of antibiotics may be needed.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by pain, swelling, so almost everyone wants to remove the pain, but the main thing in treatment is to establish and treat the cause of the disease, i.e. Source of infection. You need three times a day to take vitamin C, which will help the immune system cope with the disease.
Drugs for inflammation of the lymph nodes are primarily aimed at treating the underlying disease.
For infections of the upper respiratory tract, otitis, urinary system, streptococcal infections, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics (vilprafen, azithromycin, benzylpenicillin, etc.).
Camphor oil is an alternative treatment for inflammation in the lymph nodes in the armpits, around the neck. Compresses are used for treatment, which are applied to the affected areas for ten minutes.
You can use various anti-inflammatory ointments, which for some time superimposed on the affected area. Ichthyol ointment is often used, which has antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Ointment can lubricate the skin over the affected lymph nodes, if necessary, from above you can apply a thin bandage. You can also use streptonitolovoy ointment, which has antibacterial and antiprotozoan effect. Ointment is applied with a thin layer on the skin surface and a sterile dressing is applied on top (1 - 2 times a day).
Streptocidal ointment, Sinalar K have a good effect in the acute form of lymphadenitis. Before using any drug, consult a physician, since adverse reactions are possible.
Vishnevsky ointment is used to relieve inflammation in the lymph nodes for a long time. This ointment has a very specific smell, but the effectiveness of this is not less. This ointment is used for bedsores, trophic ulcers, wounds. It has good disinfecting properties, accelerates regeneration processes. To remove the inflammatory process, it is recommended to apply a compress on the affected area at night, you can also apply a thin layer of ointment on the inflamed lymph node.
In case of acute lymphadenitis, tablets with antibacterial and bactericidal properties can be prescribed: sifloks, vilprafen, sumetrolim, soleksin-forte, streptotsida, septrin.
Anti-inflammatory drugs for lymphadenitis are necessary to relieve inflammation. Lymph nodes react to an infection in the body with an increase in size and tenderness, 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. Lympho-gran 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 a good result, 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 the 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. In each case, the doctor prescribes the dose individually, depending on the severity of the disease. Typically, tablets are prescribed 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 powder form for suspension, in this case the dosage will be ¼ tsp three times a day. At the age of two to five years, half a teaspoon, from 5 to 10 years, 1 teaspoonful three times a day.
Another effective symptom relief is Amoxiclav, which is a combination antibacterial drug with a broad spectrum of action from the penicillin group. Available in powder form for the preparation of suspensions, tablets, intravenous injections.
The dosage of the drug is individual, depending on the condition of the patient, age, body weight. It is recommended to take Amoxiclav before meals to reduce possible side effects. The course of treatment consists of 5 to 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.
Children under the age of 12 years, the drug is prescribed depending on body weight, the recommended dose is 40 mg per 1 kg, three times a day.
For children whose body weight is more than 40 kg, the drug is prescribed in the same dosage as an adult: 375 mg every 8 hours for mild illness or 625 mg every 12 hours for moderately severe condition. In severe conditions, 625 mg every 8 hours or 1000 mg every 12 hours. Before taking the pill, chew or dissolve thoroughly 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, has antimicrobial properties. To reduce the signs of the inflammatory process, a compress of 30% dimexide is used.
Tsiprolet - an antibiotic with a wide spectrum of action. It refers to such few drugs, to which microorganisms rarely develop resistance. Therefore, it is often prescribed for acute infectious and inflammatory diseases.
In each 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 to 10 days. Tablets are best taken on an empty stomach, drinking plenty of water.
Azithromycin has been used in medical practice for quite some time, but it does not lose its leading position. It has a wide spectrum of action, it is prescribed for infectious and inflammatory diseases.
Before using the drug, it is recommended to undergo a test for susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria to the main substance of the drug. Azithromycin must be taken one hour before meals (or two hours after). It is advisable to take the medicine at the same time. Usually prescribed 0.5 mg course for three days.
Digran 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 greater number of different pathogens. 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 case individually, it all depends on the type of pathogen, the severity of the disease, age, weight and kidney function. As a rule, the drug is prescribed by 250 - 500 mg every 12 hours. The medicine is taken on an empty stomach, without chewing, you need to drink plenty of water.
Biseptol is a combined bactericidal antibiotic that kills microorganisms that cause diseases of the urogenital 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 case, depending on the disease and condition of the patient, the dosage is determined by the doctor individually. The recommended dose for adults and children over 12 years is 4 tablets per day or 8 scoops of syrup. The course of treatment is two weeks.
Treatment of lymph node inflammation with alternative means
Treatment of inflamed lymph nodes with alternative medicine can be combined with traditional treatment. Alternative methods will help to cope with the inflammatory process in the body, improve the condition of the patient, contribute to a quick recovery.
A decoction of dried leaves and hazel bark has a good anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. To prepare medicinal broth, pour a glass of boiling water over a tablespoon of a mixture of leaves and bark, let it brew for half an hour, and after that you should take it cup three times a day before meals.
As a compress, you can use one simple popular recipe, which will help to cope with the pathological process: nut leaves, mistletoe, chamomile well chop and boil. Then soak a napkin or a bandage (gauze) in warm broth and apply it to the inflamed lymph nodes for a couple of hours, the course should be carried out until complete recovery.
Echinacea herb effectively helps to cope with inflammation, it has a high antiseptic effect on the body, promotes speedy recovery. The easiest way of treatment is to take tincture regularly - 10 drops per half glass of water 4 times a day.
When treating infections that provoked an increase in lymph nodes, it is necessary, first of all, to eliminate the inflammatory process in the body. For this it is good to use anti-inflammatory collection of herbs:
Blackhead grass, Lnjanki, thyme - for 1 hour, oregano, St. John's wort, medunitsa, valerian root, knotweed, sweet flag - for 2 hours, licorice root, - for 3 hours, raspberry leaf - 4 hours, birch leaf - 6 hours.
To make an infusion of herbs, you need to pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture with a liter of boiling water and insist overnight in a thermos (or a well-wrapped jar). The next day, drink the whole infusion, brew the next in the evening. Treatment should be carried out with a course of at least 1.5 - 2 months.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes is well removed by compresses, which also help to reduce pain and improve the condition of the disease.
Compresses can be different: with ointments, with herbs, from leaves, etc. When using compresses, one should always remember that with lymphadenitis, warming compresses are strictly forbidden; they can provoke purulent inflammation that can break into the surrounding tissues.
A compress from Vishnevsky ointment, which can be done overnight, has a good anti-inflammatory and pulling effect.
You can also use mint leaves for effective anti-inflammatory compresses. To do this, it will be necessary to chop the mint leaves so that the plant can make juice, then attach it to the inflamed lymph nodes, you can wrap it over with a scarf. Mint leaves will also have a cooling effect that will ease the condition of the patient.
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, exercise. Also, they can be inflamed on the background of cuts, scratches, boils. This is especially true of young children, who often have broken knees and abrasions in their arms and legs. Any damage to the skin should be immediately treated with antiseptic solutions, with deep injuries it is necessary to apply a sterile dressing to avoid infection.
It is necessary to regularly undergo preventive examinations at the dentist, as the inflammatory processes in the oral cavity also provoke an increase in lymph nodes.
Lymph node inflammation prognosis
Inflammation of the lymph nodes, which has not acquired a neglected (purulent, acute) form always has favorable prognosis for treatment. In such cases, it is necessary to identify the cause of the inflammation and direct the main treatment to eradicate the infection. As a rule, special treatment is not required. As the inflammation in the body subsides, they also return to their normal state. More severe manifestations of lymphadenitis with improper or late treatment can lead to damage to the lymph node. In the acute and purulent form, it is sucked with the surrounding tissue, the process of replacing the lymphoid tissue with the connective tissue begins in it, which further completely disrupts its normal operation.
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