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Regional lymphadenitis
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Regional inflammation is lymphadenitis of a specific area (also called local). This pathology is observed in cat scratch disease, when the lymph nodes of the neck and armpits swell after a bite, scratch, or the entry of animal saliva into the human bloodstream.
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Causes of regional lymphadenitis
Inflammation of regional lymph nodes is caused by syphilis, tuberculosis, herpes pathogens, tularemia. Regional lymphadenitis is an integral secondary symptom of syphilis. There is a compaction and enlargement of the lymph nodes located as close as possible to the primary syphilitic ulcers (chancrae). For example, the localization of hard chancres in the genital area contributes to the growth of inguinal lymph nodes. Often the lesion covers a group of lymph nodes, the size of which varies from a bean to a chicken egg. The nodes have a dense consistency and are painless upon palpation, no changes in the skin are observed.
Symptoms of regional lymphadenitis
Regional lymphadenitis of the neck or face is formed due to infections of the oral cavity and face. The presence of a viral infection in children under 4 years of age causes inflammation in the submandibular area or on the front/back of the neck. A bacterial pathogen causes unilateral lymphadenitis on the side of the neck in patients over 4 years of age.
As medical practice shows, regional lymphadenitis is often of a non-specific type. Streptococci and staphylococci are considered pathogenic agents, and the infectious focus develops in one area. For this reason, doctors recommend caution when self-treating acne, pimples, and purulent wounds. In children, regional inflammation of the cervical and axillary nodes is diagnosed several months after BCG vaccination.
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Treatment of regional lymphadenitis
Treatment of inflammation of regional nodes is reduced to identifying the cause of the pathology, i.e. the underlying disease. Therapy depends on the severity and stage of the inflammation and includes:
- course of antibiotics;
- taking vitamins, painkillers, immunomodulators and antihistamines;
- physiotherapy – ultrasound, UHF treatment, sollux, etc.;
- if necessary, novocaine blockades are prescribed;
- in case of a purulent process – opening of the lymph node capsule and treatment with antiseptics, as well as surgical excision.
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