We each have about 600 lymph nodes located throughout the body. In a he althy state, they are not felt in the body, but sometimes you can feel the submandibular node (for example, with a toothache), axillary node and inguinal. The normal lymph node is small (5-7 mm to 1 cm) and hard; however, there are exceptions in different areas of the body. In addition, in children aged 2 to 10 years, they are larger.
In infections and aseptic inflammation, they usually increase in size, become soft and loose, and are detected by palpation in different areas of your body during a physical examination. Infections that spread to the nodes are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is important to know the cause of the spread of the infection so that adequate treatment can be prescribed.
Lymph and lymph nodes
White blood cells fight infections by producing proteins that trap and fight invaders such as viruses and other microbes. These lymph nodes (or glands) are small, bean-shaped structures located along the lymph vessels. Lymphatic vessels connect to each other in lymphatic circuits throughout the body, similar to vessels. Lymph is responsible for draining fluid from the tissues and transporting it to the lymph nodes, which then destroy bacteria and other harmful substances. After the lymph nodes clear the fluid, it returns to the main vein, called the superior vena cava, where it enters the bloodstream.
What is lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis is the medical term for an increase in the size of one, several, or all of the lymph nodes, usually due to an acute infection. Lymph nodes, in addition to lymphoid tissue, contain a large number of white blood cells (leukocytes), which are sent to fight infection.
What causes lymphadenitis, risk factors
Lymphadenitis occurs when one or more lymph nodes become infected with bacteria, viruses, or fungi in surrounding tissues such as the skin, ears, nasal cavity, or eyes. Thus, the lymph node becomes inflamed depending on the zone of its localization, which most often indicates the presence of an infection in nearby organs. Less commonly, lymph nodes become reactive (inflamed) with cancerous tumors in the body.
It is often a complication of certain bacterial infections caused bystreptococci (which causes strep throat) or staphylococci. In some cases, lymphadenitis is caused by other infections, such as tuberculosis, feline disease, or mononucleosis.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that usually affects the submandibular lymph nodes and lungs. A sick person experiences gradual, painless enlargement and swelling in one or more lymph nodes. There are also general symptoms such as fever, weight loss, fatigue, and excessive night sweats. In more severe cases, treatment of symptoms of submandibular lymphadenitis may require the use of antibiotics.
Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection spread by cats infected with Bartonella henselae, a bacteria that is transmitted through flea saliva and contaminated feces. People with cat-scratch disease may have inguinal lymphadenitis, which requires treatment by a specialist. There is also pain and redness in the infected area.
Epstein-Barr virus most often causes mononucleosis. This can lead to cervical lymphadenitis, which is treated symptomatically with a sore throat and general body pain.
Types of lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy be one of two types:
- Localized (focal) lymphadenitis. This is the most common type. It involves inflammation of one or more nodes that are located near the area of inflammation or infection. For example, nodes enlarged due to tonsillitis may be felt in the neck. Treatment of lymphadenitison the neck is sometimes accompanied by certain difficulties.
- Generalized (diffuse, general) lymphadenitis. This type occurs in two or more groups of lymph nodes, it occurs in the background of septic, neoplastic or other conditions that affect the bloodstream and the body as a whole.
Clinical picture
The main symptom of lymphadenitis in adults and children are enlarged lymph nodes. A lymph node is considered enlarged if it is more than one and a half centimeters wide.
When treating lymphadenitis, the symptoms and cause of which is infection, it is important to pay attention to:
- knots increased in size;
- nodes painful on palpation;
- softened and loose;
- hyperemia (redness);
- nodes filled with pus (abscess).
In severe cases, complications of untreated lymphadenitis can lead to the formation of an abscess that must be opened surgically, cellulitis (chronic inflammation of the dermis), sepsis (blood poisoning) or fistula, which can develop with tuberculous lymphadenitis.
Symptoms and treatment of lymphadenitis in adults may be similar to signs of other problems or diseases. Always contact medical facilities for additional diagnostics.
Diagnosis
If you have some of these symptoms, the most important part of the doctor's diagnosis is your complete medical historyand initial physical examination. Describe in detail all your symptoms, such as chills and fever; remember any recent travel, any broken bones in the past, recent contact with cats or other animals. How long ago did the first signs appear? Please indicate if you are allergic to any medications.
During a physical exam, your he althcare provider will look for signs of infection near reactive lymph nodes.
Also, the following tests will be needed to make a diagnosis:
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- lymph node biopsy;
- examination of the liquid contents of the node under a microscope;
- seeding the contents on a nutrient medium to determine the growth of microbial flora.
Methods of therapy
The choice of the optimal method for treating lymphadenitis, its symptoms and causes depends on what type of infection has developed. Once an infection spreads to nearby lymph nodes, it can quickly spread to other organs, so it is important to identify routes of infection and begin treatment.
Treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis and other types of it may include:
- Antibiotics, taken orally (by mouth) or injected (shots) to fight harmful bacteria.
- Painkillers and antipyretics.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Surgical treatment with drainage of a purulent lymph node.
Early treatment can prevent complications.
Medicated treatment
Treatment for symptoms and causes of lymphadenitis depends on the type of inflammatory response and infection. It is very important to start treatment at an early stage. Since an infection from one node can quickly spread to nearby organs and tissues.
- According to research published in Current Infectious Disease Reports, antibiotic treatment of lymphadenitis is often successful in the early stages of the disease. However, the increase in the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has necessitated the selection of other drugs that have shown less resistance or converged with other types of treatment.
- Analgesics, or pain relievers, are sometimes used to control pain, especially when treating symptoms of lymphadenitis in children. Common analgesics are acetaminophen (Panadol, Paracetamol) and NSAIDs (NSAIDs - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/drugs) used to reduce inflammation. It is important to be aware of the dangers of taking NSAIDs thoughtlessly because they increase the risk of heart failure, gastrointestinal ulcers, and serious allergic reactions.
- In some cases, surgery may be required to drain a pus-filled lymph node (abscess). Research published in Clinical Infectious Diseases shows that surgery is very effective, with success rates ranging from 81% to 92%. Especially in children in the treatment of cervical andsubmandibular lymphadenitis. The main disadvantage of surgical therapy is the risk of facial paralysis and excessive scarring (scarring) of tissues.
Therapy with folk remedies
There are other, more traditional and safer ways to reduce pain and inflammation, especially if the underlying cause is known. For example, the use of essential oils is also very effective. In addition, natural treatments for lymphadenitis do not increase the risk of developing antibiotic resistance or damage the gastrointestinal tract.
Below, consider the most popular methods of folk therapy.
1. Raw garlic
Studies show that garlic (especially the chemical compounds found in garlic, such as allicin) is very effective at killing a variety of microorganisms, both common and rare. The antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties of garlic can help ease infections that lead to swollen and swollen lymph nodes. Grind and eat 2-3 cloves of raw garlic every day until the symptoms of lymphadenitis disappear.
2. Manuka honey
According to research published in the Asia-Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, manuka honey has significant bactericidal activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause serious infections. Researchers suggest that the acidic pH and high sugar content of Manuka honey hinders growth.microbes. Look for a real UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) that has a UMF rating of 10 or higher. This rating ensures that the honey has significant antibacterial activity and is recognized by the licensed manufacturing company. The UMF rating actually tests the antibacterial effect of honey and compares it to phenol, a disinfectant.
3. Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is used as a natural remedy to treat the causes of lymphadenitis. It directly attaches to the membranes of bacterial cells and blocks the cellular respiration of microbes. Unlike antibiotics, colloidal silver does not cause allergies or resistance in the body. In doing so, it destroys disease-causing and infectious agents within minutes of exposure.
Colloidal silver also has anti-inflammatory activity and may help reduce the pain and swelling associated with lymphadenitis.
Take one drop of colloidal silver under the tongue, or add five drops to a glass of water and drink. Please note that it cannot be used for more than 14 consecutive days.
4. Apple cider vinegar
Acetic acid is a unique way to kill disease-causing bacteria while encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. Apple cider vinegar is considered a natural antibiotic, helping to treat infections and boost the immune system.
You can use apple cider vinegar as a lymphatic tonic, which helps with detoxification (removal of toxins) from the body and stimulates lymphatic drainage.
For treatmentinfections that can lead to symptoms of lymphadenitis, dilute two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Take three times a day. You can also prepare vinegar lotions from a clean gauze pad and apply them to the inflamed nodes.
5. Vitamin C
Ascorbic acid helps to stimulate a stressed immune system that fights infection. It plays an important role in protecting the body. It also reduces the likelihood of developing complications from infections in the lymph nodes. For a sick person with severe lymphadenitis, a therapeutic dosage of the vitamin is required, which is 4000 mg for adults. Vitamin C is found in large quantities in pineapples, citrus fruits, strawberries, papaya.
6. Astragalus Root
Astragalus root helps in removing swelling from inflamed nodes in viral infections, such as mononucleosis. It has powerful antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory abilities. The common use of Chinese folk remedy refers to a wide range of diseases due to its immunomodulatory effects. You can take it as a tincture or capsule, or you can buy it dry and add it to hot water.
7. Oregano essential oil
A 2016 study published in Frontiers in Microbiology shows that oregano oil has potent antibacterial activity against certain antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Oregano oil was bactericidal against all 17 strains tested.
Oregano oil alsoeffective against viral and fungal infections. The benefits of oregano oil are superior to prescription antibiotics because, unlike antibiotics, patients using oregano oil to treat infections have not been shown to experience serious side effects such as dysbiosis and bowel disorders. To treat submandibular lymphadenitis, take oregano oil for a maximum of two weeks. Take orally diluted with water or mixed with coconut oil.
8. Tea tree essential oil
A study in India showed that tea tree essential oil is effective in fighting various bacteria. So, for example, it was found that when applying tea tree oil, the result came immediately and was accompanied by a long-lasting effect for 24 hours.
Prevention methods
The best way to prevent lymphadenitis is a timely medical examination in specialized institutions. At the first sign of any infection, or if you develop a slight swelling that feels like a small bump right under your skin, consult a specialist.
For any scratches and damage to the skin, be sure to clean and disinfect them, and always practice good hygiene in public places.
Take all medicines in accordance with the prescriptions of the attending physician, be sure to follow the course of treatment and the timing of the visit to the specialist. Do not use over-the-counter medications without first talking to your doctor.
Cool compresses and rest for the affectedbody parts can help relieve pain and inflammatory swelling while medications do their job.
In most cases, lymphadenitis resolves quickly with proper treatment, but it may take longer to fully recover. If symptoms of lymphadenitis return, be sure to tell your doctor.
Useful information and tips
Tips to help you get the most out of your visit to the he alth center are listed below.
Think in advance about the reason for your visit to the doctor, what exactly you need to find out. Before visiting, write down any questions you need answered. Bring someone with you to support and help you remember the questions and remember all the answers.
During the visit, write down the name of the diagnosis, medication, procedure or test. Also write down all instructions and prescriptions from your doctor. Find out why and why these drugs or treatments are prescribed, and how it will help you. Don't forget to ask about side effects, if other treatments are possible.
Clarify the consequences and what to expect if you stop taking your medications or if you fail certain tests and tests. If you have a follow-up appointment with the doctor, write down the date, time, and purpose of that appointment. Find out how you can contact your doctor if you have more questions.
