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Serous lymphadenitis
Last reviewed: 08.07.2025
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A type of acute inflammatory process in the lymph nodes is serous lymphadenitis, which occurs without the formation of purulent discharge.
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Symptoms of serous lymphadenitis
The disease develops with the defeat of one or a group of nodes, which become dense in consistency and moderately painful. The skin over the inflammation zone becomes severely edematous, and then reddish. As the pathology progresses, the lymph nodes lose mobility, and pain increases. Without proper treatment, the serous stage develops into a purulent one.
Acute serous lymphadenitis
An enlarged lymph node or group of nodes with characteristic pain on palpation is typical of the acute course of the disease. The lymph nodes become dense, and as the pathology develops, swelling appears. A significant deterioration in the condition is observed in children under three years of age, older patients less often complain of signs of intoxication, including: loss of appetite, sleep problems, headache, general weakness.
As acute serous lymphadenitis develops, it manifests itself in increased pain, reddening of the skin in the area of the affected node, and decreased mobility of the lymph nodes. Such changes indicate the onset of periadenitis - involvement of the adjacent tissue with the node capsule in the inflammation zone. In the absence of timely and proper treatment, acute serous lymphadenitis develops into purulent.
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Treatment of serous lymphadenitis
Therapy for serous inflammation of the nodes should begin with identifying the root cause, i.e. diagnosing the primary disease. After eliminating the main source of infection, treatment is reduced to increasing the body's defenses. For this purpose, a multivitamin complex and desensitizing agents are prescribed, and the diet is dominated by dairy and plant products.
Therapy for acute serous lymphadenitis is based on recognizing the underlying cause of the disease. Suppression of the primary source of infection ensures recovery of the lymphatic system.
The use of antibiotics in the treatment of serous lymphadenitis is possible with the progression of the inflammatory process against the background of the elimination of the underlying cause, as well as according to individual prescriptions (for example, in weakened patients). Vishnevsky ointment is applied locally to the area of the affected node. Electrophoresis, UHF, laser and magnetic therapy give good results.