The lymphatic system plays an important role in our body in the formation of strong immunity, which will restrain the attack of pathogenic microorganisms and neutralize the effects of harmful substances. This helps prevent the spread of infection. A whole network of lymph nodes is scattered throughout our body: jaw, neck, elbow, occipital and many others.
But under certain circumstances, these elements of the system begin to inflame. This usually indicates that an inflammatory process has begun in nearby tissues, which leads to an increase in lymph nodes. This allows you to determine the affected area.
Functionality
To understand the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes, you need to understand the main tasks and functions that they perform. Everyone knows perfectly well that in order to maintain a full life, the human body cannot do without the help of immunity. But not everyone realizes that the immunethe system works smoothly just thanks to the lymph nodes.
Before you figure out what causes inflammation of the jaw lymph nodes, you should get to know them a little better. There are many of them in the human body. They are located on the head, neck, under the armpits, on the knee and elbow bends, in the groin area and other places. Their entire network is huge and complex: it includes not only nodes, but also vessels, through which everything is connected into a single whole.
Like the circulatory system, they are also intertwined in a complex way. Only another liquid flows in them - lymph. From Greek, this word is translated as "moisture".
Typically, the body of an adult contains up to 1-2 liters of this liquid. In fact, the lymph nodes are filters that are located in the most important areas of the human body. Through lymph, information is transmitted regarding the current state of the body. Specifically, the submandibular network provides protection to the teeth, throat and nose.
Inflammation of the jaw lymph nodes as a defense mechanism
As soon as an infection enters a tissue or even an organ, as evidenced by the appearance of foreign proteins, the cells of the body begin to change. Through the lymphatic fluid, the alarm signal enters the immune system, which immediately responds. Immunity instructs the brave soldiers of lymphocytes to eliminate uninvited guests.
A large number of them is a clear sign of the inflammatory process. Inside the lymphocytes are special cells that containantibodies - just they are responsible for the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms.
A bit of biology
How are the lymph nodes arranged and where are they actually located in the region of the lower jaw? Two groups of nodes are concentrated in the lower part of the head. Directly under the jaw, they are localized near its lower edge in the amount of 6-10 pieces.
Under normal conditions, the size of the jaw lymph nodes is no more than 5 mm. Lymphatic fluid flows to these nodes from several zones:
- lower eyelid;
- teeth;
- gingiva;
- language;
- submandibular and sublingual salivary glands;
- lips;
- nose;
- cheeks;
- chin.
Above the hyoid bone not far from the submandibular nodes is the second chin group. Their diameter also does not exceed 5 mm. This area collects lymph from the skin and muscle tissue of the chin, lower lip, upper tongue, salivary glands (submandibular, sublingual).
What causes it?
What actually causes the lymph nodes to increase in size? This is largely due to the development of a bacterial infection. Often the affected area falls on the upper respiratory tract or auricle. In some cases, the cervical lymph nodes become inflamed against the background of advanced caries or a dental abscess.
Pathogenic microorganisms gather in the tissues of the lymph nodes, where they interact with the newly arrived lymphocytes, forcing them to increase insizes. When the jaw lymph nodes are enlarged, the reasons may lie in the development of dental and ENT diseases:
- pulpitis;
- periodontal disease;
- periodontitis;
- caries;
- sinusitis;
- sinusitis;
- laryngitis;
- tonsillitis;
- gingivitis.
At the same time, something else may be the cause of an increase in the lymph nodes of a general nature. This may be the body's response to tuberculosis, anthrax, measles, leukemia and other infectious diseases.
In addition, the development of this phenomenon may be facilitated by vaccination or taking a number of drugs. For example, temporary lymphadenopathy can be caused by the rabies vaccine (Kokav). Frostbite of a local nature and trauma also cause inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Characteristics
When the jaw lymph node becomes inflamed, it is called lymphadenitis. The development of this disease occurs gradually, and characteristic signs are not yet observed. Knots can not even be felt under a layer of skin. There are no problems with opening the mouth and the mucous membranes are not hyperemic.
In case of damage to the body by the causative agent of influenza or against the background of a cold, pain occurs only when pressure is applied to the lymph node. Usually this does not cause noticeable discomfort. And after the disease is cured, the symptoms of lymphadenitis disappear, and the size of the lymph nodes returns to its original state.
If the pathology proceeds inacute form, then its characteristic features are as follows:
- Lymph nodes under the jaw are greatly enlarged. This causes tangible discomfort and leads to squeezing of blood vessels.
- The jaw lymph nodes hurt not only when pressed, but also when turning the head in any direction.
- Pain sensations are pulsating, which indicates the development of a purulent process.
- The skin in the affected area swells and turns red.
Also, the patient's body temperature rises (and sharply), the state of he alth worsens, chills appear.
Diagnosis
Signal of the onset of inflammation is a change in the size of the lymph nodes. They are the very first of those who react to the illegal penetration of foreign microorganisms from the outside. During the diagnosis, their palpation is carried out in the first place.
During the examination, the patient must adhere to the following simple rules:
- You should tilt your head slightly forward.
- Palpation is performed on one side or both (two hands).
- The submandibular knot is gently pressed against the jaw.
- Fingers should slide from the corner of the jaw to its edge, while examining the entire chain.
The specialist knows exactly where the jaw lymph nodes are located, and therefore acts carefully. If, during palpation, the nodes are rolling, and there is no pain, as well as an increase in body temperature, this indicates their normal condition. Enlarged nodes can be easily detected visually - usually the skin around the area of \u200b\u200binflammationblushes. This is a clear symptom of lymphadenitis.
Where to go?
If there are characteristic signs of swollen lymph nodes under the jaw, the first thing to do is to visit a therapist. Lymphadenitis often indicates the beginning of the development of the disease. This will allow you to detect the pathology at an early stage and find out the root cause of the disease.
If it is already clear why the jaw lymph node has become inflamed, another doctor will tell you what to do. In this case, you can immediately contact the following specialists:
- infectionist;
- otolaryngologist;
- surgeon;
- dentist;
- oncologist.
Narrow specialists will be able to confirm the cause of lymphadenitis according to the patient's examination and additional examinations (if required). This will allow you to prescribe the necessary treatment. In the event that lymphadenitis has passed to the purulent stage, the services of a surgeon may be required.
Treatment of lymph nodes
For the treatment to be effective, it is necessary to know the exact cause of the swollen lymph nodes. If necessary, it is necessary to undergo an examination of narrow specialists. Additional examinations may also be required to clarify the diagnosis.
What kind of treatment of maxillary lymph nodes to use, only the doctor decides! Self-medication is highly discouraged in order to avoid serious consequences. This may be the use of medications to treat a specific disease, which is why the lymph nodes were actually enlarged. In some cases, assignedsurgery.
Therapeutic technique
Treatment of lymphadenitis in a therapeutic way is reduced to the use of the following means:
- "Drilling Fluid".
- Saline solution.
- Taking medication.
"Burow's liquid" is an antiseptic and has astringent, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effect. She needs to gargle.
Saline solution is also used for rinsing the mouth. The tool is highly effective in cases where the increase in the size of the lymph nodes is caused by inflammation of the tonsils.
A course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed with the following medications: "Cephalexin", "Amoxiclav", "Cefuroxime". Their intake must be supervised by a doctor.
Surgery
In the event that the therapeutic method does not give the expected result and the jaw lymph nodes are still enlarged, as well as with the development of a purulent process, surgical treatment is prescribed. The essence of the operation is to open the affected area and extract the purulent mass from the inflamed lymph node. Upon completion of the antiseptic treatment, the wound is sutured and a temporary drainage system is installed.
The operation is performed using local anesthetics. Usually, after such a procedure, patients recover in a short time.
Traditional medicine on guard of he alth
In case of enlarged lymph nodes, you canapply traditional medicine recipes. However, such treatment should be carried out in conjunction with the main course. Only before using an alternative technique, you must first consult a specialist. Otherwise (besides the enlargement of the jaw lymph nodes), there may be other problems.
Dandelion juice is very effective. You need to take a few fresh leaves of this plant and grind them, squeezing out the extract. You need to apply it right away. To do this, soak a piece of gauze with juice and apply to the affected area for 1.5-2 hours. During the day, you can make several such compresses. This remedy has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect.
Garlic juice is popularly considered a natural antibiotic due to its antibacterial properties that help strengthen the immune system. Squeeze a few drops of garlic liquid into a small amount of tea or compote. You need to take the resulting remedy 2 times a day after meals. It is better not to drink garlic juice on an empty stomach.
Onion can also be considered a simple but effective remedy against inflammation of the jaw lymph nodes. You need to take one onion, peel and bake in the oven until soft. Then you should knead it well, add a tablespoon of birch tar and mix everything. The mixture is wrapped in a piece of cloth or gauze, after which a compress is applied all night.
It is important to avoid heating the area of inflammation of the lymph nodes. For this, it is not recommended to carry out anythermal procedures, unless it is the recommendation of the attending physician. Exposure to heat usually helps to accelerate the development of microorganisms, which just leads to suppuration and other complications.
For prevention purposes
No wonder folk wisdom says: it is better to prevent than to treat later. In fact, it is. And in order to avoid the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes, it is necessary to lead a he althy lifestyle and adhere to simple and elementary hygiene rules:
- No need to touch your face in the street. Wash your hands with soap every time you come home.
- You need to visit the dentist regularly.
- During the off-season, you need to enrich your body with vitamin complexes.
Often the cause of inflammation of the jaw lymph nodes is the development of infectious diseases of the oral cavity or skin.
The state of immunity depends on how successful the treatment will be. Therefore, at the first characteristic signs, you should immediately seek medical help.
