Inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child: what to do, how to treat

Lymph nodes are fairly accurate “sensors” that sharply react to the fact that a virus or infection has appeared in the body. In the near future, they can trigger the disease. The parents themselves call this ailment "glands". Inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child, their swelling indicates that there is a violation in their health. Parents should immediately think about it and make all attempts to eliminate them.

Lymphadenopathy is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in medical practice. If a group of lymph nodes is affected, then it can be localized, if it is more than 2, not adjacent to each other, then it is called generalized.

About 500 lymph nodes are present on the body of the child, the purpose of which is to “separate” bacteria and other disease-causing forms. Thus, the lymph nodes protect the body from all sorts of bacteria and infections. Lymph nodes are located either in groups or one at a time in strategic places for the organism. They can be divided into: cervical, axillary, inguinal, which can even be touched. Other lymph nodes and their groups cannot be probed in any way because they are located much deeper. If the lymph nodes are in a normal state, then their size does not exceed the size of a small pea. They move easily, are very mobile and painless. If they are enlarged and painful, this indicates a variety of diseases, ranging from common colds, to rare ones, which include leukemia.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

A child’s illness is a very unpleasant situation for parents. It is not dangerous when a child develops chicken pox or a common cold, which does not threaten him with any threat, and a completely different, other diseases that, if there is not enough attention from the parents, can cause negative consequences for the fragile child’s body. The causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child can be completely different.

The latest dangerous diseases include inflammation of the lymph nodes. The reason for this is any infection that adversely affects the body. Lymph nodes are the protective barrier of the whole organism. More specifically, lymphadenitis is not just an independent disease, it only serves as a signal that there is another more dangerous disease in the human body. So, for example, inflamed cervical lymph nodes in children suggest that a child has a sore throat or laryngitis. Gilt can also be the cause.

Swollen lymph nodes occur this way. At that moment, when bacteria enter the lymph nodes through the lymphatic channels, the latter, having received information transferred by immune cells, begin to produce cells that will have to fight infection. Therefore, at the time of fighting the infection, an increase in the size of the lymph nodes occurs.

In particularly difficult cases, the lymph nodes are not able to cope with the load that is placed on it. Because of this, severe inflammation occurs. It can even lead to a purulent process. Lymph nodes can not only increase, but even the skin itself becomes red and more edematous.

The inflammation itself can be both a secondary disease and a primary one. In this case, the infection penetrates directly into the lymph nodes, while in some way it bypasses the internal organs. This most often happens when the integrity of the skin is broken. These include all sorts of scratches and other wounds. Quite often, lymph nodes become inflamed as a result of cat scratches.

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Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

As a rule, in such situations, the disease begins, first of all, with a pronounced overall depressed state of the body. In the area of damaged lymph nodes, inflammation appears. Your child may have a high body temperature immediately. Moreover, he may even begin signs of intoxication. Parents should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In this case, no independent actions in this case are encouraged, on the contrary, they can cause one continuous harm. The first and the last thing parents can do is to give a heat-reducing drug before the ambulance arrives. And that only if the body temperature exceeds 39 degrees.

The lymph node with its inflammation becomes many times larger, so it is easy and simple to determine it at the first examination of the patient. A pronounced symptom can be considered the presence of pain at the time when there are palpations of the inflamed nodes. The skin over the knot reddens or becomes hyperemic, there is a strong swelling of the tissues. This indicates an acute inflammatory process. At the same time, the temperature may rise even more, which, with the catarrhal form, does not rise to high numbers. This mainly occurs as a result of a purulent inflammatory process, which leads to a change in well-being not for the better. General condition becomes weaker, lethargic. If the inflammation manifests itself in this form, then it is also characterized by headache, malaise, which suggests that the body has the presence of intoxication.

When inflammation of the lymph nodes occur such symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child: 

• Lymphatic nodes increase and greatly disturb the child; 
• An unpleasant headache begins; 
• Weakness appears and, as we said earlier, the temperature rises; 
• Later, the pain becomes more intense, reddening of the skin occurs at the site of the lymph node, indicating that the nodes themselves fester; 
• The general condition is getting worse and worse. 
• To the unfortunate consequences include fever, chills and pronounced weakness in movement. This is the same purulent lymphodenitis.

If an increase in one lymph node does not cause soreness, a rise in temperature that progresses to the growth of the node, then these signs make it clear that this lymph node is working much more actively compared to others. This most often happens on the background or after the diseases that the child has already suffered. Over time, the lymph node becomes the same size.

It is worth noting that local treatment of lymphadenitis can bring only temporary relief. Only the fight against the main disease, which is the main cause, as a result of which, in fact, the glands have increased, can positively affect.

The pathogens themselves spread through the system of lymphatic and blood vessels throughout the body. Therefore, inflammatory processes can begin and give rise to the development of various organs and systems. If the purulent process does not cease to develop, the body temperature will rise significantly, up to the highest or hectic numbers. Purulent lymphadenitis can be expressed as a “falling finger”, which is noticeable if, when pressed, a softening occurs in the center of the inflamed lymph node. This indicates only purulent inflammation. If the inflammation is caused by bacteria of a certain rare nature, for example, in case of tuberculosis, then an abscess comes to the surface of the skin and a disease is obtained called a fistula. Enlarged nodes open on their own, resulting in liquid pus, and the contents of the lymph node is the same as the caseous mass. To clarify because of what the lymph nodes are inflamed, a targeted biopsy is performed, after which the resulting material is transferred for histological and cytological analysis. This type of research makes it possible to remove the malignant nature of the disease.

Inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes in children

Any doctor, after he examined the child, can give an approximate diagnosis of the disease. For example, if there was inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes in children, then we can assume the presence of such diseases: 

• measles ; 
• toxoplasmosis ; 
• rubella ; 
• mononucleosis.

They are considered the most common diseases that can lead to inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes in children. If the disease is extremely difficult, then inflammation of the occipital lymph nodes in children can be noticed, even without feeling it. In this case, the child’s face has an inflamed puffy look.

As a rule, inflammation of the 1st or several lymph nodes occurs near the site of infection. The latter can get into the lymph node from a wound, boil, a bad tooth, etc.

Thus, the occipital lymph nodes may also increase in infections located where the hair is located, and the pre-terminal lymph nodes grow as a result of infectious conjunctivitis and felose. To a greater extent, you can find enlarged cervical lymph nodes. It is usually attributed to upper respiratory tract infections. May appear as a result of diseases of the teeth and oral cavity, infectious monoclesis and other viral infections. And, for example, the inguinal lymph nodes usually become larger as a result of infections or injuries of the legs.

However, it is not necessary to diagnose your child yourself. To do this, you certainly need a medical examination, which will put everything in its place. An experienced specialist will determine whether the lymph node enlargement can be considered local or is it common? The specialist will also evaluate their consistency, size and mobility, determine whether or not there is pain during palpation, signs of inflammation of the surrounding tissues, areas of damaged skin and other various sources of infection.

[2], [3]

Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes in children

Experts show a variety of reasons, with the result that the cervical, and including the occipital, and inguinal lymph nodes in children become enlarged or swollen: 

1. cat scratch. This is a fairly common cause among children who are in constant contact with cats. Animals have a lot of bacteria in their saliva, which easily penetrate into the blood, if a child has been bitten by an animal or it has been scratched. After 2-3 days, you can notice inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes in children. That is, his lymph node becomes inflamed;
2. colds. In children, which the disease easily adheres to, enlarged lymph nodes are very common. In most lymph nodes, it is inflamed on the neck of a child; 
3. infectious diseases. In this case, the child has an enlarged lymph node, which is located near the main cause of the infection. If the lymph node is inflamed on the neck of a child, it can be a consequence of a disease of the respiratory system, throat, and head. But if children have inflamed lymph nodes in the groin, then most often the cause of this is a disease of the urogenital system. Inflamed lymph nodes behind the ears in children usually occur if the child experiences toothache or ear pain, as well as eye infections.

[4], [5], [6]

Inflammation of the intestinal lymph nodes in children

Mesadenitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity, and to be more precise, inflammation of the lymph nodes of the intestinal mesentery in children. The name of the disease comes from Greece. Indeed, from the lessons of anatomy, it can be traced that the mesentery is called "mes", iron - "aden", we add "itis" and we get the full name of the disease. Its synonyms include mesenteric lymphadenitis or mesenterite. The origin of the mesadenite and the path of its development up to our time remain unexplored. Most often, when it occurs, doctors say that the lymph nodes react like this because they have an infection.

If we talk about mesadenitis, as a child's issue, then this disease is most common in children 6-13 years old. Mezadenitis is very similar to the aggravation of appendicitis. He has many common features with him. Simple or purulent develops - mesadenitis (there is also tuberculosis and pseudotuberculosis, but, fortunately, they can be met much less often) suddenly and very quickly. The only difference from the symptoms of appendicitis is acute cramping abdominal pain, which can be paroxysmal and overlap with bowel spasms. The body temperature in this case can greatly increase - perhaps up to 38 degrees. In this case, the child is sick and there are bouts of vomiting. Diarrhea or constipation is also characteristic of this disease. With purulent mesadenitis, the symptoms, and thus the child’s condition, become even worse. In addition to all the signs described above, inflamed lymph nodes can sometimes be felt on palpation of the abdomen, which causes severe intoxication.

It is possible to treat mesadenitis in children only when the clinical picture is clearly established. It also happens that doctors are interested in whether the appearance of symptoms of a viral disease served as a precursor in the child’s body. These include flu, sore throat, intestinal infections. And, if the origin of the mesadenite is established one hundred percent, it can be eliminated, starting with the rehabilitation of the sources of infection. After that, you can proceed to the conservative treatment of mesadenitis in children. Most importantly, at the initial stage of the disease, acute inflammation should be removed.

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Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes in children

As a rule, after the disease that caused inflammation of the lymph nodes was cured, the glands also come to their initial state. For example, inflamed, and thus enlarged lymph nodes as a result of angina "swelled" for a couple of days. If the disease has become the cause for inflammation of the "glands", and it is difficult to cure it, the healing process slows down, then the lymph nodes are becoming less and less, but much slower. Sometimes it happens that lymphadenopathy is very difficult to cure. She doesn't leave. In this case, a surgical intervention to remove the lymph node is simply necessary.

What may mean swollen lymph nodes: 

• Lymph nodes in the cervical region are enlarged due to a bacterial or viral infection in the nasopharynx. Angina, scarlet fever, chronic tonsillitis - can also be the cause. 
• The parotid lymph nodes may increase: the middle and outer ear may become inflamed, pediculosis and furunculosis will appear. 
• Swollen lymph nodes in the chin area. This can be inflamed lower lip, disease of the front teeth, stomatitis. 
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity. It can occur as a result of a viral or bacterial infection in the digestive system. Severe abdominal pain is the most dangerous and unpleasant symptom. 
• Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes in children can be caused by an infection of the lower extremities with a transition to the muscles, bones and skin of the child. Occurs in cases where the joints are inflamed, diaper dermatitis, furunculosis in the gluteal region, inflammation of the genital organs is difficult.

Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in children

Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in children is a fairly common disease in childhood. Their submandibular lymph nodes are most susceptible to inflammation. This usually happens because of persistent inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. It is called "non-specific lymphadenitis."

This lymphadenitis can be considered common to many diseases, which include SARS, flu or sore throat. These diseases may not necessarily be acute. If a child from an early age has not been treated for tonsillitis, then the lymph nodes are constantly enlarged and will not become smaller even after the issue of chronic tonsillitis is resolved.

At the beginning of their lives, children do not have many infectious agents and the most popular form of their absorption is the oropharynx. Hence the whole "bunch" of problems with enlarged lymph nodes. This is a sore throat and tonsillitis and subsequent removal of the glands. Submandibular lymphadenitis in a child can also enter into the number of immune complex of this entrance gate.

Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in children is usually referred to as reactive lymphadenitis. Anyway, this disease is cured by the same solution to the problems with the disease that became its source.

It is easy to diagnose the submandibular enlarged nodes of the immune system. To do this, it is only necessary to squeeze the fingers in the hand and, with gentle, gentle movements, press into the submandibular region. Examination is very necessary, because a good doctor can distinguish the presence of cohesion with the surrounding tissues of the lymph nodes, the consistency of the node. Quite often lymphadenitis looks and can be felt as moving nodes, of moderate density.

Reception at the dentist will provide an opportunity to remove all the inflammatory processes of the teeth and surrounding tissues. The rapid growth of teeth, not regular hand washing and microtrauma can be the cause of constant infection.

In this case, you should pay attention to the frequency of vaccinations. Children should be vaccinated according to the schedule. Otherwise, diseases such as diphtheria, whooping cough and scarlet fever will add even more doubts as to which source of enlarged nodes is considered effective and paramount. In this situation, an acute infection will manifest itself in the coming days, and then simply taking it with an infectious disease specialist cannot be avoided.

If the lymph nodes are slightly enlarged, then this can be the result of vaccinations. It may not even be associated with the vaccine itself, but with an activated and slightly weak immunity.

To avoid becoming the cause of inflammation of the submandibular lymphadenitis in children - do not delay the trip to the pediatrician. In any case, the child needs constant observation, and lymphadenitis is the main reason for the child to be once again examined by a doctor.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in children

The largest group of lymph nodes is located in the armpit. These nodes are designed to eliminate infections and inflammations that enter the body. When the lymph node is inflamed in the armpit, it means that a disease of one of the internal organs is occurring, which is near, under the arm.

The main symptoms of lymph nodes spread in the armpit: swelling, induration (lump), inflammation, swelling. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in children is divided into 2 groups: the result of a cold or infection of the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, if you find an inflammation of the lymph nodes in the child’s armpit, this may indicate that he recently suffered an infectious disease or some food or chemical poisoning. It may also indicate that the clear signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the child’s armpits indicate the development of a dangerous disease in the body, and in any case, the baby should be examined by a pediatrician before using it at home with alternative means.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in children can occur due to various diseases and skin injuries in the arms and shoulders. The most common cause of this may be the so-called “cat scratch disease”. In medicine, this is called "benign lymphoreticulosis." The disease proceeds in this way: after the cat has scratched the child, inflammation of that lymph node occurs, which is close to the scratch, which serves as an open gate for all kinds of infections. In the event that a child is scratched by a cat, the wound should be immediately smeared with green or iodine and for some time with attention to observe the condition of the child. In certain cases, toxoplasmosis can also tread along with inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in children.

Diagnosis of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

To establish the cause of the inflammation of the lymph nodes, a professional medical diagnosis of the inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child is required. At that moment, when the desired infections will be revealed, it is necessary to fight precisely with them in such a way that the treatment of lymphodenopathy takes place simultaneously. In this case, parents should not forget that before the first meeting with the doctor and taking a blood test, the lymph nodes should not be heated in any way. Therefore, the diagnosis of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child is very important.

The task of the doctor after he found enlarged lymph nodes in a child is to conduct a thorough physical examination. It may include a complete examination of the tonsils for inflammation. Also, the doctor is obliged to detect injuries and cuts in the skin or scratches of animals, bites of rats or ticks, if such are present on the body of the child. If the cause of the inflammation of the "glands" is not identified within a week, the doctor is obliged to invite a chest X-ray and blood tests. In addition, the doctor may take a piece of lymph tissue for examination. In such a case, a special needle is inserted into the lymph node, through which its contents are sucked. This procedure, using modern technologies, is painless and does not last too long: it is performed in a doctor's office with the help of local anesthesia. If there are experts suspect cancer, then they, as a rule, prescribe special studies of the entire lymphatic system.

After the disease that caused the inflammation of the lymph nodes, the "glands" were cured in size, as before, reaching its normal state.

Treatment of lymph node inflammation in a child

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child should not be treated independently. This is especially true of alternative means. If parents have found inflammation, you should immediately contact an ambulance. Signal to this may be a high temperature. In order to successfully eliminate inflammation in the lymph nodes, it is important to make an accurate and correct diagnosis and only then begin treatment of the detected disease, which was caused by an inflammation of the lymph nodes. Sometimes in order to establish an accurate diagnosis requires a lot of time, and a couple of ultrasound examinations, which include inflamed lymph nodes or other internal organs of a child.

First you need to understand: because of what the lymph nodes are inflamed. To do this, again, it is necessary to consult a doctor, who would carefully and carefully examine and examine the child, and only after that he will prescribe all kinds of tests and a chest x-ray. Remember that it is impossible to warm in every possible way "glands" before coming to the doctor. If you do not see it, it can cause suppuration or infection. In some cases, a thorough laboratory examination is very important. To do this, the doctor with the help of a special needle takes a piece of tissue of the patient's lymph node and then passes it for examination. This procedure is quick, easy. The pain is not audible, as local anesthesia is applied. And only after all tests, the doctor can safely prescribe the treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child. But in any case, it must be carefully planned, weighed and deliberate.

Prevention of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

Undoubtedly, the prevention of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child is indispensable. If you notice that your child has swollen lymph nodes, treatment should be prescribed in the same period of time, not postponing. And only after that, under the strict supervision of a physician, you can begin treatment.

Often parents begin to heat up their inflamed lymph nodes in different ways. To do this is simply forbidden, so as not to lead to the fact that the child may experience strong suppuration and even infection. Warming up should be done only if your attending doctor has given his permission for this and that, only on the territory of a medical institution.

If your baby has swollen lymph nodes, the treatment should be directed not at the lymph node, but at the main disease. Alas, in some cases, the doctor is not able to establish the diagnosis only because of some complaints from the parents and the child himself. And the obtained tests do not give a clear vision of the further treatment of the child. In this case, the doctor may recommend an ultrasound examination of the affected lymph node, as well as internal organs. These include the spleen, liver, abdominal lymph nodes. If the picture does not clear up after that, a specialist in this field will schedule an x-ray examination that shows whether the baby has a secret course of a tuberculosis infection or not.

If the doctor is inclined to say that the child may have pathogens of CMV, herpes or toxoplasmosis in the blood, he may order a laboratory serological examination of the blood. If, however, and clarifies the situation of inflammation of the lymph node, the only solution from this difficult situation may be a puncture and its conduction, as well as the subsequent lymph node biopsy.

One way or another, parents should sound the alarm, if they suddenly notice inflammation of the lymph nodes in the child, and not let it drift. But you can not panic and be afraid. As a rule, the cause of inflammation is simple, understandable and easy to treat. Not often, but it still happens that it is impossible to do without medical assistance, but this rarely happens. In any case, parents can not quickly assess the condition of the child and the cause of the disease. It is best to entrust the health of the child to the hands of a good, highly qualified doctor who will make an accurate diagnosis and establish the correct treatment.

[9], [10], [11],

Prediction of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

Complications of lymphadenitis are considered the most unfavorable prognosis of lymph node inflammation in a child. These include inflammatory complications that are associated with the addition of a bacterial flora or an exacerbation of a chronic infection that occurs in the blood. Clinically, the development of an abscess or cellulitis makes itself felt. Severe manifestations can be observed with general intoxication or sepsis. The purulent process in the area of the lymph nodes needs urgent surgical intervention, which consists in opening the abscess and its drainage. Antibacterial therapy in this case should be an indispensable component of therapeutic measures. If the inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child is not treated properly, this may contribute to the breakthrough of purulent contents in the underlying tissues, that is, adenoflegmon develops. The condition of the child usually in this case is much worse due to intoxication syndrome. To stop the development of serious complications in inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child can only be subject to a set of preventive measures. There should be an adequate course of therapy for any of the diseases that can lead to lymphadenitis. It is important not to allow the child to infect various abrasions or superficial wounds of the skin.

[12], [13], [14], [15], [16]