Inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes in women, treatment. What is the danger of enlarged axillary lymph nodes? Physiotherapy for the treatment of lymph nodes in the armpit

Lymph nodes are the basis of the immune system. They clear the lymph of viruses, bacteria and abnormal cells such as cancer cells. Several hundred lymph nodes are scattered throughout the body, but the most famous of them, and most often, are the lymph nodes in the armpits, neck, and groin. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits occurs as a result of infection or cancer. One of the serious causes of inflammation of the axillary nodes can be breast cancer. If redness, swelling and pain do not go away for a long time, you should consult a doctor for medical help.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits

Very often, the lymph nodes in the armpits become enlarged due to folliculitis, which is caused by an infection inside the hair follicle. Inflammation may be accompanied by pain, redness, chills and a number of other characteristic signs:

• Headache;
• Increased fatigue;
• Joint pain;
• Lack of appetite;
• Nausea or vomiting;
• Enlargement of other lymph nodes.

If, simultaneously with a change in the axillary lymph node, pain and thickening in the chest are detected, then this may be cancer or inflammation of the mammary gland. You should consult a doctor to rule out a similar suspicion or to begin treatment for a serious illness in a timely manner.

If the lymph nodes in the armpits are enlarged due to a bacterial or viral infection (for example, staphylococcus, chickenpox, mastitis), it is not recommended to delay treatment with antibiotics or antiviral drugs, since advanced disease can lead to life-threatening complications. The most typical complications include rotting of bones, blood, meningitis, and toxic shock syndrome. Vaccinations are given against some infections.

The lymph nodes in the armpits also swell in the absence of bacteria and viruses, for example, due to allergies. Sometimes breast tissue grows into the armpit, this phenomenon is considered normal. Changes in lymph nodes are also caused by cysts and lipomas, injuries and bruises.

How to treat lymph nodes in the armpits

Usually, the axillary lymph nodes acquire a normal appearance after the underlying disease is cured. Treatment may require a period of time. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to relieve pain and discomfort in your armpits. But be sure to see a doctor.

Treatment with antibiotics and other serious medications should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, based on examination and a more precise diagnosis. There are times when the lymph nodes in the armpits become overcrowded with abnormal cancer cells, and the body cannot cope with their safe removal. In this case, cancer of the lymph node may develop; it requires long-term and complex treatment in a medical institution.

One of the reasons known today for why the lymph nodes in the armpits become inflamed is the use of antiperspirants with insufficient hygiene. Antiperspirants clog pores where bacteria can remain. The proliferation of bacteria leads to inflammation of the lymph nodes. There are cases when the only way to treat the disease was surgery.

• Central.
• Apical.
• Lateral.
• Breasts.
• Subscapular.

Let's look at where the lymph nodes are located. The science of anatomy explains the location of the lymph nodes and how many there can be:

• The center of the armpit has up to 8 central nodes. They cleanse the superficial lymphatic vessels of the chest, upper extremities, and mammary glands.
• In the axillary region, there are up to 10 lymph nodes in the cavity. The lymph nodes under the armpit are connected to other lymph nodes in the armpit. All of them also have a connection with the subcutaneous vessels of the upper extremities and the mammary gland.
• There can be up to 8 units of lateral nodes.
• At the inner wall of the cavity in the armpits there are up to 9 mammary lymph glands associated with the chest, its side wall, and the mammary gland.
• In the armpits, in the fossa at the back wall, there are up to 11 subscapular nodes associated with the muscles and skin of the shoulder and chest cavity, its lateral surface.

The axillary fossa is the location of the lateral nodes at the outer wall. It is also called the axillary fossa. The glands are connected to the deep and superficial vessels of the upper extremities.

As a person ages, the number of nodes may change due to their connection with each other, that is, sticking together into one.

The diagram clearly demonstrates the location of the lymph nodes under the armpit.

If we look at the axillary fossa, the diagram will show:

• The area enclosed between the back muscle, pectoralis muscle, serratus anterior muscle and the inner surface of the shoulder.
• The skin contains sebaceous and sweat glands.
• The skin is very thin and covered with hair.
• Under the subcutaneous fat layer lies its own layer of fatty tissue. It contains the axillary artery, vein, nerves, and axillary lymph nodes.

Structure

There is a small depression in the armpit - the gate. This is where the lymphatic vessel comes out. Crossbars also extend from the goal. The long gate bars are connected to the capsule bars, which creates a lobular structure of the lymph node. The capsule contains the cortex. Lymph entering the lymph nodes in the armpits flows through the sinuses - the gap between the crossbars and the capsule. In addition to the cortex, the lymph node has a medulla located near the gate. Lymph inside the gland travels a long way, leaving microbes, tumor cells, and foreign particles along the way. Viscous fluid from the sinus under the capsule enters the sinuses of the cortex and medulla. Then, passing through the portal sinus, it leaks into the efferent vessels.

Dimensions

The lymph nodes under the arms vary in size depending on where they are located. Typically the dimensions range from 0.5 to 1 mm. For some glands, such as the inguinal and cervical glands, larger sizes are acceptable. Inguinal – 1.6; cervical – 1.5 mm.

Causes of inflammation

The axillary area becomes inflamed due to infection of the body, bacteria, and the occurrence of purulent abscesses of low-quality tumors. There are many infectious and bacterial diseases; there is no point in listing them. Under these circumstances, all lymph glands can become inflamed. But more often those that are close to the source of the disease become inflamed. So, the axillary lymph nodes become inflamed if there is a problem in the mammary glands, chest and upper limbs.

How much the node initially enlarged depends on the degree of the inflammatory process. If the process progresses, the gland may become larger, leading to the disease lymphadenitis. If the nodes become inflamed and the process turns into a disease, then such glands are called lymphadenitis.

Boils often appear in the axillary fossa. Their inflammation is very dangerous. If the inflammation spreads under the pectoral muscle, then subpectoral phlegmon will develop.

Air embolism occurs when arterial bleeding occurs due to damage to large vessels due to injury to the fossa.

The lymph node in the armpit has enlarged in women in the absence of visible causes (infection, bacterial contamination, abscesses, etc.). This should be alarming. Breast cancer may be developing.

During pregnancy, the nodes in the axillary fossa increased due to a decrease in immunity during this period due to changes in the body, development of the mammary glands, hormonal changes and other changes. After a few days it returns to normal.

However, the possibility of developing a cold or infection due to the weakening of the general condition cannot be ruled out.

During pregnancy, a woman's sensitivity to household appliances and cosmetics may increase, which will lead to inflammation of the nodes.

The cause of inflammation of the axillary glands is injury from shaving the hair. An infection or bacteria can get into a cut.

The reason for the increase in the size of the node in the axillary region in a child is teething. At this moment, his immunity decreases. Your temperature may rise. But the node itself is painless. There is no pain on palpation. Deterioration of the condition, an increase in temperature above the norm of the catarrhal form indicates the occurrence of intoxication.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by similar symptoms for nodes in any area, including in the armpits:

• Increase in size;
• Painful palpation;
• Redness of the skin;
• Temperature;
• Nausea is possible, especially in babies when they are teething;
• Babies can be capricious and have headaches;
• Nausea and vomiting may occur;
• If the lymph glands are inflamed due to allergies, then symptoms may include swelling of the face, vomiting, and hives;
• Sweating profusely.

Treatment

The axillary region is the anatomical zone of the armpit cavity. The walls of the cavity formed groups of muscles. In the cavity, lymphatic vessels, nerve endings, and blood vessels are recessed into the fatty tissue.

In the axillary region:

• The condition of the lymph nodes under the arm is examined using ultrasound.
• Diagnosis using breast ultrasound to detect cancer.
• Injections with butolotoxin preparations are performed to treat hyperhidrosis.

Viral diseases are treated with immunomodulatory therapy (drugs that restore effective immune defense):

• Immunal - tablets;
• Eleutherococcus tincture;
• Sunflower oil 1 tablespoon 1 time per day;
• Echinacea tincture.

If the inflammation is purulent, surgical opening of the abscess is required.

If cancer is detected, chemotherapy is used.

For redness of the skin, various ointments are prescribed, such as troxevasin, heparin and others as prescribed by the doctor.

To reduce the size of the inflamed gland, doctors recommend physiotherapy, herbal medicine with sage and chamomile.

Conclusion

To combat the ever-increasing number of infectious and bacterial diseases, modern medicine proposes to adopt immunomodulatory therapy, which improves immunity. It is immunity that is able to eliminate the causative agent of infection, and not only limit the area of ​​​​distribution.

It is important to remember: to maintain health, you need to walk long distances without stopping, preferably every day. Then the lymph will have time to cleanse the body of all harmful elements through the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system will make a full revolution only when walking non-stop.

Lymph nodes depend on the state of the immune system, so if they are enlarged, you need to be wary - this may be a symptom of the development of various diseases or the appearance of an infection in the body. Enlarged lymph nodes under the arms are one of the most dangerous signals, so such a manifestation must be treated with special care.

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes under the arms

In some cases, the lymph nodes under the arms may become enlarged due to allergies, which can even develop into anaphylaxis. In addition to this symptom, the patient may also experience vomiting with a runny nose, swelling of the face and urticaria.

In addition, the cause of inflammation can be the development of furunculosis, which, in turn, is considered a sign of hormonal imbalance. A change in the size of the lymph nodes can also occur due to inflammation of the axillary hair follicles or due to the spread of an infectious process from the mammary gland.

A large number of diseases manifest themselves as widespread or local enlargement of lymph nodes. Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit can be a symptom of a bacterial or viral infection, autoimmune and oncological processes.

- This is one of the important components of the lymphatic system. Collecting from organs and tissues, lymph passes through the vessels through the lymph nodes, bringing into them immune cells, bacteria and viruses that have entered the body, or cancer cells formed as a result of cellular disorders. In the lymph nodes, infectious agents are neutralized and malignant cells are destroyed.

Thus, we can say that they are biological filters in the human body. The axillary lymph nodes receive lymph outflow from the upper extremities, chest organs and mammary glands, so enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit most often indicate pathology in these areas.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit must be distinguished from the following diseases, which also manifest themselves as round formations in the armpit

Due to the fact that lymph from several areas of the body passes through the axillary lymph nodes, lymphadenopathy in this area is quite common.

Causes of enlarged axillary lymph nodes

Lymphadenopathy is a condition characterized by enlarged lymph nodes and is only a preliminary diagnosis. This means that the real cause of changes in the lymph nodes remains to be determined. Typically, the number of lymph nodes in the axillary (axillary) region ranges from 15 to 45. Their normal size is from 5 mm to 1 cm. Healthy lymph nodes should be painless, mobile and not fused to each other and the skin. Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit can be a symptom of a variety of diseases, both inflammatory-infectious and non-inflammatory.

Inflammatory lymphadenopathy

• General viral infection. During or after a viral disease, widespread enlargement of the lymph nodes, including the axillary ones, occurs. As a rule, the increase is insignificant, the nodes are not painful and are not fused together. No special treatment is required; it is a viral infection that needs to be treated. With recovery, the enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes will pass. Often in children and adolescents this is infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus.
• Infection in the tissues of the upper limb. Infected hand wounds, felons, cat scratch disease. In this case, the axillary lymph nodes act as a barrier that prevents infection from entering the systemic bloodstream. At the same time, the lymph node on one side, in the area of ​​the source of infection, is correspondingly enlarged. In addition to inflammation of the lymph nodes, inflammation of the lymphatic vessels leading from the source of infection to the node - lymphangitis - can be observed. It is necessary to carry out treatment aimed at cleansing the affected tissues of the hand from infection. For this purpose, surgical cleansing of the wound and dressing is used. Antibiotic therapy will be a mandatory component of treatment.
• Pulmonary tuberculosis and lymph node tuberculosis. A relatively rare form of tuberculosis. The lymph nodes are dense, enlarged and painless. .
• HIV infection . As a rule, several groups of lymph nodes above the lower back are affected.
• Furuncle or carbuncle in the armpit. These are inflammatory processes in the hair follicle. The axillary lymph nodes, like biological filters, are the first to absorb bacteria from the source of inflammation. Opening of the purulent focus and sanitation is required.
• Mastitis. The focus of purulent inflammation in the mammary gland is often characterized by unilateral enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes.

Non-inflammatory lymphadenopathy

• . A systemic disease with multiple organ damage, most often affecting the lymph nodes, spleen, lungs and liver, rarely the skin and eyes. Lymphadenopathy in this case is common, accompanied by weakness, chest pain and dry cough. Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit in combination with a cough give a picture similar to pulmonary tuberculosis. It is necessary to carry out additional diagnostic measures to make the correct diagnosis.
• Mastopathy. Approximately 10% of women diagnosed with mastopathy experience enlarged axillary lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are enlarged, not fused to the skin or each other, and are not painful.

• Lymphoma. This is a large group of malignant diseases that are characterized by damage to the lymph nodes and internal organs due to the uncontrolled growth and reproduction of degenerated lymphocytes. Conventionally divided into lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's lymphoma) and.
• Mammary cancer. Since the axillary nodes also collect lymph from the mammary gland, during the oncological process, damage on the side of the same name occurs quite quickly.

Lymphadenitis

is an inflammation of the lymph node caused by a nonspecific infectious agent. The most common causes of lymphadenitis are streptococci and staphylococci. Bacteria travel through the lymph flow into the lymph node, where an immune response occurs.

If there are a large number of bacteria, then the lymph node cannot cope and inflammation begins, often purulent. Most often, lymphadenitis occurs in the inguinal lymph nodes.

The clinical picture of acute nonspecific lymphadenitis consists of symptoms of general intoxication and signs of local inflammation.

Symptoms of local inflammation include: pain on palpation, redness of the skin over the lymph node, enlargement of the node, pain when moving the arm in the shoulder joint.

Treatment of acute lymphadenitis is aimed at fighting the infection; broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunomodulators, and physiotherapy are usually prescribed. If there is purulent inflammation in the node, an opening (incision) and drainage of the purulent cavity (removal of contents) is performed.

The prognosis for recovery is favorable.

Specific lymphadenitis is caused by pathogens of syphilis, tuberculosis, and plague. Axillary lymph nodes are most often affected by tuberculosis infection. As a rule, in this case, the lymph node in the armpit is enlarged and does not hurt. Requires long-term treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Cat scratch disease

Cat scratch fever occurs as a result of being bitten and scratched by a cat. The disease is caused by the bacterium Bartonella henselae, and cats are a natural reservoir of these microorganisms. After a bite or scratch, bacteria enter the blood and lymph. The clinical picture is characterized by the presence of the following symptoms:

• Papular rashes at the site of scratches or bites.
• Lymphangitis
• Regional lymphadenitis
• Symptoms of general intoxication, such as headache, fatigue, fever, weakness.

Children and teenagers who play with cats outside are most often affected. The incubation period lasts from 3 days to 1.5 months. Then, at the site of the entry point for infection, papular rashes appear, which heal without scarring. With such a long incubation period, it may sometimes not be clear why the lymph node in the child’s armpit is enlarged.

However, a careful history taking, fever, and the presence of lymphangitis towards the enlarged lymph node may indicate this disease. The lymph node is usually enlarged, firm and painful.

How to treat : Antibiotic therapy is carried out, most often prescribed Erythromycin 500 mg 4 times a day, ciprofloxacin 500 mg 2 times a day. The course of treatment is approximately 10-14 days. During the process, the lymph node becomes soft, and a puncture or small incision is made to remove pus.

After treatment, stable immunity is formed.

Axillary lymphadenopathy in mastopathy and breast cancer

Breast cancer is currently in first place in terms of prevalence and mortality from cancer among women in the Russian Federation.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit are one of the first signs of breast cancer; they should alert a woman.

Self-examination of the breast plays an important role in the early diagnosis of cancer. An examination of the axillary lymph nodes will also be a mandatory component. In the oncological process, enlarged lymph nodes are dense, fused together into conglomerates, and moderately painful on palpation. The self-examination method involves independent examination and palpation of the mammary glands.

It is also the most common breast disease among women over 35 years of age. Therefore, if a woman’s armpit lymph nodes are enlarged, especially on one side, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Even if the lymph node is slightly enlarged and does not hurt, you should still see a doctor.

Self-examination technique

It is necessary to slightly (about 30 degrees) move your hand to the side. If the axillary region being examined is on the right, then with the left hand with straight fingers it is necessary to enter the axillary fossa to the full depth, and then carry out a gently sliding movement, as if scooping out the lymph nodes from the armpit. Normally, they are either not palpable at all, or they are small, about 5 mm (in rare cases, up to 1.0 cm) mobile round formations, the palpation of which is completely painless.

Self-medication and especially heating of the nodes should not be allowed. If this lymphadenopathy is caused by a malignant process, then improper treatment and heat can cause rapid growth and greater spread in the body.

In conclusion, we can say that enlarged axillary lymph nodes are often not an independent pathology, but a sign of much more serious diseases. If an enlarged lymph node suddenly appears, no matter whether it is painful or not, this is a good reason to see a doctor. Timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment of any disease, especially cancer.

All photos from the article

Lymph nodes under the armpit can cause a lot of inconvenience and pain due to their inflammation and enlargement. Meanwhile, there are quite a lot of reasons for their growth, so it is important to figure it out in a timely manner and find the root cause to successfully relieve symptoms

The most common cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes (or lymphadenitis) in the armpit area is various viral infectious diseases, fungus and the development of cancerous tumors. Women should pay special attention to this symptom, since such inflammations are often harbingers of breast cancer. The fair half should immediately consult a doctor at the first signs, because manifestation in the lymph node indicates a serious stage of cancer.

If the situation is not so serious, then an enlargement of the lymph gland in the axillary area can be caused by periodic shaving, the use of irritating deodorant, which clogs pathogenic bacteria in the pores of the skin. In general, an enlarged and painful lymph node under the arm indicates an increased intensity of the immune system in the fight against infections, bacteria and viruses.

Causes of enlarged lymph node under the armpit

Why is the lymph node enlarged? As stated above, this occurs as a result of the increased work of the human lymphatic system to produce white blood cells that try to protect the body and destroy pathogenic viruses that have penetrated it. Most often, the initiator of such a process is:

• Acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI)
• Other infections
• Nearby cancer, including breast cancer in women
• Presence of boils, trophic ulcers, inflammation, thrombophlebitis
• Diseases of the mouth and throat, including caries, stomatitis, sore throat, gum inflammation

It is quite easy to feel the lymph nodes under the armpit; they can be felt in the form of small balls. However, as the viral infection progresses, the balls progress in growth and become painful.

Sore throats and colds very often lead to the described inflammation and pain, since in these situations the immune system is very actively fighting the disease and needs a lot of leukocytes for this. There is no particular point in treating the lymph node itself in such situations; it is just a signal of health problems. After recovery, its size will return to normal, although this may not happen immediately after the symptoms of the disease disappear.

Often the initiator of the pathological process is inflammation of the hair follicle. This development of events is characterized by severe pain, redness of the affected area, joint pain, rapid fatigue, and nausea

If women, in addition to a lymph node progressing in the armpit area, have a lump in the mammary glands, then a consultation with a mammologist is required to prevent breast cancer. Other reasons include allergic reactions, the presence of a cyst, bruise, and in general, injuries often lead to pathologies in the lymph nodes.

Symptoms of enlarged axillary lymph node

The usual development of pathology is slow. At the initial stage, only a slight increase in size is noticeable; a little later, pain appears during palpation. This is accompanied by redness of the skin. In the future, if no treatment measures are taken, the nodes progress more and more in size, increased body temperature, the urge to nausea and vomiting, and muscle weakness appear.

The temperature can rise very significantly, in this state the patient may fall into a fever, and a distinct pulsation can be felt in the node.

In addition to ARVI, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and pathogenic microbacteria that cause decay can act as infections that initiate axillary lymphadenitis. The latter can form areas of rotting, with such manifestations as boils, ulcers, and so on.

A special type of inflammation of the area under the armpit in cases of syphilis, tuberculosis, and trichomoniasis is known to be severe.

Diagnosis of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes

The examination begins with determining the nature of the pathology, whether it is acute or chronic. In addition, the shape of the lesions is important; it can manifest itself locally or be generalized.

Next, you will need to have your urine and blood tested. In the latter situation, the leukocyte level is important. With an increased rate, the body is really in the stage of fighting some kind of viral infection and additional research is required to understand what exactly it is fighting against. If tuberculosis is suspected, the following is prescribed:

• Fluorography
• Mantoux reaction
• Throat sputum examinations

Tests for HIV and syphilis are important. If cancer is suspected, a puncture of the lymph node under the arm is prescribed for histological analysis.

How to treat enlarged lymph nodes under the armpit?

You need to start by curing the initial disease caused by some kind of infection. To influence the node itself, electrophoresis procedures, the use of drugs and ultrasound therapy are suitable.

The local anesthetic Chlorethyl shows very good results. If you regularly spray the axillary lymph node with it, then after several applications the inflammation process is noticeably slowed down and the pain subsides. A side effect is local numbness of the skin.

In addition, you can use various ointments: Heparin, Boric Vaseline, Troxevasin. However, be careful, you can use any kind of warming compresses only as prescribed by a doctor, since in many cases they will cause more harm and will only aggravate the illness.

Antibiotics are prescribed at the very beginning of the disease. Thanks to their action, growth is noticeably slowed down. Antibiotics from the Penicillin group will be most effective in this regard. To see results, you need to take a course of 1.5-2 weeks, after which the lymph nodes will become noticeably smaller. If tuberculosis is the initiator of inflammation, they undergo a special anti-tuberculosis course of therapy in a hospital setting.

When suppuration appears in the axillary lymph node, surgical intervention is almost always required. During such an operation, the affected area is opened and physically freed from accumulated pus.

Treatment tactics, in the presence of malignant neoplasms as the initiator of inflammation of the lymph node, can be very different, usually it includes a course of chemotherapy.

Treatment of an inflamed axillary lymph node with traditional methods

The variety of traditional medicine methods in treating illness is very extensive. But we must remember that consultation with a doctor, even with such therapy, is mandatory. The source of the node enlargement is, as a rule, not under the armpits at all and all treatment should be built around it. It is highly discouraged to use all kinds of warm compresses, they will only aggravate the situation and allow the disease to spread to other organs.

One of the best antiseptics in this case is Echinacea. This herb stops inflammation very well and thereby relieves pain; it is recommended to take half a teaspoon of its tincture orally, dissolved in the required amount of boiled water.

During the inflammatory process, it is important to saturate the body with vitamin C. Both vitamins of natural origin - lemons, oranges, tangerines - and special vitamin complexes are suitable. It is necessary to drink vitamin C for diseases such as sore throat, colds, and flu.

Prevention of enlarged lymph node

There can be many reasons for inflammation of the lymph node under the arm. Therefore, in order to prevent problems of this kind, the body’s immunity should be strengthened so that in case of illness it does not overexert itself to fight it. Increasing immunity should begin with the most obvious measures of a healthy, balanced diet and playing light sports. Additionally, you can drink tinctures of rosehip and the above-mentioned echinacea. It is necessary to monitor accidental wounds, cuts, abrasions, promptly treating the damaged area with disinfectants - iodine or brilliant green.

By following these tips, you will forget for a long time what inflammation of the lymph node is, all the discomfort and pain that it brings.

Normal lymph nodes under the armpit are not palpable, since their size does not exceed a pea and in a non-inflamed state they cannot be felt through the thickness of the pancreas. Many people are unaware of the existence of these elements of the lymphatic system until they develop any problems with them.

Inflammation of the lymph node under the arm is a sign that makes itself felt almost immediately. The fact is that the inflammatory reaction is accompanied by significant swelling, so even with a slight touch, the inflamed lymph nodes under the arm will hurt. As a rule, axillary lymphadenitis most often occurs after a respiratory illness. Therefore, if such a complication occurs, it is necessary to seek help from a qualified specialist as soon as possible.

The main etiological factors contributing to the development of lymphadenitis include:

• a previous infectious disease, for example, ARVI;
• the development of an inflammatory process in the area of ​​hair follicles, which are located in this anatomical area;
• severe intoxication of the body, which develops after an illness;
• increased sweating, leading to an increase in the number of pathological microorganisms in the armpit area;
• an allergic reaction as a response to the use of deodorant that prevents sweating;
• oncological lesions of individual regional lymph nodes. It is worth noting that in the initial stages the lymph nodes will not increase in volume, and pain in the lymph nodes in the armpits will not manifest themselves due to the absence of swelling;
• lymphosarcoma;
• Hodgkin's disease is a pathology characterized by the development of malignant granuloma.

Parents need to remember that in children, the cause of swollen lymph nodes can be cat scratch fever, which does not pose a particular threat. If you notice that the lymph nodes in your armpits have become enlarged, you should immediately seek help from a doctor. With a timely visit to a specialist’s office, you can achieve complete recovery from almost any disease that led to the development of lymphadenitis.

photo of an inflamed lymph node under the armpit

Symptoms of axillary lymphadenitis

The inflammatory process in the regional axillary lymph nodes is isolated and, as a rule, is characterized by a catarrhal or purulent course. Below are the most common clinical pictures of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes.

1. Acute catarrhal form. This inflammatory process is more common than others and often occurs in a mild form. It is characterized by severe pain, enlarged lymph nodes and their hardening. With catarrh, the lymph nodes are easily separated and do not lose their mobility. In the axillary area, hyperemia and mild swelling may develop. The patient may notice worsening of the condition, discomfort during shoulder abduction, and mild low-grade fever.
2. Purulent form. This type of inflammatory process poses the greatest danger due to the formation of a purulent focus, which can be represented by single or multiple abscesses. The lymph node itself loses its mobility and becomes painful and swollen. Nearby tissues are sharply hyperemic and may be subject to alteration or melting. Possible fusion of lymph nodes with the skin.
3. Chronic course of lymphadenitis. Sluggish inflammatory processes occur quite often, in which the lymph node under the arm becomes inflamed when the immune system is weakened and the body’s resistance to various infectious agents is reduced. Symptoms in this form are mild, the lymph nodes are mobile, but there is slight pain.

Diagnostic examination

Conducting laboratory and instrumental studies and collecting anamnesis is the main way to diagnose and establish the etiology of enlarged axillary lymph nodes. Initially, a primary diagnosis is carried out, which consists of a detailed interview with the patient. Its main focus is the need to determine the moment when the patient began to notice an enlargement of the lymph node, the presence and severity of related symptoms. Anamnesis is also collected and the medical history of an individual patient is studied, a thorough examination of the patient according to the systems is carried out, which consists of assessing the local status of the armpit and palpating this area to assess the condition of the lymph nodes.

The second stage is to conduct laboratory diagnostics, which consists of:

• general and biochemical blood tests to determine signs of inflammation;
• clinical urine analysis;
• performing a Mantoux test if Koch's bacillus is suspected of multiplying in the patient's body;
• testing tumor markers to exclude this pathology.

Instrumental techniques include:

• axillary lymph nodes;
• X-ray examination;
• for women - mammography;
• biopsy if the development of oncological pathology is suspected.

Treatment of lymph nodes

Treatment of lymphadenopathy of the axillary lymph nodes consists of selecting the correct etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy. The main thing is to remember that patients are strictly prohibited from attempting to independently eliminate this manifestation of the inflammatory reaction.

As a rule, all treatment is based on the elimination of the inflammatory focus, which caused the development of axillary lymphadenitis. Often, a course of antibacterial therapy or a number of anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for this. In addition, it is advisable to use compresses with Dimexide, immunomodulating drugs and a course of physiotherapeutic procedures, which will contribute to the overall strengthening of the body.

If a malignant process develops with concomitant lymphadenitis, the patient is advised to undergo a course of chemotherapy or surgical treatment.

The lymphatic system permeates the entire human body and takes the hit in any disease. In certain places there are entire accumulations of lymphoid tissue, in which pathogenic microorganisms are “processed.” The lymph node under the armpit is one of them.

Localization of lymph nodes

Before we talk about inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes, it is necessary to understand where they are located. In the armpit area there is a whole lymph center, which includes several lymph nodes of approximately the same size. All of them are located directly in the armpit or next to it. With age, the lymphoid tissue of individual formations grows together, and the lymph center turns into one large axillary lymph node.

The lymph nodes in the armpits collect lymph from the shoulders, part of the chest, and upper abdomen. In women, the area of ​​the mammary glands is added to this list. In addition, they are connected to the ulnar lymph nodes. Lymph from the forelimbs collects here.

The normal size of lymph nodes is from 7 to 13 mm. Like all peripheral ones, the axillary lymph glands can be palpated even if they are not enlarged.

The main causes of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes

Lymphatic formations increase if any diseases and infectious bacteria, their metabolic products, or toxins penetrate into the axillary lymph nodes. Even more information in the review

Why do the lymph nodes under the arms become inflamed?

• infections of viral and bacterial origin;
• oral diseases;
• thrombophlebitis;
• putrefactive skin diseases of the forelimbs;
• upper respiratory tract diseases;
• inflammation of the hair follicles;
• skin damage in the armpit area;
• allergy;
• diseases of the mammary glands and ovaries in women.

These are the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpits.

However, enlarged axillary lymph nodes should not always be considered a problem. Sometimes the reason for this may be their overly active work. In this case, there is no pain. You will find information about painful lymph nodes in the armpits in the review

Symptoms

There are two types of axillary lymphadenitis: non-purulent and purulent.

With non-purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes, the patient has the following symptoms:

• discomfort when moving;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• mild pain on palpation;
• slight redness.

Surgical intervention

Such categorical measures are required for purulent lymphadenitis. In some cases, it is necessary for inflammation of the axillary lymph node caused by tuberculosis. More details about the treatment of lymphadenitis caused by tuberculosis are discussed in a separate review: ““.

Local anesthesia may be given during the operation. However, this is very rare: most often it is done only for young children.

A sterile scalpel is used to open the lymph node and remove the purulent contents along with the affected tissues. After removing the source of inflammation, the wound is washed and drainage is installed to release the newly formed fluid. Apply a bandage. After a week, the drainage is removed.

Physiotherapeutic treatment of axillary lymphadenitis

Prescribed as auxiliary measures. The following methods are used:

• UHF therapy

The duration of the procedure is 7-15 minutes. Prescribed for intoxication of the body.

• ultraviolet irradiation

Has anti-inflammatory effect. Prescribed in a course of 4-5 sessions.

• laser therapy

Gives an analgesic effect, reduces inflammation, increases blood flow in the irradiated area.

• fluctuarization

Treatment with sinusoidal alternating current. For lymphadenitis, it is given in medium and large doses. The course consists of 4-5 sessions lasting 7-10 minutes.

• ultrasound therapy

Promotes the resorption of fluid inside the node. Prescribed in a course of 8-10 daily sessions lasting up to 7 minutes.

Lymph node under the armpit: treatment at home

They mainly use traditional medicine methods.

The most popular is echinacea tincture, which is used both externally and internally. It is used externally as compresses. The drug is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:2. A clean cloth or gauze is moistened in the resulting solution and applied to the inflamed lymph node.

Take 10 drops orally, diluting them in a glass of warm water. Frequency of administration: 3-4 times a day. As the concentration increases, the frequency of administration is reduced.

To eliminate inflammation, use calendula infusion. A tablespoon of raw material is poured into a glass of boiling water and left for 2 hours. Drink 3-4 times a day before meals. Also, based on calendula infusion, compresses are made, which are applied to the enlarged lymph node, secured and kept overnight.

In addition to herbal infusions, heating the inflamed area is used. Heated sand is placed in a fabric bag and applied to the armpit for 20 minutes. Due to the increase in temperature, the vessels dilate, blood flow improves, and the lymph thins. After the procedure, the lymph node is kept warm to avoid hypothermia.