Submandibular lymph nodes act as a natural barrier to pathogens trying to enter the body. In the normal state, their size does not exceed 5 mm. With its increase, there is a violation of the normal functioning of the body, primarily ENT organs and the oral cavity, as well as the cervical region.
The concept of lymph nodes
They refer to the immune system of the human body. They contribute to the outflow of lymph, which is a transparent liquid, resembling blood plasma in its composition, but not having its formed elements, in particular, platelets and erythrocytes. At the same time, it has many macrophages and lymphocytes that absorb and destroy foreign objects for the human body. They are the first to react to the dynamics of its functioning. With a disease of pharyngitis or tonsillitis, the submandibular lymph nodes begin to clearlypalpable.
Classification of lymph nodes
The lymphatic system contains, in addition to the lymph nodes, the duct and vessels. Depending on their location, the former are divided into the following regional groups:
- submandibular;
- chin;
- parotid;
- mastoid;
- occipital.
Many people believe that the first and second kinds are the same. But actually it is not. The following symptoms are characteristic of the submental lymph nodes:
- lymph outflow is carried out in the lateral cervical lymph nodes;
- lymph is collected from various tissues of the lower lip and chin;
- mostly not palpable;
- located in the subcutaneous tissue of the chin zone;
- there can be from 1 to 8 pieces.
Submandibular lymph nodes have the following features:
- lymph drainage is carried out in the same way;
- lymph is collected from the upper, lower lips, salivary glands, palatine tonsils, palate, cheeks, tongue, nose;
- often found on palpation;
- located in the submandibular tissue in the form of a triangle located behind the submandibular salivary gland in front;
- their number is between 6 and 8.
The process of lymph passage through the body contributes to its constant cleansing.
Functions of lymph nodes
For all such formations, including the submandibular ones, many functions are characteristic. Among them are the following:
- contribute to the release of metabolites;
- remove pathogens from the body;
- promote the transport of electrolytes and proteins from surrounding tissues into the blood;
- retard metastases;
- promote the maturation of leukocytes;
- give a timely response to ingested antigens;
- are a natural filter for the body;
- produce outflow of lymph to peripheral veins from tissues.
Normal state of submandibular lymph nodes
In the normal state of the body, a person does not feel their presence. They can be described in this position by the following characteristics:
- local temperature is equal to that of the body;
- skin under the jaw has a pale pink color;
- palpation does not cause discomfort;
- they are not soldered to the subcutaneous tissue;
- have a clear outline;
- are homogeneous with elastic and soft texture;
- painless;
- their size does not exceed 5 mm.
Often there is a situation when the submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged. This indicates the presence of pathology in the body. Children, due to the fact that they do not have contact with pathogens from an early age, often cannot find the lymph nodes. As they are attacked by various viruses, they become more dense. Therefore, palpation in people who often suffer infectious diseases is easier compared to people whose body has increased immunity.
Causes of enlarged submandibular lymph nodes
If the bodycannot cope with the antigens attacking it on its own, then various pathogens begin to accumulate in the lymph nodes, which leads to an inflammatory process.
The submandibular nodes are enlarged in the following diseases:
- lymphoreticulosis, toxoplasmosis;
- rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, AIDS, HIV;
- tumors, lipomas, atheromas, dental cysts;
- leukemia, lymphoma, lymphocytic leukemia;
- a wound with an infection located in the jaw area;
- chickenpox, scarlet fever, measles, mumps;
- various dental diseases: condition after tooth extraction, inflammation of the salivary glands, purulent abscess of teeth, caries, alveolitis;
- sinusitis, otitis media, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis.
This list is not exhaustive. Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes can be observed for other reasons. Sometimes the increase occurs without the last described process. In this case, they speak of a disease called lymphadenopathy.
In this case, node:
- not soldered with fiber;
- is oversized;
- painless;
- skin unchanged.
Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes, accompanied by their increase, is called lymphadenitis. It appears as a result of the action of bacterial toxins. In this case, there may be a general intoxication of the body, for which the following condition is inherent:
- increase in body temperature;
- redness of the skin in the knot area;
- formation of conglomerates;
- dense consistency;
- pain;
- solidity with nearby tissues.
Thus, pain is a secondary symptom in the submandibular lymph node. The reasons must be sought for primary ones in order to neutralize them, after which the increase and inflammation in the nodes in question will pass by themselves.
Symptoms
When the submandibular lymph node is inflamed, the same symptoms are observed as described above: pain on palpation (with the possibility of radiating to the ears), fever, redness of the skin, the acquisition of a dense consistency, an increase in size.
The more the infection spreads throughout the body, the more signs of soreness appear. There is swelling, suppuration of the lymph nodes, as a result of which the lower jaw becomes weakly mobile.
If the submandibular lymph nodes hurt, this indicates that the disease is progressing. The general condition of the patient is deteriorating.
Launched is the stage at which suppuration is noted. If urgent measures are not taken during this period, breakthroughs can occur, which can lead to blood poisoning, and this, in turn, to serious consequences for the body, up to death.
Diagnosis
If the submandibular lymph nodes hurt, then the patient must pass:
- blood for detailed analysisto determine inflammation processes, including venous to determine infectious and sexually transmitted diseases;
- sowing on the sensitivity of pathogens to various antibiotics in the separation or accumulation of pus in the organs in question;
- CT to determine the presence of tumors;
- X-ray to determine the condition of the patient's chest;
- biopsy for histological examination of the potential development of cancer cells.
Treatment
It should be, first of all, aimed at curing the focus of the disease. In some cases, it is possible to use independent forms of medical and surgical treatment, as well as the use of folk remedies.
If there is an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. As a rule, they are as follows:
- Cefuroxime;
- "Amoxiclav";
- Clindamycin;
- "Cephalexin".
In case of inflammation caused by diseases of the throat, you can use soda-s alt solutions for rinsing. Burow's liquid can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent.
Surgical intervention is performed when the lymph nodes rot. An incision is made in the capsule into which the catheter is inserted, after which the pus is removed.
Folk remedies in the presence of pustular infections are not safe to use. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor. If such processes are not developed,you can apply gauze bandages at night with an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes to them, moistened with an alcohol tincture of echinacea. They can also be taken orally. To achieve the required concentration in 0.5 cups of water, dilute 30 drops of this tincture, take the solution 2-3 times a day.
You can also use warm garlic infusion, beetroot juice, ginger tea, blueberry drink.
In any case, healing does not involve self-treatment, applying sources of heat and cold to inflamed lymph nodes.
To eliminate the cause of inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in a child, you need to contact a pediatrician. Most often, children suffer from colds. In this case, the following drugs may be prescribed:
- interferons;
- immunomodulators;
- nucleic acids ("Derinat"), which promote regeneration processes and stimulate immunity;
- "Arbidol" to provide a stimulating mild effect.
Prevention
First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the causes leading to inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes. The following basic preventive measures should also be followed:
- timely treatment of SARS and other infections;
- prevent hypothermia;
- maintain intestinal microflora in the optimal amount, for which it is necessary to balance the diet by including fruits and vegetables in it;
- strengthen immunity;
- pay attention to oral hygiene, solve dental problems in a timely manner.
In closing
Submandibular lymph nodes are, along with other similar organs, the first defender of the human body when trying to penetrate into it foreign objects that can harm it. When they become inflamed, it is necessary to contact a general practitioner or pediatrician who can refer the patient to specialized doctors. It is necessary to treat first of all the cause that caused the inflammatory process. After its elimination, the submandibular lymph nodes return to normal.
