Cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in a chronic or acute form. Cervical localization almost immediately manifests itself in the form of typical symptoms, which makes it possible to start therapy on time and, accordingly, a quick recovery.
Most often, cervical lymphadenitis occurs against the background of a disease of the oral cavity, which can be caused by infection with microorganisms, viruses or bacteria. A distant purulent focus can also become a prerequisite for lymphadenitis.
Causes of lymphadenitis
Quite often inflammation of the lymph nodes is preceded by the process of suppuration in the face area. Staphylococci and streptococci are the most common pathogens. Depending on the cause of the occurrence, lymphadenitis is divided into specific and non-specific.
Severe infectious diseases such as diphtheria, tuberculosis and others can cause specific lymphadenitis. A non-specific form of the disease occurs due to a direct hitinfections in the lymph node. This can happen through a neck wound.
The risk group for cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) includes patients with a weakened immune system, children who often suffer from infectious diseases, adults working with animals, land and dirty water. Most cases occur in patients over 18 years of age.
Provoking factors
There are several factors that determine the risk of disease:
- infectious disease of the nasopharynx and oral cavity;
- disorders of the endocrine system, including the thyroid gland;
- human immunodeficiency virus;
- allergic reaction with complications;
- pathology of the metabolic process;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) is not contagious, it is a secondary process that occurs as a complication of a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on concomitant diseases, lymphadenitis therapy is carried out by an otolaryngologist, an infectious disease specialist, a surgeon, etc.
At the initial stage, lymphadenitis manifests itself in an acute form, gradually turning into a chronic stage. Sometimes at the introductory stage, the symptoms of the disease do not appear. It depends on the patient's immune status.
Views
Types of cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) are presented below:
- nonspecific inflammation occurs against the background of a fungal or viral infection entering the lymph node, it is easiertreatable, less likely to cause complications;
- specific inflammation is a sign of severe pathology, including tuberculosis, syphilis, typhoid fever and plague
In this case, the diagnosis takes place already at the stage of chronic course. There are several stages of the disease in an acute form:
- Serous. Does not cause intoxication and severe fever. The initial stage of penetration of a harmful microorganism into the lymph node.
- Purulent. Denotes bacterial infection. Accompanied by high fever and requires surgery.
- Complicated. Requires emergency surgery, as it can lead to infection of the entire body.
The course of a nonspecific form of cervical lymphadenitis (ICD code 10 - L04) is characterized by the spread of viruses and fungi through the lymph node. This form responds well to therapy and rarely causes complications. The spread of the disease to other lymph nodes can lead to the development of a severe pathology called generalized lymphadenitis.
Signs of cervical lymphadenitis
Common symptoms indicating lymphadenitis are:
- increase in temperature in the acute stage of the course of the disease;
- sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, weakness;
- neurological disorders, apathy, dizziness, migraines;
- intoxication.
At the onset of acute cervical lymphadenitis (ICD code 10 - L04) there is a thickening and enlargement of the lymph nodes. Palpation is painful. This is considered a serous stage and requires medical attention. Otherwise, the disease will progress and become chronic.
Signs that characterize the chronic form of lymphadenitis are:
- swelling of the lymph nodes;
- increased body temperature;
- drowsiness, general malaise, sleep disturbance;
- slight pain on palpation.
At the stage of chronic lymphadenitis of the cervical lymph nodes (ICD 10 - L04), the symptoms become unexpressed. This is due to the fact that the body reduces the amount of resources that is spent on fighting the disease and gets used to the existing state. As a result, the body becomes intoxicated with decay products and areas that have undergone necrosis.
Purulent damage to tissues leads to an increase in the external manifestations of the disease and, as a result, quickly worsens. The purulent stage will be indicated by pulsation and severe pain, as well as severe swelling of the lymph nodes. This condition is considered life threatening and requires immediate attention.
Diagnostic Methods
How is cervical lymphadenitis diagnosed (ICD 10 - L04)? During the examination, the specialist palpates the affected lymph nodes, as well as the tissues surrounding them, to determine the cause of the disease. A general blood test will provide information about the presence of an inflammatory process, accompanied by an increase in the number of lymphocytes.
If lymphadenitis is diagnosedwithout associated complications, immediate treatment is required. If the doctor observes changes in other organs and systems, an additional examination is required, including the following tests:
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- study of the histology of the material of the lymph node by puncture;
- chest x-ray (performed if TB is suspected);
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, if the cause of the inflammatory process has not been established;
- blood test for immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis.
Regardless of the stage of the disease, a visit to the doctor is a strictly mandatory procedure. Exacerbation of lymphadenitis can occur at any time.
Treatment
Purulent cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) is treated exclusively by surgery. The focus is opened, the contents are removed, the wound is treated and drained. After that, symptomatic therapy is carried out. Conservative treatment is carried out depending on the factor that caused the disease. Most often, analgesics, restorative drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. During remission, physiotherapy is allowed.
Preventive measures
As for prevention, it is necessary to immediately treat purulent and inflammatory diseases that occur in the chest and face. Since the disease can occur against the background of infection of the oral cavity, you should regularly visit the dentist for preventive purposes.
Besides this, the prevention of lymphadenitisinvolves taking vitamin-mineral complexes, timely treatment of scratches and wounds on the skin, as well as the treatment of abscesses, boils, etc. It is unacceptable to treat lymphadenitis at home. Inflamed lymph nodes should not be warmed up or applied to them with compresses!
