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Treatment of lymphadenitis

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
 
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Treatment of lymphadenitis – inflammation of the lymph nodes, begins with eliminating its cause.

Most often, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs in response to infection: fungal infections, HIV, tuberculosis, streptococcus. Symptoms: swelling of the skin around the lymph nodes, rash, redness and fever.

Treatment of lymphadenitis of the neck

Treatment of lymphadenitis of the neck begins with the appointment of a clinical blood test. It shows an increased content of leukocytes in it.

Dry compresses are prescribed for treatment, if there is no fever, UHF and antibiotics. Sometimes suppurations are opened surgically.

Prevention: timely treatment of bacterial and viral infections, dental treatment, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Treatment of inguinal lymphadenitis

Sexually transmitted diseases are often the cause.

Treatment of inguinal lymphadenitis - inflammation of the lymph nodes of the inguinal region, consists of strengthening the immune system. Sometimes the inguinal lymph nodes are removed or the resulting abscess is drained. After this procedure, several dressings are necessary.

Heat treatment, electrophoresis, and anti-inflammatory ointments are used.

Complications – osteomyelitis and sepsis.

Treatment of axillary lymphadenitis

Axillary inflammation of the lymph nodes is manifested by an increase in the volume of the axillary lymph nodes, they become easily displaced. The patient complains of general manifestations of intoxication: weakness, headache and tachycardia. The skin around the lymph node becomes hot and red.

Pathogens: staphylococci, streptococci, proteus.

With adequate treatment, the lymph nodes quickly decrease in size and the patient recovers.

Conservative treatment of axillary lymphadenitis is usually physiotherapeutic. Compresses with dimexide and ichthyol ointment are prescribed. If there is no improvement, an operation is performed to remove the axillary lymph nodes.

Treatment of axillary lymphadenitis with antibiotics. The most commonly used drugs are amoxiclav, amoxicillin, ampicillin. The duration of antibiotic therapy is, on average, 14 days.

Amoxiclav is prescribed to adults 1 tablet every 8 hours. Individual sensitivity to the drug is possible.

Amoxicillin dosage for adults is 0.5 g/3 times a day. For children under 10 years old – 0.25 g/3 times a day, under 3 years old – 0.125 g/3 times a day. Prescribed with caution to pregnant women. Do not prescribe in case of sensitivity to penicillins.

Ampicillin is prescribed to adults in the amount of 0.5 g per dose. The daily dose of the drug is 2-3 g. For children, the dosage is set at 100 mg/kg. The drug is taken in 5-6 doses.

Treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis

Most often, submandibular inflammation of the lymph nodes is a consequence of tonsillitis and gingivitis.

What symptoms should you be wary of?

  1. Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw
  2. Painful sensations radiating to the ear
  3. Fever
  4. Loss of appetite
  5. Neurological symptoms: insomnia, irritation

The serous form shows almost no symptoms. There is no change in skin color, you may only notice a slight increase in lymph nodes.

Antibiotics and an infrared lamp are effective in treating submandibular lymphadenitis. The doctor may prescribe rinsing with Burow's solution.

Treatment of parotid lymphadenitis

Often, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs against the background of boils and panaritium, flu and pneumonia.

The disease can occur in serous and purulent forms. If the disease is not treated in time, it becomes chronic.

Self-medication is unacceptable. Medicine increasingly encounters erased atypical forms of inflammation of the lymph nodes. For example, in "mild" serous forms, signs of intoxication can be very pronounced. Dangerous cysts and lymphomas give a similar picture.

Treatment of parotid lymphadenitis combines physiotherapy, ointments on the affected lymph node and antibiotics. In case of abscess formation, treatment may be surgical.

Drug treatment of parotid lymphadenitis. The doctor selects antibiotics of the penicillin group (amoxiclav, ampicillin, amoxicillin) and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Also, in combination with pharmacological drugs, non-traditional methods of treating parotid lymphadenitis, such as herbal infusions, give a good effect.

Mix one part of nettle, yarrow and oregano and three parts of horsetail. Pour 300 ml of water over a tablespoon of the mixture and keep in a water bath for 15 minutes. Infuse for 10 minutes, take 100 ml 3 times a day before meals.

Squeeze out the dandelion juice, soak a napkin in it. Apply the resulting compress to the affected lymph node.

A good effect is achieved by applying peppermint leaves to the affected area for 2 hours.

Treatment of acute lymphadenitis

Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by hyperemia of the lymph node and an increase in temperature. The onset of the disease resembles the picture of influenza.

This disease should be distinguished from:

  1. Tumors (sometimes it is necessary to do a lymph node biopsy)
  2. Salivary stone disease
  3. Periodontitis
  4. Cysts of the neck and face.

In severe forms of the disease, treatment is carried out in a hospital. Antibiotics are taken for about 14 days, both in tablet form and intramuscularly. Compresses and bandages with mercury ointment are used.

In advanced cases, necrosis of the lymph nodes occurs.

Prevention of acute lymphadenitis involves timely treatment of teeth and respiratory diseases.

Treatment of chronic lymphadenitis

Chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur due to an untreated tooth or sinusitis. When the lymph nodes swell, it means that they are fighting an infection. The disease most often occurs in children because their immune system is not yet perfect.

The cause may be tuberculosis or syphilis, or microtrauma that occurs when squeezing pimples.

The main thing in the treatment of chronic lymphadenitis is to create conditions for suppressing the infection. Enzymes and general tonics are prescribed.

Treatment of purulent lymphadenitis

The source of infection in the purulent form can be a purulent wound, carbuncle, furuncle, osteomyelitis, tonsillitis.

The disease begins with weakness and enlargement of the lymph nodes. In simple forms, the inflammation does not extend beyond the lymph node. In destructive forms, changes occur in the surrounding tissues.

A surgeon treats purulent lymphadenitis. He disinfects the lesion, drains it and applies stitches. A doctor prescribes treatment of lymphadenitis with antibiotics.

Treatment of non-purulent lymphadenitis

The lymph nodes in our body perform a barrier function. This barrier protects us from the spread of infection throughout the body. Factors that can lead to inflammation of the lymph nodes are diseases of the internal organs accompanied by inflammation caused by bacteria, purulent wounds, phlegmon, carbuncles, caries. Specific inflammation of the lymph nodes can be caused by such serious diseases as tuberculosis and syphilis.

Diagnostics is not difficult. But sometimes, in order to distinguish lymphadenitis from other diseases, a biopsy, CT, MRI are performed. If tuberculosis is suspected, the Mantoux reaction and fluorography are performed.

Treatment of the non-purulent form consists of providing rest to the affected area and physiotherapy. UHF is usually prescribed. Sometimes the doctor prescribes antibiotics.

A complication of lymphadenitis may be the development of a disruption in lymph flow, which may manifest itself as constant swelling.

Prevention of non-purulent lymphadenitis:

  1. Treatment of abrasions with iodine, brilliant green
  2. Treatment of caries
  3. Diagnosis of tuberculosis
  4. Avoiding stress
  5. Avoiding hypothermia.

Treatment of occipital lymphadenitis

Lymph nodes contain lymphocytes. They contain microorganisms and fragments of dead cells. Sometimes, when an infection enters the body, a working hypertrophy of the lymph node occurs. It is also characteristic of a number of autoimmune diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, etc.).

Normally, the occipital lymph nodes are painless and mobile. When enlarged, they become painful. Redness may occur. Temperature increases and appetite decreases.

Most often, non-specific inflammation of the lymph nodes is caused by staphylococci and streptococci.

At first, catarrhal occipital lymphadenitis occurs. In this case, the patient may notice only an enlarged lymph node and slight soreness. If there is no treatment at this stage, purulent lymphadenitis may occur. In this case, any touch to the lymph node is painful, it turns red, general weakness and headache increase. Then purulent decay of the lymph node occurs. If the cause of occipital lymphadenitis is a chronic infection, it is necessary to begin treatment with it.

Long-term inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes causes their atrophy. Lymphatic drainage is disrupted, which can lead to elephantiasis.

The choice of antibiotic for occipital lymphadenitis is determined by the pathogen that caused it. It is best to conduct a sensitivity test to antibiotics.

It is important to remember that if purulent lymphadenitis develops, compresses should not be placed on the affected lymph node.

Treatment of reactive lymphadenitis

Reactive lymphadenitis occurs due to local disorders. The body shows its fight against infection with the reactive process in the lymph nodes. Reactive lymphadenitis ends with recovery after the cause is eliminated.

Reactive lymphadenitis usually proceeds relatively mildly: the skin over the affected lymph node is unchanged, there are no chills, fever or headache.

Treatment of nonspecific lymphadenitis

Non-specific lymphadenitis is caused by staphylococci, streptococci and E. coli. Infection can penetrate the lymph node when injured.

Non-specific lymphadenitis can be purulent and non-purulent, acute and chronic.

Non-specific lymphadenitis can be suspected if symptoms such as enlarged nodes, weakness and fever are present. As the disease progresses, the pain becomes more pronounced and the skin in the area of the lymph nodes turns red.

How does chronic non-specific lymphadenitis manifest itself? In this case, there is a painless enlargement of the lymph nodes, they are not fused together.

Treatment of non-specific lymphadenitis is as follows. If there is no pus, antibiotics and UHF are sufficient. If there is purulent inflammation, a small operation is needed, during which the pus is removed and the wound is drained.

Drugs for the treatment of lymphadenitis

What medications can a doctor prescribe for the treatment of lymphadenitis? These are antibiotics: sumamed, amoxicillin, amoxiclav.

Sumamed is a drug with a broad spectrum of action against bacterial infections. It is taken once a day, 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Side effects: nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, skin rashes. Use with caution in patients with kidney and liver dysfunction.

Amoxicillin is effective in treating lymphadenitis caused by bacterial infection. The drug is usually prescribed at 0.5 g/3 times a day. For children under 10, the dosage is halved, for children under 5, it is halved (0.125 g/3 times a day). Side effects: allergic reactions, anaphylactic shock, fever. Use with caution in pregnant women. Do not use in those who are sensitive to penicillins.

The drug amoxiclav contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The tablets are dissolved in half a glass of water. The dosage of amoxiclav for children weighing more than 40 kg and adults is one tablet every 8 hours. Reactions from the digestive system, skin reactions, anxiety, dizziness and headache, anemia are possible. The drug should not be taken by patients with hepatitis caused by taking penicillins and people with individual intolerance to them.

Please note that all recommendations for taking medications on our portal are approximate. Antibiotic treatment should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor.

Dimexide for lymphadenitis

For lymphadenitis, if there is no purulent inflammation, compresses with dimexide help well.

Dimexide is diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio. The compress is placed twice a day on the affected lymph node for 15 minutes.

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Compresses for lymphadenitis

Take an alcohol tincture of Echinacea, dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:2. Apply to the lymph node at night. It is also useful to drink Echinacea to strengthen the immune system, 20-40 drops 3 times a day.

You can take one teaspoon of St. John's wort, walnut leaves and mistletoe, pour 1 cup of water and boil for 5 minutes. Make compresses with the decoction at night.

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Ichthyol ointment for lymphadenitis

To treat lymphadenitis, the inflamed lymph node is lubricated with ichthyol ointment several times a day.

Homeopathy for lymphadenitis

In case of lymphadenitis, homeopathic treatment with Lymphomyosot is possible. Dosage: 15-20 drops, 3 times a day. The course of therapy is 10 days. The drug is not prescribed to children. Allergy is possible. Consult an endocrinologist if you have thyroid disease.

Treatment of lymphadenitis in children

During the first 3-4 years, the child's lymph nodes are not fully formed. Symptoms of acute lymphadenitis in children:

  1. Enlarged lymph nodes
  2. Fever
  3. Decreased appetite
  4. Chills

As a result of untimely treatment and repeated damage to the lymph nodes, children develop chronic lymphadenitis.

Treatment of lymphadenitis in children differs from treatment in adults. In children, it most often develops after a sore throat. The child's sleep is disturbed. In infants, signs of intoxication are possible. If a child complains of pain in the lymph nodes, then this is acute catarrhal lymphadenitis. With purulent lymphadenitis, the pain is more intense and constant, the lymph nodes hurt even if you do not touch them.

You can provide first aid to your child by making a compress from laundry soap. A compress from white cabbage also helps: dip a cabbage leaf in hot water, pull it out and dip it again. Do this several times. Dry the leaf, apply it to the sore spot and wrap it with a scarf.

Monitor your child's diet. Fish oil is very useful for a weakened body.

If lymphadenitis is acute catarrhal, it is enough to prescribe vitamins and means for strengthening the immune system, compresses. The doctor may not prescribe antibiotics in this case.

In case of purulent lymphadenitis, antibiotics are prescribed: sumamed (10 mg/kg once a day for 3 days, once a day, leave intervals between meals. Use with caution in case of liver and kidney dysfunction and tendency to allergies), amoxicillin (children over 10 years old (weighing over 40 kg) are prescribed 0.5 g 3 times a day. Children aged 5-10 years are prescribed 0.25 g 3 times a day. Children aged 2 to 5 years are prescribed 0.125 g 3 times a day. Children under 2 years are prescribed a daily dose of 20 mg/kg of body weight in 3 doses. It is advisable to know whether the child is intolerant to the drug).

To prevent childhood lymphadenitis, it is necessary to avoid injuries, promptly treat caries, stomatitis, and tonsillitis.

Surgical treatment of lymphadenitis

When the inflammation of the lymph node increases, it has to be operated. Not only pus is removed from the wound, but also the rejected tissues of the lymph node. The wound is tamponed with gauze. As a rule, local anesthesia may be sufficient for such an operation. The wound is drained for about a week.

In order to prevent the development of the disease, and to make the treatment of lymphadenitis easy, it is important to pay attention to the affected lymph node in time and identify the source of infection. Treatment of lymphadenitis should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, the recommendations in this article we have provided for review.

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