Lymphadenitis - causes, symptoms, treatment of acute and chronic forms of lymphadenitis. Lymphadenitis: what is it? Symptoms of the disease, prevention and treatment Submandibular lymphadenitis in the stage of infiltration

Lymphadenitis is a nonspecific or specific inflammatory pathology affecting the cervical, submandibular, inguinal lymph nodes. The clinical manifestations of the disease include sudden temperature fluctuations, headaches, malaise, fatigue.

Diagnosis of lymphadenitis consists in taking an anamnesis and conducting a series of laboratory tests. Before starting to treat lymphadenitis, the type of microorganism or virus that caused the inflammatory process must be established. In the treatment of the disease, antibiotic therapy, physiotherapy are used, and in some cases, patients are shown surgical intervention.

Basic principles of treatment

Lymphadenitis is provoked by viruses, pathogenic fungi, pathogenic bacteria and toxins that have entered the lymph nodes. A variety of pathogens explains the lack of effectiveness in the treatment of pathology by any folk remedies. They do not show antiviral and antibacterial activity, are unable to create the required maximum concentration of biologically active substances in the systemic circulation.

In the treatment of lymphadenitis of any origin, an integrated approach is practiced. It is as follows:

etiotropic therapy aimed at eliminating the cause of lymphadenitis - viruses, fungi, bacteria;
symptomatic therapy to reduce the severity of the clinical manifestations of the disease;
pathogenetic therapy, which helps to eliminate the complications that have arisen as quickly and effectively as possible.

Doctors recommend that patients before starting treatment avoid physical exertion, reduce physical activity, so as not to provoke the further spread of infectious pathogens. When diagnosing purulent lymphadenitis, an adult or child is shown bed rest. A strong inflammatory process requires a surgical operation. The doctor will open the abscess and remove its contents. Further treatment consists in a course of antibiotics and regular treatment of the lesion site with antiseptic solutions.

Removing the cause

The use of only antibacterial or antimycotic drugs for local application will not bring the desired result. Pathogenic microorganisms and viruses circulate in the bloodstream, so systemic drugs are needed to destroy them. The success of the treatment of acute or chronic lymphadenitis is directly dependent on compliance with the doctor's recommendations regarding patient care methods and the use of pharmacological agents. Antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral drugs should be taken within a few days after the complete disappearance of symptoms. Otherwise, after a short time, the pathological signs will return, and their severity will become much stronger.

Lymphadenitis of bacterial etiology is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Antibiotic therapy

Most often, patients are diagnosed with bacterial lymphadenitis, which can be specific and nonspecific. The first type includes pathologies provoked by pathogenic microbes, pathogens:

syphilis,
tularemia,
tuberculosis,
brucellosis.

Nonspecific lymphadenitis usually develops in adults and children after bacterial respiratory infections. Pathogens were transferred by blood flow to the lymphatic cervical, submandibular, inguinal nodes, where they formed secondary inflammatory foci. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of infectious agents. Often, the results of laboratory tests have to be expected for 2-3 days, so the attending physician conducts initial therapy with broad-spectrum drugs.

Commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

penicillins (Benzylpenicillin sodium salt, Ampicillin, Oxacillin, Amoxicillin);
macrolides (Azithromycin, Clarithromycin, Josamycin);
cephalosporins (Cefuroxime, Cefalexin, Ceftriaxone, Cefazolin).

The inappropriate use of drugs with antibacterial activity contributed to the resistance of pathogenic bacteria to semi-synthetic penicillins. After diagnosing lymphadenitis, doctors prefer to prescribe protected penicillins to patients:

Amoxiclav,
panclave,
Flemoklav,
Augmentin.

The combination of Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid helps to prevent the production of enzymes by bacterial cells for a long time. These compounds make microorganisms insensitive to antibiotics, reducing their therapeutic efficacy. The introduction of clavulanic acid into the preparations avoids the increase in single and daily dosages, as well as the frequent replacement of antibacterial agents.

A few days after taking antibiotics, the condition of an adult or child may worsen. This is not a sign of the ineffectiveness of the therapy, but quite the opposite. A large number of pathogenic bacteria die, and they begin to be excreted from their inflammatory foci. In the systemic circulation, the concentration of microbes and toxic products of their vital activity increases, causing a person to feel unwell.

Rimantadine is used in the treatment of lymphadenitis caused by herpes or influenza viruses.

Antivirals

These drugs are used in the diagnosis of lymphadenitis, provoked by the penetration of the herpes virus, influenza, shingles, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus into the lymph nodes. The minimum duration of a course of treatment is about two weeks. As a rule, high doses of antiviral agents are immediately prescribed, varying depending on the type of pathogen. How can this type of lymphadenitis be treated:

Acyclovir. This synthetic analog of purine nucleosides has the ability to inhibit the replication of viral strains by integrating into the DNA of infectious agents. They lose the ability to grow and reproduce, which causes the death of viral cells;
Remantadine (Rimantadine). Under the action of the drug, the reproduction of viruses in tissues is suppressed as a result of gene blocking in the cell cytoplasm. Remantadine also exhibits immunomodulatory properties.

The effectiveness of the prescribed treatment is evidenced by the disappearance of the symptoms of the inflammatory process on the 2nd-3rd day of therapy. In addition to antiviral drugs, patients are recommended to take additional immunomodulators and immunostimulants - Immunal, echinacea tincture, Viferon in rectal suppositories, Ribomunil, Likopid, Cycloferon.

Anti-tuberculosis drugs

Often, the lymph nodes under the armpits or in the groin become inflamed after Mycobacterium tuberculosis enters them with the bloodstream. But most often, pathogenic microorganisms affect the lymph nodes located in the chest. The source of mycobacteria is tuberculosis of the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, and bone tissues. Therapy of the pathology depends on the nature of the damage to the lymph nodes and the severity of the underlying disease. If an acute course of tuberculosis is diagnosed, then the following drugs are prescribed:

Ethambutol;
Tubazid;
Streptomycin in combination with Ethionamide;
Pyrazinamide;
Protionamide.

An extensive purulent process requires the use of broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs, such as fluoroquinolones. The use of ointments with antimicrobial activity is practiced - Tubazidovaya, Tibonovaya.

Lymphadenitis caused by pathogenic fungi is treated with antimycotic drugs

Antimycotics

Lymph nodes are sometimes affected by fungi that are infectious agents of cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis. To stop inflammation, antimycotic drugs are used in the form of tablets, capsules or injectable solutions. The duration of course therapy depends on the type of pathogenic fungi, the stage of the underlying disease and the location of the inflamed lymph node. The following antimycotic drugs are most effective:

Amphotericin B,
fluconazole,
Itraconazole
Ketoconazole.

Under the action of the active ingredients of these drugs, the permeability of the membranes of fungal cells is disrupted, their growth and active reproduction are suppressed. Antimycotic drugs are usually taken once a day, and the effectiveness of therapy is monitored by intermediate laboratory studies.

Additional Treatment

Antiallergic agents are always included in the therapeutic scheme of lymphadenitis of any etiology and localization.

The drug of first choice is Cetirizine, an H1-histamine receptor blocker. They are located on the inner walls of blood vessels and membranes of white blood cells, which include neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils. After penetration into the gastrointestinal tract, cetirizine is adsorbed into the systemic circulation and enters the inflamed lymph node, where its therapeutic activity is manifested:

blood vessels narrow in the infectious focus;
capillary permeability decreases, preventing the removal of leukocytes and accumulated fluid from the vessels;
white blood cells cease to enter the inflammatory focus;
biologically active compounds that contribute to the spread of inflammation cease to be released from leukocytes.

The course of taking antihistamines allows you to quickly eliminate the swelling of tissues located directly near the infectious focus. Another positive effect of these drugs is the relief of allergic reactions against the background of the use of a large number of pharmacological preparations.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used in the treatment of lymphadenitis to eliminate pain and fever.

Cervical, thoracic, submandibular lymphadenitis is complicated by symptoms of general intoxication of the body. A significant number of pathogenic microorganisms and toxic products of their vital activity penetrate into the systemic circulation. An adult or a child suffers from high fever, dyspeptic disorders, headaches. In these cases, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is relevant. They have a complex effect on the human body.

Even a single dose of NSAIDs eliminates pain, stops the spread of the inflammatory process, and lowers body temperature. What a doctor can prescribe:

Nimesulide,
ibuprofen,
diclofenac,
Meloxicam,
Ortofen.

Depending on the stage of lymphadenitis, NSAIDs are used in the form of tablets, capsules or solutions for intramuscular injection. When prescribing, the doctor takes into account the age of the patient and the general state of his health. If any diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are detected during the study of the anamnesis, then these drugs are excluded from the therapeutic regimen.

The main side effect of NSAIDs is the ability to damage the mucous organs of digestion. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are taken for 7-10 days in combination with proton pump inhibitors: Rabeprazole, Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Pantoprazole. Patients who are contraindicated in taking NSAIDs are recommended to take antispasmodics or analgesics - Spazmalgon, Baralgin, Spazgan, to reduce the severity of pain.

The main treatment of viral, bacterial, fungal lymphadenitis is carried out with systemic drugs. The use of only local agents does not have any therapeutic effect. Perhaps a slight decrease in symptoms only for a short time. But the combination of local and systemic remedies will speed up recovery, shorten the duration of the rehabilitation period. In the vast majority of cases, doctors prescribe the following drugs for external use:

Vishnevsky liniment,
Ichthyol ointment.

These drugs have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, and immunomodulatory local effects. As a result of improved microcirculation, there is a rapid healing of damaged tissues.

Physiotherapy procedures

The impact of various physical factors on inflamed lymph nodes accelerates the recovery of tissues affected by viruses, bacteria, fungi or toxins. The simultaneous use of physiotherapeutic procedures and pharmacological preparations quickly improves the patient's well-being, stops the spread of the inflammatory process, and reduces the severity of symptoms. As a rule, the doctor prescribes one treatment manipulation, taking into account the general condition of the adult and the child, as well as the severity of the pathology.

Ultrasound treatment of lymphadenitis is indicated for patients with any localization of inflammation.

UHF therapy

When a human body is exposed to an ultrahigh-frequency pulsed or constant electric field, the temperature rises in inflammatory foci. The result is vasodilation and the transition of white blood cells to areas damaged by infection. Fibrous tissue gradually grows, anti-infective local immunity increases, swelling decreases. UHF treatment is indicated for acute, rapidly progressive inflammatory process in the submandibular, inguinal, axillary lymph nodes, on the neck.

The physiotherapy procedure also has contraindications. These include the presence of the following pathologies in a patient:

suspicion of the formation of a malignant neoplasm in the lymph node;
diagnosis of specific lymphadenitis provoked by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Physiotherapeutic manipulation is not carried out if lymphadenitis occurs against the background of symptoms of general intoxication of the body: hyperthermia, chills, fever, increased heart rate and muscle pain.

Laser therapy

During physiotherapy, light waves act on a person.

As a result, microcirculation improves in the inflammatory focus, molecular oxygen, nutrients and biologically active substances begin to flow to damaged tissues. After several sessions of laser therapy, the severity of painful sensations decreases. The procedure has an anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effect, promotes the regeneration of damaged tissues. Doctors prescribe laser therapy in the following cases:

lymphadenitis occurring against the background of an acute inflammatory process;
treatment of lymphadenitis, which has taken a chronic course.

Physiotherapeutic manipulation is not carried out until the results of the biopsy are obtained, which make it possible to identify malignant degeneration of cells. Laser therapy is not prescribed to patients if moles or age spots are found at the site of inflammatory foci.

Laser therapy quickly stops the inflammatory process in lymphadenitis of bacterial and viral etiology

Galvanization

The principle of the physiotherapy technique is the simultaneous exposure of the infected area of the body to an electric low-frequency current and low voltage. This combination of physical factors triggers various biochemical processes in tissues. After galvanization, doctors note the following positive effects:

the disappearance of pain in the lymph nodes;
improvement of blood circulation in inflammatory foci;
restoration of damaged tissues;
normalization of impulse transmission in the affected nerve fibers.

The physiotherapeutic procedure is indicated for patients during the rehabilitation period, after the completion of the main treatment. Doctors recommend galvanization also for the prevention of frequent recurrences of chronic pathology.

electrophoresis

This physiotherapy is used to deliver pharmacological preparations to inflammatory foci for local effects on viruses or pathogenic bacteria, as well as to eliminate symptoms. During the manipulation, apply:

non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
antispasmodics;
analgesics;
vitamin complexes.

Cotton swabs soaked in drug solutions are applied to the area of the body affected by inflammation, and metal plates are placed on top. After passing through them weak discharges of electric current, the active ingredients of the drugs penetrate directly into the lymph nodes in the armpit or groin, on the neck, under the jaw. It is enough to carry out five electrophoresis procedures to stop inflammation, reduce the severity of pain syndrome, and accelerate the healing of damaged tissues.

Treatment of lymphadenitis of any localization is carried out at home, with the exception of severe infectious pathologies, such as tuberculosis. The patient can be hospitalized in a hospital with a rapidly progressing inflammatory process. Therapy will be carried out using injectable solutions or a surgical operation will be scheduled.

Lymph nodes serve as a barrier to infection in the human body. Entrance gates for all kinds of viruses, bacteria, fungi are skin lesions (scratches), boils, eczema and even caries, stomatitis. All these and other diseases often cause purulent lymphadenitis - an inflammatory process, which is characterized by the presence of pathogenic microflora in the body.

Almost always, suppuration of the lymph nodes is part of the purulent process, and therefore measures must be taken to eliminate the source of infection in the body in order to prevent complications.

Lymphadenitis, depending on the type of microorganisms and the development of the inflammatory process, is divided into types:

acute lymphadenitis as a result of rapid damage to the immune system by infection - SARS, gingivitis and other diseases
chronic type - a complication from untreated acute or specific lymphadenitis (tuberculosis, syphilis)
catarrhal appearance - develops in the initial stage of the disease
hyperplastic form - the late stage of the disease with the growth of lymphocytes in the inflamed node
purulent appearance - the last degree of lymphadenitis

With purulent lymphadenitis, the lymph node is destroyed. At the beginning, a catarrhal-hyperplastic form develops, and then suppuration of the node is formed.

The outcome of this form can be an abscess or adenophlegmon - the spread of a purulent process beyond the foci of infection.

Lymph nodes in the armpits, on the elbows and groin often become inflamed in an adult. In children - submandibular, cervical, femoral and inguinal group.

In 80% of people, a slight increase in the lymph nodes in the jaw area sometimes occurs - this is normal. At the same time, other groups of nodes should not normally be probed.Purulent lymphadenitis does not always occur due to a viral disease; specific diseases also cause this form of inflammation: syphilis, tuberculosis, HIV infection.

What causes inflammation

The causative agents of purulent lymphadenitis are pathogenic microorganisms that cause suppuration: staphylococci, streptococci and the toxins that they secrete. The decay products of bacteria enter the lymph nodes along with the blood or lymph, gradually causing inflammation.

The primary focus of lymphadenitis is purulent wounds, boils, caries, thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers and other bacterial diseases.

A viral pathology can also be the cause: SARS, influenza, parotitis, infections.

Part of the viruses, entering the body, seeps into the lymphatic capillaries, lingers in the lymph nodes, and causes inflammation.

Some fungi (yeast or mold) cause purulent lymphadenitis. Inflammation can be a symptom of mycosis of the skin and internal organs, colpitis, vulvitis.

In children, the defeat of the lymph nodes is often associated with diseases:

diseases of the upper respiratory tract - influenza,
childhood infections - mumps, rubella, diphtheria,
skin diseases - eczema, dermatitis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, plague, syphilis and HIV infection cause specific purulent lymphadenitis. In this case, inflamed nodes are a clinical manifestation of the underlying pathology.Also, the purulent stage can develop from reactive lymphadenitis - a disease that occurs due to local disorders in the body.

signs

Common symptoms of inflammation of the lymph node - weakness in the body, chills, increased to 38 ° C. These signs indicate intoxication of the body.

In addition to specific signs, local processes are also visible:

significant enlargement of the lymph node
throbbing pain in the inflamed area
painful sensation when pressing on the knot
redness, swelling of the skin
density, immobility of the lymph node

In children, the disease occurs with a high temperature up to 39.5 ° C, loss of appetite, weakness, and fever.

If you suspect purulent lymphadenitis, you should immediately consult a doctor to find the underlying cause of the disease and avoid complications: thrombophlebitis, sepsis, mediastinitis (a life-threatening condition).

Diagnostics

First, the doctor examines the patient, palpates the areas that the patient complains about, collects an anamnesis. These steps help make a diagnosis.

Then, to identify the cause of the disease, tests are carried out:

Blood analysis. The examination reveals signs and assesses the severity of inflammation. The study may show an increase in white blood cells (infection), neutrophils (bacteria), lymphocytes (viruses), and other indicators.
Ultrasound shows the size, structure, location of the lymph node. The study diagnoses complications and the focus of infection in the internal organs.
If adipose tissue, retroperitoneal space is involved in the pathological process, then X-ray and biopsy are performed to clarify and confirm the diagnosis.

X-ray examination includes a review of the chest and abdomen to identify groups of inflamed nodes, the definition of bone damage. Instead of x-rays, computed tomography is also used.

A biopsy is an invasive examination that is prescribed if you suspect:

an enlarged lymph node due to a tumor
chronic lymphadenitis
specific purulent process
lack of effect from the treatment

The puncture is performed under sterile conditions under local or general anesthesia.

Treatment

Purulent lymphadenitis is treated in a hospital under the supervision of a surgeon. The task of the doctor is to disinfect the inflamed focus with antibacterial agents. Under anesthesia, the lymph node is opened, pus and affected tissues are removed. During the operation, it is found out how far the pathological process has spread, the degree of the affected organs located next to the node is revealed.

After the operation, the focus of inflammation is washed out, the wound is sutured, drainage is performed (a tube is inserted into the cavity). Drainage allows you to remove fluid and pus, and are introduced through the tube.Drug therapy is also prescribed to eliminate the root cause of the disease: and antihistamines, antiviral, antifungal agents.

Locally prescribed physiotherapy:

Galvanization is the effect on the body of a direct current of low strength and low voltage. An electric charge, passing through tissues, causes a number of physiological processes, produces an analgesic effect, and improves blood microcirculation. This method is indicated for restorative treatment after the destruction of the cause of purulent lymphadenitis.
Laser therapy affects the tissues of the body with light waves, produces an anti-inflammatory effect, and stimulates recovery processes. The method is not used on skin areas with benign neoplasms: moles, pigmentation.
UHF-therapy - impact on the body with a high-frequency magnetic field. Due to this, the temperature in the affected area rises, the vessels expand, and the inflammation process decreases. The absolute contraindication of the method is a suspicion of a tumor, specific lymphadenitis. Not recommended for fever, chills.

Consequences and prevention

With inadequate therapy or if the patient did not go to the doctor in time, then purulent lymphadenitis can give complications up to death:

thrombophlebitis - the walls of the vein become inflamed, blood clots form, swelling of the limb develops, complication - separation of a blood clot
fistulas with a breakthrough of pus from an inflamed node into the trachea or esophagus
abscess development, adenophlegmon
tissue necrosis, sepsis
erosion of the walls of capillaries and blood vessels

Purulent lymphadenitis is dangerous for the possible spread of infection throughout the body through the bloodstream and lymph. Lack of adequate therapy can lead to the death of the patient.

Prevention also includes oral care: absence of caries, dental hygiene, timely visits to the dentist.

To avoid inflammation of the lymph nodes, you need to immediately remove splinters from abrasions, treat wounds and cuts with antiseptics.Women during lactation need to prevent lactostasis and carefully monitor the hygiene of the mammary glands. In case of infection, follow all the doctor's prescriptions, do not engage in self-therapy. To prevent the development of lymphadenitis, drugs to increase immunity will help.

Most often, the lymph nodes located under the skin in the groin, in the armpit, on the neck, under the lower jaw, under the back of the head are affected. Often there is purulent lymphadenitis, in which the lymph node gradually melts, turns into an accumulation of pus.

Reasons for the development of lymphadenitis

The main reason for the development of lymphadenitis is the entry of pathogens into the lymph node - streptococci and staphylococci. Most often, pathology develops as a complication of another purulent-inflammatory disease, for example, phlegmon (purulent inflammation of adipose tissue), (purulent inflammation of the finger), caries and pulpitis, tonsillitis, osteomyelitis (purulent inflammation of the bone), etc.

Special forms of lymphadenitis occur with syphilis, tuberculosis, actinomycosis and some other diseases.

When a focus of purulent inflammation appears in the body, pathogens penetrate from it into the lymphatic vessels and reach the lymph nodes. Since the lymph nodes serve as a natural immune barrier, microbes linger here and can cause inflammation. This is how lymphadenitis develops. One or more adjacent nodes may be affected.

Signs of lymphadenitis

In acute lymphadenitis, swelling and redness of the skin, pain occurs. If the affected lymph node is located on the arm and leg, its inflammation leads to impaired movement. The lymph node itself is palpable under the skin in the form of a dense bump, it is enlarged in size. With suppuration, a cavity filled with pus appears at the site of the node. The body temperature rises. There is a deterioration in the general condition: chills, malaise.

If the body cannot cope with the infection, and there is no treatment, the acute form of lymphadenitis becomes chronic. For a while, the symptoms subside. Pain disappears, body temperature drops to 36.6 - 37⁰C. In the future, there is an alternation of exacerbations and normalization of the state. This leads over time to a decrease in immunity, the penetration of pathogens into other organs, the development of autoimmune diseases.

Often, the symptoms of lymphadenitis are so pronounced that the underlying disease, which resulted in inflammation of the lymph node, fades into the background.

Complications of lymphadenitis

If lymphadenitis is accompanied by suppuration, then over time, several neighboring lymph nodes melt, in their place a large cavity with pus forms. In this case, the patient's condition worsens. With the spread of pathogens into the adipose tissue surrounding the lymph node, its purulent inflammation develops. A complication of lymphadenitis can be thrombophlebitis - inflammation of the vein wall and the formation of blood clots on it. In case of violations of the immune defense, the infection enters the bloodstream and spreads throughout the body, purulent foci appear in various organs - it develops. In chronic purulent lymphadenitis, a fistula can form - a hole connecting the lymph node to the surface of the skin. During exacerbations, it opens every time, and pus is released from it.

What can you do?

Chronic lymphadenitis, especially if it is not accompanied by suppuration, can exist for a long time. During exacerbations, the affected lymph node enlarges and becomes painful, and body temperature may rise. The rest of the time there are no symptoms. Even if the inflamed lymph node does not cause any special problems, the chronic focus of inflammation contributes to a decrease in immunity and an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. Therefore, lymphadenitis in any case needs treatment. If symptoms of the disease occur, you should immediately consult a surgeon.

What can a doctor do?

Examination for lymphadenitis includes, may include ultrasound and a biopsy of the lymph node (a piece of lymph node tissue is taken with a special needle and sent to the laboratory for examination).

If acute lymphadenitis is not accompanied by suppuration, then it can be treated without surgery. The doctor prescribes antibiotics, physiotherapy (UHF therapy). It is very important to eliminate the main focus of inflammation, from which the infection entered the lymph node.

With purulent lymphadenitis, surgical treatment is always performed. During the operation, the abscess is opened, all the pus is removed from it, it is washed with antiseptics and drainage is placed for several days.

In chronic lymphadenitis, surgical treatment is also carried out: it is necessary to eliminate the inflamed lymph node and other foci of infection. If there is a fistula, then it is completely excised. Antibiotics are prescribed after the operation.

Operations for lymphadenitis are usually performed in a hospital.

Lymphadenitis in adults is popularly called - "swelling of the glands. In medicine, lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes themselves.

Lymphadenitis in adults, role in the body:

Lymph nodes trap all harmful substances, pathogenic microbes, so that they do not get into the lymphatic vessels. They act as a filter in the body for purification.

Lymph nodes are small oval organs that contain immune cells to attack foreign viruses. They are a necessary component of the adult immune system. We have from 400 to 1000 of them. Healthy lymph nodes are not noticeable to the touch.

Microbes, getting into the lymph node, either die there or cause inflammation of it. Sometimes there is suppuration. All processes depend on the state of human health at the moment, his immune system.

Nodes are located in various parts of the body:

On the neck (increase in diseases of the throat).
Armpits.
In the groin.
Submandibular.
Parotid.
Mesenteric.

They are interconnected by the same lymphatic vessels that carry lymph throughout the body.

Causes of lymphadenitis in adults:

Causes of cervical lymphadenitis:

According to statistics, it is the most common lymphadenitis. The reason is influenza, tonsillitis, tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections and other infections.

Diseases of the oral cavity are also involved in the development of inflammation of the nodes: caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease.

Submandibular lymphadenitis:

As you might guess, the reason is mouth diseases (teeth,). Guilty and angina, tonsillitis.

Inguinal lymphadenitis:

Causes of lymphadenitis in the groin:

Venereal diseases caused by various microorganisms, infection.

Lymphadenitis axillary:

At the doctor's appointment, they always check the condition of the nodes under the arms. Usually everyone has horror stories, if there is an increase, then cancer. Unfortunately sometimes this is true ().

But they can also be increased with angina, tonsillitis,. With the bloodstream, the infection spreads throughout our body and finds its weak points.

Parotid lymphadenitis:

Associated with diseases of the ear, sometimes after a careless piercing of the ear, any wound.

If you notice an inflamed knot behind your ear, do not pull, there is a chance to earn meningitis as a complication.

Mesenteric lymphadenitis:

Formed mesenteric nodes located in the upper respiratory tract, as well as inflammation of the tonsils.

Lymph is a clear fluid that contains white blood cells (leukocytes). Their main function is to shelter cells that fight diseases of the body.

Types of lymphadenitis in adults:

Medicine distributes all the processes of inflammation of the lymph nodes into types:

Spicy: described below.

Chronic:

It is the result of untreated acute lymphadenitis. Such diseases include: tuberculosis, syphilis. The processes of inflammation then fade, flare up again when the immune system is weakened.

The course of lymphadenitis in adults, stages:

catarrhal:

This is the initial stage of the disease. Inflammation disrupts capillary permeability. This will lead to the fact that the blood fluid can exit the vessels, soaking the tissue of the lymph node. Characteristic migration of leukocytes to the inflamed area.

Hyperplastic:

Inflammation is already manifesting itself with might and main, there is an overgrowth of the lymphocytes themselves in the inflamed lymph node.

Purulent:

This is the final stage of inflammation - suppuration and destruction of the node. An abscess (purulent formation) is formed. Then a complication - adenophlegmon.

Acute lymphadenitis in adults:

It occurs most often when microbes penetrate through scratches, wounds.
As a complication of a boil, abscess.

Caused by pyogenic microbes:

In acute form, lymph nodes:

They increase in size.
They swell.
Painful to the touch.
You don't feel like eating at all.
Instant fatigue, irritability.
There is a runny nose.
Sore throat.
Night sweat.
At the beginning of the disease, the sick person feels well.

With further development:

The body temperature rises to 30 - 40 degrees.
The person has chills.
Starts.
The skin over the enlarged lymph nodes turns red without clear boundaries.

After three, sometimes four days, an accumulation of pus appears in the center of the inflamed area.

If the abscess is not opened, pus will enter the surrounding tissues due to the destroyed membrane.

A severe complication will develop - phlegmon.

At the first symptoms described above, immediately go to the doctor so as not to get complications.

Lymphadenitis in adults, what causes it:

Often inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs for the following reasons:

Any infection or virus (flu, SARS).
Banal cold.
Blood cancer: lymphoma, leukemia.

Diagnosis of lymphadenitis in adults:

Any doctor will immediately see redness and swollen lymph nodes. At the doctor's appointment, you need to tell in detail about even the minor symptoms that you have.

Donated blood to determine infections.
They may schedule an x-ray.
CT (computed tomography).
Sometimes a biopsy is performed. A piece of diseased tissue is taken for examination. Suddenly there are cancer cells. Do not refuse it, this is the most reliable way to find out where the inflammation came from.

You will be treated depending on the cause of the origin of inflammation in the nodes. Sometimes it goes away from banal self-medication, in some cases an immediate operation is needed.

What can help you:

Try taking pain medication. For example, ibuprofen, ketorol.
Make a warm compress.
If the nodes are swollen and painful to the touch, lubricate them with iodine or ichthyol ointment, tie.
It is forbidden to rub diseased glands, it will be even worse.

Strengthen your immunity:

Salt baths are very useful.
Taking fish oil.
More nutritious food (broth with homemade chicken).
Drink echinacea, the magical herb. In pharmacies, there are various forms of release of drugs from it.

Laundry soap:

Rub the cloth with laundry soap and lay it on the sore spot. Wrap it up in a warm scarf.

Chicory root decoction:

For 20 grams of crushed root, 200 ml of boiling water is taken. Insist one hour. Apply to wash swollen glands, lotions.

Peppermint:

Need fresh mint leaves. They are kneaded, bandaged to a sore spot.

Walnut, leaves:

A decoction prepared from walnut leaves is useful for medicinal baths until cured.

If the lymph nodes remain inflamed for more than two weeks:

In severe cases, the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to kill the infection.

A purulent lymph node is opened, having previously anesthetized it.

If the cause of lymphadenitis is cancer, you will undergo surgery, then a course of chemotherapy. All treatment depends on the causes of lymphadenitis in adults.

As you can see, lymphadenitis in adults is a very serious disease. It may appear from severe tonsillitis, and may be a manifestation of cancer. Therefore, I hope you will go immediately to the doctor, you will not delay the examination.

I'm sure you won't have anything serious. Please be healthy.

Watch a video on how to treat lymph nodes in the neck with folk methods:

What it is?

Lymphadenitis is a consequence of a developing inflammatory process, manifested by damage to the lymph nodes. It occurs as a result of pathogenic microorganisms and toxic substances, tissue decay products entering the lymph node with lymph or blood.

It can be both an independent disease and a signal of the presence of a pathological process in a particular organ. It is considered as a manifestation of the barrier function of the lymphatic system, limiting the spread of infection.

About the reasons

Most often, the causes of lymphadenitis are acute, subacute and chronic inflammatory processes (furuncle, phlegmon, ulcers). Very rarely, with direct infection of the lymph node or trauma, primary lymphadenitis occurs.

The leading role in the etiology belongs to staphylococci, less frequent pathogens are streptococci, mycobacteria, toxoplasma, and protozoa. A generalized increase in lymph nodes is observed with toxoplasmosis, AIDS, mononucleosis, and tuberculosis.

Regional lymphadenitis occurs against the background of genital herpes, tularemia, syphilis. Enlargement of lymph nodes can be triggered by their infiltration with metastatic malignant cells in oncological diseases.

Types of lymphadenitis, photo

lymphadenitis under the ear, photo

Depending on the localization of the occurrence of inflammatory processes, lymphadenitis is cervical, submandibular, inguinal.

Cervical lymphadenitis associated with various inflammatory and tumor processes. Lymph from all parts of the body passes completely or partially through the neck area.

Acute streptococcal pharyngitis, paratonsillitis, tonsillitis, diseases of the teeth and oral cavity, respiratory viral infections may be accompanied by acute or chronic lymphadenitis.

In diagnosis, the localization of inflamed lymph nodes is important. The nodes located behind the neck can change in size with rubella and toxoplasmosis, and the increase in the parotid nodes is observed with conjunctival infections.

photo of lymphadenitis in a child

It occurs more often and is observed in most cases in childhood and adolescence. The development of lymphadenitis is complicated by inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils.

Submandibular lymph nodes increase with dental inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, exacerbations of chronic tonsillitis. Such lymphadenitis passes with the cure of the underlying disease.

Inguinal lymphadenitis- most often its cause is inflammatory diseases of the external and internal genital organs, which are of an infectious nature. Purulent processes of the lower part of the trunk and extremities can cause an increase in inguinal lymph nodes.

Such processes include purulent wounds, boils, panaritiums, trophic ulcers.

submandibular lymphadenitis, photo

Clinical symptoms of lymphadenitis are of the same type. The onset of the disease is characterized by a rise in temperature, an increase and compaction of the lymph nodes, their soreness. On palpation, it can be found that they are not soldered to each other and the overlying skin.

With the progression of the inflammatory process, a compacted and very painful infiltrate is formed. Later, the skin over this area becomes red, immobile, hot, thinned.

If lymphadenitis does not turn into a purulent process, then after a while the lymph nodes decrease and acquire their normal shape, respectively, with the effectiveness of the treatment of the underlying pathology.

With an unfavorable course of inflammation, it can turn into purulent. In this case, the body temperature rises to 39 ° C. The general condition is often disturbed. There is malaise, sweating, headache and loss of appetite.

Within a few days, the lymph node melts and pus breaks out. As the abscess clears up, intense pain with lymphadenitis disappears, other symptoms regress, and recovery occurs. If the disease is not treated in time, the inflammatory process can lead to complications (see below).

As a result of the subsidence of the acute process, chronic lymphadenitis often develops, in which enlarged lymph nodes of various sizes with limited mobility are observed. They are painless, but quite dense.

Increased sizes can last for a long time, but then the nodes decrease due to the growth of connective tissues. The general condition of a person with chronic lymphadenitis is not disturbed, the body temperature is normal.

Diagnosis of lymphadenitis

Superficial lymphadenitis is easily diagnosed, especially if a focus of infection is detected. The doctor focuses on clinical symptoms and anamnestic data. If the clinical diagnosis is not clear, additional examination is necessary. For patients with lymphadenitis, it should be comprehensive, including:

clinical blood test;
serological and microbiological examination;
x-ray examination;
puncture biopsy according to indications;
computed tomography.

Recently, progress has been made in the diagnosis of lesions of the lymphatic system using radiopaque lymphography, remote infrared thermography, and scanning.

Sanitation must begin with the elimination of the infectious-inflammatory focus (treatment of carious teeth, tonsillitis, infected wounds). Treatment of lymphadenitis depends on its stage.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes after suffering the flu or tonsillitis does not require medical intervention, since in most cases the symptoms go away on their own.

With lymphadenitis, antibiotics are prescribed if suppuration occurs in the affected area. Antibiotic therapy and sulfa drugs are used depending on the sensitivity of the flora (determined during diagnosis).

The duration of therapy depends on the presence of general and local symptoms, the timing of normalization of laboratory parameters. Any therapeutic regimen provides, in parallel with antibiotics, the intake of fortifying agents and vitamins that increase immunity and improve the general condition of the patient.

A positive result is given by physiotherapy (electrophoresis, ultrasound). Physiotherapeutic treatment methods have a stimulating effect on the nervous and humoral processes, increase the reactivity of the body and its tissues, have a resolving effect, and cause an increase in local phagocytosis.

In the absence of the effect of the conservative treatment of lymphadenitis, surgical intervention is possible, the result of which will be the removal of purulent masses from the body by opening the focus of accumulation. Festering lymph nodes can be removed and then sent for histological examination (to exclude oncology, cancer).

Lymphadenitis in children - features

submandibular lymphadenitis in a child, photo

In a child, the development of inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes is facilitated by ARVI with damage to the nasopharynx. Acute lymphadenitis in children proceeds rapidly - local symptoms and general reaction are pronounced. General weakness, fever, headache and loss of appetite come to the fore.

Children of preschool age are more often ill. In most cases, the submandibular group of lymph nodes is affected by the inflammatory process.

The smaller the child, the more pronounced the clinical symptoms of lymphadenitis and the more serious the treatment. It consists in identifying and eliminating the main cause of the disease and complex therapy by a pediatrician, dentist and ENT doctor.

Complications of lymphadenitis

Of the local complications of lymphadenitis, one should remember the likelihood of suppuration (usually in childhood). Progressive inflammation of the lymph nodes without proper treatment often entails:

abscess formation;
tissue necrosis;
blood poisoning;
fistula formation;
thrombophlebitis of adjacent veins.

Purulent lymphadenitis can be complicated by the development of phlegmon, corroding the walls of blood vessels with bleeding. Currently, such processes are very rare in severe septic and toxic-septic forms. With antibiotic therapy, the prognosis is favorable.

Thus, an increase in lymph nodes is observed in many diseases, both infectious and non-infectious nature. Treatment of lymphadenitis begins with the elimination of the primary focus of infection; in the initial stage, the disease can be cured by conservative methods.