Lymph nodes are a part of our body that functions as a fairly accurate sensor, reporting the appearance of infections in the body that cause various diseases. If a lymph node is inflamed under the jaw or elsewhere in children, then this is a kind of signal for parents and has the scientific name "lymphadenopathy". It can be of two types: localized (with inflammation in one group of lymph nodes) and generalized (inflammation in two or more different groups of lymph nodes).
Features of the device of lymph nodes
Children's body includes over 500 lymph nodes, whose task is to "filter" dangerous bacteria. As a result, the lymph nodes provide protection to the body. They are located in groups or one at a time, subdivided into cervical, axillary and inguinal, which can be found by palpation, for example, if the lymph node under the jaw is inflamed. Other groups of lymph nodes cannot be palpated due to their deep location. In the normal state, the lymph nodes are no larger than the size of a pea. When an inflammatory process occurs, their characteristic increase and the appearance of painful sensations occur. This isindicates both the common cold and rarer diseases, such as leukemia. To identify the cause of problems with the lymph nodes, a special diagnosis is required. If the child has inflamed lymph nodes, then the treatment should be directed specifically to the inflammatory process, along with lymphadenopathy. It is also worth noting that warming up the lymph nodes is prohibited until all the necessary tests have been carried out.
Treatment of the inflammatory process
The doctor's task is to conduct a thorough physical examination, including the tonsils, and detect the epicenter of the inflammatory process, including skin cuts and scratches left by animals if the lymph node under the jaw is inflamed. If it is impossible to find the cause of the inflammation by examination, a chest x-ray and a blood test are prescribed. In addition, lymph node tissue can also be taken for examination using a special needle. Usually, after recovery, the lymph nodes return to their former normal shape. After a sore throat, it takes a few days due to the use of antibiotics. In the case of more complex diseases, this may take much longer than when the lymph node under the jaw became inflamed due to a sore throat.
What does inflammation of the lymph nodes indicate
If the lymph node is enlarged under the jaw or in the back of the neck muscles, then in the nasopharynx there may be a focus of infection (bacterial or viral), which symbolizes angina, scarlet fever or chronictonsillitis.
If the lymph nodes around the ears increase, then furunculosis or the presence of an inflammatory process in the middle and outer ear is possible.
If the size of the lymph nodes under the chin is enlarged, then we can talk about inflammation in the lower lip or front teeth.
If the lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity have grown in size, then a viral or bacterial form of infection in the gastrointestinal tract may occur, which may also be accompanied by severe pain.
With an increase in the size of the lymph nodes in the groin area, an infection in the lower extremities is likely (most likely in the muscles, bones and skin). As a rule, this occurs in case of inflammation in the joints, with diaper dermatitis and other diseases.
