How inflammation of the node develops
A lymph node receives lymph from a specific area of the body. When an infection occurs in this area, bacteria and inflammatory products enter the node, and it becomes involved in the fight. If there are too many microbes or the protection is weakened, inflammation spreads to the node itself: it swells, the capsule stretches, and pain appears. At the next stage, pus may accumulate in the node, and then an abscess is formed, and inflammation can spread to the surrounding tissue with the development of phlegmon. This course requires surgical intervention.
- Acute serous lymphadenitis - a painful node, but without pus
- Purulent lymphadenitis with abscess formation
- Adenophlegmon - spread of pus to the tissue
- Chronic lymphadenitis with a long-term focus of infection
- Specific lymphadenitis in tuberculosis and other infections
Reasons
The most common pathogens are staphylococci and streptococci, which come from the lesion near the node. On the neck, the source most often turns out to be diseased teeth, tonsils, inflammation of the middle ear, and ulcers on the scalp. In the axillary area, the cause is sores and cuts on the arm, a boil, an infected callus, inflammation of the mammary gland, and sometimes a scratch from a cat. In the groin - sores on the legs, ingrown toenails, genital tract infections. Specific infections are considered separately, in which the nodes become inflamed slowly and almost painlessly.
- Caries, periodontitis, gum disease
- Sore throat and chronic tonsillitis
- Otitis and sinusitis
- Boils, infected wounds and scratches
- Ingrown toenails and cracked feet
- Cat scratch disease
- Genital tract infections
- Tuberculosis of the lymph nodes
Symptoms
The disease usually begins with the appearance of a painful lump that increases over several days. The pain intensifies with movement and touch, the skin over the node becomes warm and red. The temperature often rises, weakness and chills appear. When suppuration occurs, softening is felt in the center of the node, the pain becomes throbbing, and the condition worsens. In children, lymphadenitis in the neck is often accompanied by a forced position of the head. In a chronic course, the node remains dense and slightly painful for weeks.
- Painful lump under the skin
- Redness and local increase in skin temperature
- Swelling of surrounding tissues
- Fever and chills
- Throbbing pain during suppuration
- Limitation of neck, arm, or leg movement
Diagnostics
The doctor examines the node and always looks for the source of infection: checks the teeth, throat, ears, and skin in the area of lymph drainage. An ultrasound shows the size and structure of the node and, most importantly, answers the main question - whether there is pus in it that requires opening. A complete blood count and C-reactive protein reflect the severity of inflammation. If the node becomes inflamed slowly, without bright redness, or does not respond to treatment, exclude tuberculosis and tumor processes, which may require a puncture or biopsy with histology and culture.
- Examination by a surgeon and search for the primary lesion
- Ultrasound of lymph nodes
- General blood test with formula
- C-reactive protein
- Sowing the contents when opening an abscess
- Examination by a dentist and ENT doctor
- Biopsy of a node with an atypical course
Treatment and prevention
Treatment begins with eliminating the source of infection: treating the tooth, sore throat, and treating the wound. For bacterial lymphadenitis without suppuration, oral antibiotics, rest and painkillers are prescribed if necessary; improvement usually occurs within a few days. If an abscess has formed, antibiotics alone will not help: you need an opening and drainage, which is performed by a surgeon, after which the condition quickly improves. Warming, alcohol compresses, rubbing and attempts to squeeze out the contents are prohibited. Prevention comes down to timely treatment of foci of infection and wound care.
- Sanitation of the primary lesion: teeth, tonsils, skin
- Full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor
- Opening and draining the abscess by a surgeon
- Rest and painkillers if necessary
- Complete refusal of heating and compresses
- Treatment of wounds and scratches with an antiseptic
- Regular visits to the dentist
- Controlling blood sugar in diabetes
