In the human body, the role of a biological filter is assigned to such organs of the lymphatic system as lymph nodes. They are small formations (the size of peas or beans) that contain white blood cells. Such organs protect the human body from various bacteria and viruses.
If the lymph node hurts, then this indicates that there is a focus of infection next to it. It should also be noted that such discomfort is often associated with the inflammatory process.
Causes of pain
The lymph node hurts and constantly aching … What could be the reason for this? Lymphadenitis, or the so-called inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes, is not an independent disease, but only a fairly common symptom of an infectious disease or other pathological conditions.
If a lymph node hurts on the neck under the jaw, then this one indicates that there are some serious disorders in the human body.
In addition to white blood cells, the lymph nodes contain a yellowish clear fluid called lymph. According to experts, shewashes all cells of tissues and organs, carrying dead cells, bacteria, viruses and toxins into the lymphatic capillaries that have entered the body with food, water and air. It transfers useful substances obtained from the blood to the cells. As a result, tissue fluid is continuously renewed and cells are nourished.
So, along with the lymph, pathogenic bacteria and other harmful microorganisms enter the lymph nodes. The latter delay the infection and prevent it from spreading throughout the body. After that, the destruction of all viruses and pathogenic bacteria, as well as degenerated cancer cells.
When the human body cannot get rid of foreign cells on its own, lymphocytes actively multiply. Thanks to this, they can cope with the infection faster and better. As a result of this phenomenon, the lymph nodes increase and begin to hurt.
Symptoms of disease
If the lymph node hurts, then along with discomfort in the neck, the patient may experience the following symptoms:
- increased body temperature;
- general weakness;
- headaches;
- pain on swallowing and palpation;
- chill.
In addition to the listed signs, the skin in the area of the cervical lymph node may turn red, severe pain appears. Such symptoms indicate the beginning of a purulent process.
It should also be noted that a slight increase in the size of the lymph node indicates that it works more actively than others. Usually,such a condition may be triggered by an incipient disease.
Types of cervical lymphadenitis
Why is the lymph node in the neck inflamed and sore? Such organs on the neck themselves cannot hurt and inflame. Their soreness and increase indicates the presence of pathology.
After a bacterium or other harmful microorganism enters the lymph node, lymphocytes begin to actively resist and destroy the pathogenic flora. Quite often, this process of destruction provokes pain and other accompanying symptoms.
Inflammation in the lymph nodes in the neck is divided into three types:
- With mild pain. In the normal state, it is not felt, but it manifests itself during palpation. At the same time, there is no obvious enlargement of the lymph node. It is felt under the skin, but does not protrude above the surface of the skin. In this condition, the patient does not experience fever, headache, or weakness, although a slight sore throat may be present.
- Pain occurs not only on palpation, but also in the usual position. In this case, the lymph node hurts constantly and is noticeably enlarged. Its size can be seen with the naked eye. The node is well palpable and protrudes above the skin. Associated signs of this inflammation are weakness, headache, fever and sore throat.
- With purulent inflammation of the lymph node, it hurts very much, plus, as already mentioned, the disease is accompanied byreddening of the skin. The patient also has a high body temperature, sometimes fever, chills, general malaise, weakness and severe headache.
What to do if the lymph node hurts? To identify the causes of this condition and its treatment, you should immediately consult a doctor.
It hurts the lymph node on the right
If pain occurs on the right side of the neck, then this indicates an inflammatory process in the throat. Also, such a pathology may be associated with an increase or inflammation of the right lobe of the thyroid gland or inflammation of the right tonsil.
It should also be said that pain in the right cervical lymph node can occur due to any infection that spreads from the teeth, tongue, mouth or soft tissues of the face.
With such sensations, in no case should you warm the site of inflammation, apply compresses on it and generally self-medicate.
Left lymph node hurts
If pain occurs on the neck on the left, then this may be due to the same reasons as described above. However, here we should add the fact that such unpleasant sensations often arise due to damage to the organs of the retroperitoneal space and abdominal cavity.
Inflammation of the left submandibular lymph node indicates infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, infectious mononucleosis or toxoplasmosis. Most often, such diseases are characteristic of children.
If a child has a sore lymph node in the neck, then you should immediately contact a pediatrician. The doctor must identify the cause of the disease. To do this, he prescribes a biochemical and general blood test, as well as a general urine test. In some cases, to make the correct diagnosis, the child is recommended to undergo an ultrasound of the abdominal organs or the lymph node itself.
Severe pain in the lymph node in the neck
Severe and severe soreness of the lymph node indicates the neglect of some disease or an acute inflammatory process occurring in the body at a given time.
It should also be noted that this condition often occurs when:
- allergic reaction to insect stings;
- drug allergic reaction;
- negative reaction of human immunity to vaccination.
For such reactions is characterized by a clear increase in the lymph node and its severe soreness. In addition, such conditions may be accompanied by swelling of the face, chills, fever and fever.
If the lymph nodes in the neck are very sore, then it is forbidden to wait for the person's condition to normalize on their own. You should immediately consult a doctor.
Treatment methods
Now you know what happens in the human body if a lymph node hurts. How to treat such a pathological condition?
Trying to eliminate pain in the lymph nodes on your own is undesirable. To do this, you need to contact a specialist. Treatment of an inflamed lymph node is prescribed on an individual basis, depending on the stage.and type of illness.
If discomfort bothers you not only during neck palpation, but also in the normal state, then during this period you should stop any physical activity and lead a more relaxed daily routine.
Most often, pain in the lymph nodes occurs due to the inflammatory process. To effectively eliminate it, medical intervention is needed.
As a rule, for such diseases, doctors recommend taking anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, as well as various antibiotics. However, treatment for inflamed nodes is prescribed only after a complete medical examination of the patient has been carried out. After all, anything can be the cause of pain in the neck.
Folk treatments
As for alternative medicine, with an inflamed lymph node, it makes sense to use folk recipes only as an adjuvant therapy. Home remedies should never replace primary medical treatment.
For pain in the lymph nodes during colds and flu, you can take a tincture of echinacea in the amount of 10-15 drops four times a day. This remedy relieves inflammation and improves immunity.
Also, taking vitamin C can be an effective treatment for the disease in question. This is due to the fact that this particular element contributes to the production of leukocytes in the human body.
As for physiotherapy, with pain in the lymph nodes, patients most oftenrecommend UHF therapy.
Surgical intervention is carried out in advanced diseases. During the operation, the lymph node is punctured or completely removed.
Summarize
Even a slight pain in the lymph node requires urgent medical attention. If the disease is run, it can lead to serious consequences.
According to experts, pain in the cervical lymph nodes in all cases is an alarm signal and indicates serious malfunctions in the body. Without inflammation or infection, discomfort does not occur. Therefore, careful attention to the state of your own body and he alth in general will allow you to avoid radical therapy and significantly reduce the risk of complications of the disease in the future.
