Lymph nodes are a kind of litmus test, signaling the presence of cancer cells in the body or the spread of any infection. In the case of the development of the disease, they increase in size and become quite dense.
Remember! In a he althy person, the lymph nodes are elastic, rounded and mobile. Moreover, feeling them, a person does not experience any pain.
Where are the lymph nodes (LN)? They are located in groups in the inguinal region, armpits, in depressions on the folds of the limbs (that is, arms and legs), in the cavity of the chest and peritoneum, on the neck (for example, the posterior lymph node), and also along the blood vessels.
Note! LN in the area of the peritoneum or sternum cannot be felt. Sometimes their increase is mistaken for appendicitis.
What is lymph? It is a liquid, viscous in consistency and completely colorless. The lymphatic system itself includes a huge number of capillaries, vessels and ducts,carrying lymph.
Functions of the lymph nodes
Lymph nodes, being an integral part of not only the circulatory, but also the human immune system, perform several functions:
- Transport. Lymph contributes to the transport of immune cells at the moment when the immune system begins to work in activation mode; the entry of protein molecules into the plasma (they hardly overcome the walls of the blood capillary, but easily penetrate into the lymph through its capillary system); as well as introducing infectious agents, liquids, large and small molecules into the body's circulation system.
- Immune (that is, protective). In the LU, the process of formation of immune cells takes place: antibodies, lymphocytes, phagocytes and others.
- Filtration. It is the lymphatic system that is the filter through which a variety of harmful microorganisms cannot enter the body. If the amount of pathogenic microflora is small, then the LU copes with it “on its own”. If this fails, then the lymph node (in which the proportion of foreign cells or microbes is too large) becomes inflamed and increases in size.
- Exchange. Intestinal LUs take an active part in the protein, lipid, vitamin-carbohydrate metabolism, as well as the digestive process.
- Barrier. All foreign particles in the form of various bacteria and viruses (they are delivered by lymph) linger in the lymph nodes, and then these pathogenic objects are destroyed by special cells called "macrophages", and the body is cleansed.
- Reserve. Lymph nodes are a kind"reservoir" for storing lymph enriched with lymphocytes.
The functions of the lymphatic system are quite diverse. Therefore, its defeat has consequences for the whole organism as a whole.
Where are the lymph nodes located
Where are the LUs directly located? They can be located closer to the surface of the human body (for example, the posterior cervical lymph node), which can even be palpated, or inside the human body. The last group of lymph nodes cannot be felt. They can only be detected using techniques using special tools.
The location of the posterior cervical lymph nodes speaks for itself: they are located on the back of the neck. And to be more precise, they are located between the lower part (that is, the mastoid region) of the temporal bone and the collarbone.
As a rule, the posterior cervical lymph nodes "stand guard" to prevent infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. The size of the posterior cervical LU in the normal state is about 0.5-50 mm. If this indicator is higher, then you should be wary and consult a doctor.
Is it possible to determine the increase in LU by palpation
To determine that the posterior cervical lymph nodes are enlarged, perhaps on your own. To do this, just turn your head to the side (for example, to the left) and put your hand on the front of the neck on the right. At this moment, you will feel (under the palm of your hand) how the muscle between the ear and the collarbone (its name sounds like the sternocleidomastoid) has stretched. But along its posterior edge, you can feel the posterior cervical lymph node (the photo is presented above).
On the anterior edge of the muscle under study are the anterior cervical lymph nodes.
Then follow the same procedure, turning your head to the right. Moreover, the lymph nodes should be probed with fingers set perpendicular to the surface of the neck.
Determining the enlargement of the posterior cervical lymph nodes in children is somewhat difficult due to their tiny size. In addition, they are very soft. In any case, for an accurate diagnosis, you must go for a consultation with a doctor.
Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes
Indicating that the posterior cervical lymph nodes are enlarged:
- Lu become quite convex and bumpy, that is, there is a change in their structure and consistency.
- Sometimes adhesions form with surrounding tissues. In this case, the nodes completely lose their mobility.
- Often, in case of inflammation of the lymph nodes, significant pain occurs when the head is tilted or turned.
- Enlarged posterior cervical lymph nodes can cause some discomfort when swallowing.
The presence of redness, rash and swelling in the LU area
In addition, other manifestations of the disease may be observed:
- loss of appetite;
- increased sweating (i.e. hyperhidrosis);
- increased body temperature;
- itching of the skin;
- a state of drowsiness, weakness and general malaise;
- pain syndrome injoints and head;
- nauseous state.
Causes of swollen lymph nodes
What can cause inflammation of the posterior cervical lymph nodes? Reasons for their increase:
- Infections (fungal, viral and bacterial).
- Parasitic invasion.
- Specific infections (such as syphilis or tuberculosis).
- Toxoplasmosis.
- ARVI.
- Mononucleosis.
- Various malformations: lymphangiectasia (that is, vasodilation), hypoplasia (or insufficient development of blood vessels and lymph nodes), lymphangiomatosis (the so-called growth of defective lymphoid tissue).
- Posterior cervical lymph nodes enlarged? The reasons may lie in the dysfunction of the immune system.
- Malignant neoplasms (such as lymphocytic leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, lymphoma, lymphosarcoma, or lymphangioma).
- Rubella.
- Mechanical damage (for example, falls, accidents) or injuries to the LN (or tissues around them) during surgery.
- AIDS.
- Inflammatory processes (for example, lymphangitis or regional lymphadenitis).
- Measles
Note! Quite rarely, metabolic disorders, allergies, addiction to strong drinks and thyroid diseases can become provocateurs of enlarged lymph nodes.
Let's dwell on some points in more detail.
Lymphadenitis
It is this inflammatory disease that gives the most striking symptoms in the form of enlarged lymph nodes, whichbecome in this case very painful and quite motionless. In addition, there is swelling of a local nature and redness of the skin over the LN. As the disease progresses, the patient may develop chills and increase body temperature.
Lymphadenitis begins with a catarrhal-hyperplastic stage, and then turns into a purulent form and lymphadenoma. Most often, this ailment signals that certain pathological changes are occurring in the human body.
At the stage of catarrhal lymphadenitis, with timely diagnosis and therapy, there is a very high chance of coping with an acute process in the lymph node. At the purulent stage of the disease, it is unlikely that it will be possible to do without surgical measures (that is, opening the abscess, cleansing the cavity with the help of antimicrobial and antiseptic agents and drainage).
Rubella
How can you get this disease? There are three ways:
- Intrauterine. That is, from an infected mother through the placenta, the virus is transmitted to the baby. As a result, the child gets congenital rubella.
- Contact. Infection occurs through direct contact with an already infected person.
- Airborne.
With this disease, the lymph nodes become inflamed approximately 2-3 hours before the rash appears on the skin. Moreover, the LNs become painful, but adhesions are not observed. The patient with rubella is immediately isolated and prescribed the necessary therapy.
The incubation period of this viral disease is about 15-24 days. The disease does not belong to the category of dangerous if the disease is diagnosed in a child. It is quite another matter if rubella is observed in a pregnant woman. In this case, the presence of the disease can lead to serious complications for the baby (for example, congenital deafness).
Diagnosis of disease
First, the doctor performs a visual examination of the lymph nodes and their palpation. Important indicators are the size of the lymph nodes, their consistency, the presence or absence of pain when they are felt, as well as adhesions with surrounding tissues. If enlarged but painless lymph nodes are observed, then most likely this indicates that the disease is provoked by some kind of infection that causes either a simple runny nose or sore throat. Or maybe the reason for the increase in the LU lies in the caries of the tooth. If the lymph node is enlarged and the patient feels pain during palpation, then it is likely that this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process directly in the lymph node.
Manifestations such as the presence of rather dense lymph nodes and adhesions in the form of merging lymph nodes can indicate a malignant tumor.
Next, the doctor prescribes a whole series of laboratory tests, and, depending on their results, gives a referral to such specialists as a hematologist, dentist, surgeon, dermatologist, oncologist, otolaryngologist or infectious disease specialist. In order for the diagnosis to be made as accurately as possible, the following methods of instrumental diagnostics can additionally be prescribed:
- PCR (that is, polymerase chain reaction) analysis, which allows you to identifypatient of a disease of a hereditary and infectious nature (both at the stage of exacerbation and in a chronic form). This study helps to determine the causative agent of the disease and its nature.
- US LU.
- Examination of the state of the red bone marrow (i.e. sternal puncture).
- Posterior lymph node biopsy, during which tissue or cells are harvested.
Therapy of disease
To cope with the inflammation of the LU, it is necessary to find the root cause of this disease. As a rule, the source of the disease is located in the immediate vicinity of the inflamed lymph node. In order for the doctor to be able to choose adequate therapy, the patient must undergo a complete examination. Depending on what caused the inflammatory process, one or another treatment may be prescribed:
- All kinds of diseases of a fungal, viral and bacterial nature that caused inflammation of the posterior cervical lymph nodes, as a rule, are treated with topical medications. Only in case of serious bacterial infections (after all diagnostic measures) the doctor can prescribe systemic antibiotics.
- For oncology, a medical specialist may recommend either chemical and radiation therapy, or surgery. The main thing is to identify and start timely treatment in time.
- If the posterior cervical lymph node is enlarged due to disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, then you should contact a specialist such as an immunologist, who will prescribe the necessary therapeutic measures.
- To relieve pain can beprescribed a variety of pain medications.
- If the cause of the inflamed LUs is a dental disease, then the most important thing is the complete sanitation of the oral cavity. And then medical treatment follows.
As an adjuvant therapy, physiotherapy methods such as:
- ultrasound therapy;
- laser therapy;
- ultraviolet irradiation;
- galvanization;
- UHF.
Important! Self-medication is dangerous. Only a doctor can determine the true cause of the disease and prescribe the necessary measures. Keep this in mind.
Traditional medicine
If the inflammation of the lymph nodes is not severe, then some folk methods can be used to combat the disease. But remember: before starting self-treatment, it is necessary to consult a medical specialist and then carry out all activities only under his supervision. Otherwise, you can simply aggravate the situation with your he alth. Here are some recipes:
- Ready-made echinacea tincture purchased from a pharmacy chain. This drug not only helps to relieve inflammation of the posterior cervical lymph node, but also helps to increase immunity. We prepare the therapeutic mixture as follows: add 10 drops of tincture to boiled and chilled water (1 cup). We drink the prepared solution during the day for 4 doses. The course of treatment is until the disease is completely eliminated.
- Canadian goldenseal, powdered. The plant has excellent antiseptic properties, but has one drawback - it can cause indigestion (to avoid this, we recommend adding more fermented milk products to your diet during the treatment period). We prepare a medicinal drink as follows: add root powder (1 dessert spoon) to water (1 cup). We drink it three times a day for ½ teaspoon (or ¼).
- Aloe juice, which can be taken 1 tablespoon every day. But first you need to check if there is an allergic reaction to this plant. If there is, then you will have to refuse to take aloe juice.
- Rinse (3-4 times a day) with decoctions of medicinal herbs such as chamomile, mint or calendula.
- Rinse with a mixture (3-4 times a day) prepared as follows: dilute s alt (1/2 teaspoon) and soda (1/2 teaspoon) in hot water (1 cup). After the mixture has cooled to an acceptable temperature, you can proceed to the procedure.
- Vishnevsky's ointment. It should be applied in a thin layer on the inflamed LU (preferably at night).
Important! In no case do not expose the lymph nodes to heat (using warm compresses or a heating pad), do not lubricate them with iodine and do not rub them. All this can end very badly.
Prevention
The main preventive measure to prevent inflammation of the lymph nodes is to adjust the diet, namely:
- Vegetables and fruits should always be on the table. Eat morevitamin C (daily intake - up to 1000 mg).
- Foods like garlic and onions increase white blood cell count and are natural antibiotics. Eat them every day.
