The lymphatic system prevents the spread of infectious diseases throughout the human body. If we talk about the largest lymph nodes, then they are located in the groin. Thanks to this group of lymph nodes, it is possible to eliminate atypical cells in the abdominal cavity, genitals and legs.
However, depending on various reasons, a person may be diagnosed with inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin. If you experience discomfort, it is recommended to consult a specialist and identify the exact cause of these symptoms.
Characteristics of the disease
Lymph nodes are peripheral organs of the human lymphatic system, which look like oval or rounded formations with a diameter of 0.5 to 2 centimeters. These organs help cleanse the lymph and produce protective cells that will fight tumors, infectious diseases and other microorganisms that enter the human body in the future.
Lymph nodes of this type are located in the area of the inguinal folds (or the so-called femoral triangle). These organs are also responsible for the passage of lymphto the iliac lymph nodes located in the peritoneum.
Features of the disease
If for one reason or another a person has a change in the size of the lymph nodes, then this phenomenon is called lymphadenitis. This disease can take place in acute or chronic form. In this case, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin can be either single or multiple. In the latter case, we are talking about a systemic disease that requires increased attention from specialists. Therefore, you should carefully monitor the condition of your body.
Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin
Lymphadenitis develops when a primary infection occurs or due to certain pathological processes that take place in the organs of the human body adjacent to the inguinal zone. If we are talking about a pathological condition, then in this case a comprehensive diagnostic study is required.
It's worth saying right away that it is impossible to determine the exact causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin from a photo or guided by the recommendations of people who are not doctors. Therefore, do not self-medicate.
Among the main factors that influence the development of this pathology, it is worth noting:
- Oncological and venereal diseases.
- Injuries of the groin.
- Lymphoma.
- Benign tumors.
- The appearance of boils and purulent wounds on the skin.
- Fungal microorganisms and colds.
- Viral diseases such as chickenpox, rubella or measles.
- Dangeroussexually transmitted diseases (such as HIV infection).
- Problems related to the functioning of the reproductive system (for example, women may develop an ovarian cyst).
- Allergies.
- Sprained muscles due to too intense exercise.
Also similar problems may appear in adolescents. In this case, not such serious causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin are observed. Treatment is usually not required, as such symptoms may be due to too rapid growth of a teenager.
In rare cases, inflammatory processes of this type are side effects from taking certain medications.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women
In the fair sex, this problem often occurs against the background of hormonal failure. This may be due to the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Such jumps in hormones lead to an immune system reaction, which causes inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women. At the same time, ladies experience discomfort and pain.
If a woman is pregnant or menstruating, then there is no serious cause for concern, as this is normal. If the seals in the inguinal region of a woman increase regardless of the menstruation cycle, then this may indicate the beginning of the development of a serious pathology associated with the reproductive system.
If the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin of a woman are associated with pregnancy, then in some situations thisindicates a decrease in immunity. In order not to be nervous again, it is much easier to visit a specialist and make sure that there are no reasons for concern.
Features of the manifestation of the disease in men
In the representatives of the stronger sex, such symptoms are manifested due to progressive inflammation or oncology, which is at the stage of decay of the tumor into formations (that is, metastases). That is why it is very important for cancer to start therapy as soon as possible in order to prevent the subsequent expansion of the spheres of influence of atypical cells in the body.
If there is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in men, then you need to be careful about this pathology. If you feel unwell, it is recommended to visit a venereologist and a urologist.
Symptoms of the disease
Before listing the symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, it is worth clarifying that these organs are located quite close to the surface of the skin. Therefore, when inflamed, they are easily palpable.
Also, if a person exercises or walks a lot, then unpleasant feelings of discomfort or aching pain may appear in the area of inflammation. During movement or in the process of self-palpation, many patients note the following symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin:
- Severe reddening of the skin.
- Burning.
- Scaling and itching in the affected area.
- Obvious hardening of the lymph nodes.
- Elevated body temperature.
- Intoxication of the body.
The last symptom suggests that pus has begun to accumulate in the lymph nodes. In this case, the patient will suffer from high fever, weakness, chills, muscle and headache. It is very important to start treatment immediately.
Also, many people note that with the development of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, they developed severe weakness, loss of weight and appetite, loss of strength and headaches. Such ailments often indicate that acute inflammatory or chronic processes are taking place in the patient's body. However, it is worth noting that if the enlargement of the lymph node occurs on the right side, then this does not always bring pain.
Diagnosis
To find the right treatment for inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, you first need to undergo a visual examination by a doctor. However, in this situation, it is far from always possible to detect the presence of inflammation in the lymph nodes. In some people, due to the structural features of the body, it is not possible to detect seals. In this case, it is necessary to take a blood test. As a rule, a general study is enough to confirm or refute the presence of lymphadenitis.
Specialists pay attention to the level of leukocytes and the rate at which erythrocytes settle. A biochemical blood test is necessary if the doctor wants to determine what level of protein is in the blood. If a specialist suspects the formation of malignant tumors, then a biopsy may be required. It is also worth doing x-rays, MRI, ultrasound and computed tomography. In thatcase, it will be possible to clarify the size of the lymph node and the reasons for its appearance.
Fighting disease
The success of the treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women and men largely depends on the causes that provoked such symptoms. It should be noted that this phenomenon rarely represents an independent pathology. Most often, these are symptoms of another ailment that must be treated immediately.
For example, carbuncles, boils, abscesses and other unpleasant pathological conditions can appear in this way. For treatment, specialized preparations or some traditional medicine recipes can be used. However, the latter should be used with great care.
Antibiotics
In this case, we are talking about broad-spectrum drugs that belong to the group of penicillins. If we talk about the duration of therapy, then it all depends on the condition of the person, the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in a man or woman, and other factors.
Only a doctor can prescribe the exact dosage, which is calculated based on body weight, and is also based on the level of the inflammatory process. In addition, the specialist must take into account the characteristics of the body of a particular patient and the possibility of allergic reactions or complications in other organs.
Antiseptics
Levomekol ointment can be attributed to the means of this type. This drug is inexpensive, but it is highly effective. It is usually used forimpregnation of gauze bandages. They are applied to the site of injury. However, it is strongly not recommended to produce such treatment on your own. The fact is that if a patient has purulent formations in the inguinal region, then in this case he may suffer from intolerance to the components of this drug.
Physiotherapy
As a rule, together with antibiotics, doctors prescribe electrophoresis. However, such a method of treatment is strictly prohibited if a person has developed purulent lymphadenitis of the inguinal region.
If we talk about surgical intervention, then with inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, operations are performed quite rarely. This procedure may be required only in case of accumulation of a large amount of pus. In this situation, drainage is performed.
General Therapy
In this case, the treatment is aimed at the speedy elimination of inflammatory symptoms. For this, the patient must follow the recommendations of specialists. First of all, he should not lead an active lifestyle. It is recommended to spend more time in bed.
Also, experts advise to stick to a diet. This means that the patient should eat only light, diet-type foods and avoid fatty or high-calorie foods.
Antibiotics are best used in the form of injections (especially when it comes to broad-spectrum drugs). It is very dangerous to take these drugs in the form of tablets, as this has a negative effect on the microfloraintestines.
In some cases, if patients experience severe discomfort, the doctor may additionally prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, painkillers, vitamins, and more. It is very important that the affected area does not heat up in any way.
Pain in the groin area
If compacted balls appear in the genital area or on the pubis, and at the same time a person experiences pain, this may signal a rather serious inflammatory process.
If a man has severe pain in the groin on the left or right side, then most likely he suffers from purulent type lymphadenitis. In this case, surgery is required.
Itching and redness
If, in addition to the obvious inflammation in the affected area, there is a strong reddening, then this may indicate a fungal infection. In this case, a person must undergo an ultrasound examination. As a rule, conservative or radical therapy is used to treat this pathology. This means that in some situations antibiotics are indispensable, while for other patients it is enough to use tablets or ointments.
Folk remedies
If we are talking about chronic lymphadenitis, then, as a rule, such a disease passes much faster if the patient uses a medicinal decoction of nettle, hops, horsetail, oregano and yarrow. All these natural ingredients must be mixed in the same amount and mixed. After that, a tablespoon of the resultingherbal collection is poured with a glass of boiling water and brought to readiness in a water bath for 15 minutes. At the next stage, the finished hot mixture is cooled for 10 minutes and filtered. It is necessary to take medicines 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
To get rid of local inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes, it is worth preparing dandelion juice. To do this, it is enough to collect fresh plants and put them on gauze. After that, you need to press a damp cloth to the affected area. It is necessary to keep the gauze for several hours. The procedure is repeated every day.
