Neck lymphadenitis symptoms and treatment. Cervical lymphadenitis. Treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis

Very often, when visiting a doctor, patients, hearing the diagnosis, are frightened by incomprehensible terms, because they do not know what such a disease can mean, especially if they have not encountered it before. Behind the frightening word “lymphadenitis” actually lies a common inflammation of the nodes of the lymphatic system. Such a disease is not a death sentence, but in any case it should not be left to chance, since untimely treatment of lymphadenitis can lead to unpleasant consequences . But before starting treatment, it is necessary to understand why lymphadenitis occurs, what its symptoms are and what form this disease can take.

What is lymphadenitis?

Lymphadenitis is an inflammatory process that occurs in the nodes of the lymphatic system, that is, in the lymph nodes. These nodes are peripheral organs that contain very important cells responsible for protecting the body. These cells have a close relationship with the circulatory system. You can imagine the lymph nodes as a kind of filters that do not allow harmful substances into the body and prevent them from spreading.

Lymph nodes become inflamed most often due to infection, i.e. infection of the body by microorganisms that cause disease. Bacteria are carried throughout the body by blood and lymph, and settle in the lymph nodes, causing their inflammation. Depending on the type of infection, lymph nodes in different parts of the body may become inflamed. Thus, lymphadenitis in most cases is a consequence of some infectious process occurring in the body.

Many people confuse the concepts with “lymphadenitis” because these words sound similar. In fact, only the second is the name of the disease, since the first is only a symptom or a painless reaction of the body to a rather serious pathology (AIDS, syphilis, etc.). Of course, in such cases the diagnosis requires clarification. Only after examination and testing is the patient diagnosed with lymphadenitis.

Common causes and types of lymphadenitis

The most common reason due to which lymphadenitis occurs, as noted above, is some kind of disease in the body. Most often, lymph nodes become infected during inflammatory processes of an acute and chronic nature. These can be ulcers, ulcers, boils, fistulas. Less commonly, lymphadenitis occurs with common infectious diseases.

When an infection enters a lymph node, it becomes inflamed and increases in size. This occurs due to the accumulation of cells responding to an inflammatory response in the area where the bacteria has entered. Either one lymph node or several nearby can become inflamed. Such lymphadenitis will be called regional.

The most common localizations of lymphadenitis

Types of lymphadenitis, depending on what part of the body the inflamed nodes are located in, are called differently:

• Cervical;
• Submandibular;
• Inguinal;
• Axillary;
• Parotid;
• Mesenteric (or mesadenitis)…

Lymphadenitis of the listed types is more common than others.

Symptoms of lymphadenitis

One symptom common to all possible types of lymphadenitis is an outwardly noticeable increase in inflamed lymph nodes in the area into which the infection has penetrated, causing the inflammatory process.

Cervical

Cervical lymphadenitis is expressed, as the name implies, by inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the neck. Pressing on the formed compaction of the lymph nodes causes pain. In addition to inflammation with cervical lymphadenitis, the general health of the patient worsens, he develops a headache and fever.

In the acute form of this type of disease, severe suppuration forms in the area of ​​the lymph nodes. Both children and adults are equally susceptible to this disease, however, cervical lymphadenitis occurs faster in children, but with more unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, severe pain when pressing the lymph nodes, temperature (38⁰ and above), sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, and also the formation of severe swelling of the neck.

Submandibular

Submandibular lymphadenitis begins with mild pain when pressing behind the ear or under the jaw. At the initial stage, the nodes move under the skin and do not interfere with chewing or smiling at all. On the third day, the patient develops a clearly visible painful swelling under the jaw, which gradually increases in size and begins to occupy the entire submandibular part of the face, sometimes even going down the neck to the collarbone. If left untreated, unpleasant symptoms may include swelling and redness of the mucous membrane on the side of the mouth where the inflammation is located.

If such lymphadenitis is not treated at this stage, subsequently everything will become even sadder, since the pain will turn into a pulling-shooting pain, the person’s temperature will rise, and the skin of his face will gradually turn from red to burgundy. When the pus starts to come out towards the skin, it will turn blue.

In the groin

A noticeable enlargement and thickening of the lymph nodes located in the groin is the first sign of inguinal lymphadenitis. These symptoms, as the disease progresses, are usually accompanied by an increase in temperature and pain in the lower abdomen, especially pronounced when moving. Also, with lymphadenitis in the groin, the skin at the site of inflammation often turns red, and the patient may feel a general loss of strength. If inflammation is not treated, it can spread not only to the nearest, but also to all lymph nodes of the body.

Axillary area

Axillary lymphadenitis has symptoms similar to all other types of this disease: inflammation leads to an increase in the size of the nodes, and when pressing on them, the patient experiences pain. Having developed into a purulent form (and this will happen if treatment is not taken in time), lymphadenitis in the armpits can unite all nodes of the lymphatic system with general inflammation, thereby spreading the disease throughout the body.

Forms of lymphadenitis

According to the duration of the disease, lymphadenitis can be, like many other diseases, acute and chronic, according to the type of infectious agent - specific and non-specific, according to its progression - purulent and non-purulent.

Acute lymphadenitis characterized by a rapidly progressive course of the disease, when symptoms gradually increase and, with appropriate treatment, gradually subside. All this happens in a relatively short period of time.

Chronic lymphadenitis lasts for a long time, can last up to several months or even years. Usually this form of the disease is associated with other chronic diseases of the body, which make themselves felt from time to time.

Nonspecific lymphadenitis is caused by various pyogenic microbes - staphylococci, streptococci and others, as well as the toxins they secrete and the products of tissue breakdown at the site of the purulent process.

Specific lymphadenitis occurs with diseases such as syphilis, tuberculosis, plague, etc.

For purulent lymphadenitis inflammation spreads to the tissue adjacent to the infected node, causing redness and swelling of the tissue, as well as infiltration and suppuration in the node itself, which can burst; in non-purulent inflammation does not extend beyond the lymph node.

Reactive lymphadenitis- this is not a separate form of it, as many people think, but just the name of a rapid process of enlargement of inflamed nodes.

Video: purulent forms of infectious inflammation - why are they dangerous?

Causes of lymphadenitis, taking into account localization

Cervical

The most common type of lymphadenitis is cervical lymphadenitis. The reason for its appearance is the influenza virus, pneumonia, tonsillitis, purulent tonsillitis, acute respiratory infections and other infectious diseases. Also, the cause of lymphadenopathy of the cervical nodes can be some diseases of the oral cavity that occur sluggishly - gingivitis, periodontal disease, caries.

Submandibular

If the focus of inflammation is in the mouth, submandibular lymphadenitis may occur. The cause may be diseases such as tonsillitis, caries (especially old ones) and various gum diseases.

Inguinal

Widespread inguinal lymphadenitis (inflammation of the nodes of the lymphatic system located in the groin) may be a consequence of a concomitant disease accompanied by inflammation and a sign of a sexually transmitted disease. There is an opinion that in children, groin lymphadenitis is much less common than in adults. Any injury with infection in the groin area can also cause this type of inflammation, but only in people with an overly weakened immune system.

Axillary

Do not be surprised if a doctor examining a patient calls the cause of axillary lymphadenitis inflammation of the tonsils or caries. Bacteria carried by lymph can enter the axillary lymph nodes from the chest, shoulder girdle, as well as from the neck or face, resulting in axillary lymphadenitis.

More rare localizations

A puncture of the ear that causes suppuration, squeezing out a blackhead with accidental introduction of dirt into the wound and other injuries leading to an inflammatory process can cause parotid lymphadenitis, which is considered the most dangerous because it can lead to meningitis.

The cause of lymphadenitis, most often found in children and called mesenteric (it is formed in the mesenteric nodes), is all common diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as inflammation in the tonsils. A disease such as tuberculosis also appears on the list of causes of this type of problem with the lymph nodes.

Treatment of lymphadenitis

Treatment of any type of lymphadenitis requires a mandatory examination by a doctor. Many patients, especially in the initial stage of the disease, think that inflammation of the lymph nodes can be dealt with on their own and delay a visit to a specialist, thereby only worsening their well-being and increasing the chances of the disease turning into a purulent form.

Lymphadenopathy of the cervical nodes, which manifested itself after suffering from influenza, acute respiratory infections and tonsillitis, usually goes away without medication, on its own, although in some cases the doctor may consider it necessary to prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to the patient.

If lymphadenitis has progressed to a serious stage and suppuration has appeared in the lymph nodes, it is necessary to take antibiotics, but not chosen independently, but prescribed by the attending physician, since only a specialist can correctly select the right group of drugs.

In addition to following individual recommendations from your doctor, you can speed up the healing process with the help of physiotherapy, and at home, patients are advised to use anti-inflammatory ointments, take multivitamins and medications that contain large amounts of vitamin C, which the body needs during inflammatory processes.

The patient should drink plenty of water, stay warm and avoid hypothermia. Sometimes, when treatment does not bring results and the suppuration on the lymph nodes does not resolve, it is necessary to perform an operation, during which the suppuration is opened to remove the pus that has accumulated there.

How is submandibular lymphadenitis treated?

Treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis is usually carried out locally with Burov's fluid, and doctors use penicillin to suppress the infection. If suppuration has formed, heating with Sollux and warm lotions is prescribed to resolve it, after getting rid of the source of infection. If a whole group of lymph nodes is inflamed, a surgical intervention is performed, during which a drainage tube is inserted through a submandibular incision to drain the pus.

Inguinal lymphadenitis in men and women is treated in the same way, usually with rest for the patient (limitation of walking and physical activity) and broad-spectrum antibiotics. To get rid of inflammation in the purulent form of lymphadenitis in the groin, opening and draining the source of suppuration is used.

Relief of inflammation in the armpit area

For axillary lymphadenitis, the infection that caused the disease is initially eliminated (usually this is done with antibiotics), after which the patient is prescribed physiotherapy sessions, restorative exercises and cold compresses until complete recovery. Axillary lymphadenitis that has developed into a purulent form requires surgical intervention.

Among those suffering from lymphadenitis, there is a widespread belief about the effectiveness of folk remedies for the treatment of this disease, and there is indeed some truth in this, since traditional medicine can overcome some of the unpleasant symptoms caused by lymphadenopathy. But we should not forget about the other side of the coin: an infection that has caused serious inflammation cannot be dealt with using folk remedies alone, and therefore, before testing the effectiveness of these methods on yourself, you need to consult a doctor.

Video: specialist about lymphadenitis

Cervical lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the neck. The disease occurs in both adults and children, but in the first case it is more difficult to cure. The lymphatic system is the first to respond to viruses and infections, which means that if inflammation of the lymph nodes is detected, we can safely say that the body is fighting the infection, preventing its spread.

Reasons for the development of cervical lymphadenitis

The main provocateurs are viruses and bacteria that cause influenza, sore throat, otitis media, tonsillitis and rhinitis. They enter the body, attacking the immune system, but are blocked by the lymph nodes.

It is worth noting that lymphadenitis can be acute and chronic, so you need to consult a doctor when the first symptoms appear to prevent its progression.

Symptoms of cervical lymphadenitis

First of all, compactions form in the places where the nodes are localized, and swelling may be observed. Pain occurs on palpation. The progression of the disease is accompanied by general malaise, fever (acute course), loss of appetite, headache, and in young children, intoxication occurs. After starting treatment, the swelling subsides (after 1-3 weeks).

Acute cervical lymphadenitis

As a rule, this form occurs as a complication of the underlying disease and is accompanied by
severe suppuration.

Temperature exceeds 38°C. The skin over the nodes turns red, resembling a boil. At different stages of lymphadenitis, the size of the swelling varies; for example, as inflammation progresses, it increases, the nodes lose their contours, and foci of infection become less mobile. Without treatment, the pathology can develop into adenoma or sepsis.

Chronic cervical lymphadenitis

This form occurs with every disease in people with weakened immune systems. The symptoms include enlargement of the nodes, but it is not accompanied by severe pain, and suppuration rarely occurs. The chronic form of lymphadenitis is often accompanied by such a serious pathology as tuberculosis, which is caused by bacteria entering the lymph nodes with the flow of lymph and blood.

Cervical lymphadenitis in children

The disease occurs quite often in children, but, as a rule, does not pose such a danger as for adults. In infants, it is quite difficult to palpate the lymph nodes due to their small size. Palpation can be used after one year of age.

Lymphadenitis manifests itself in children with the following symptoms:

1. Headache;
2. Temperature rise over 38°C;
3. Manifestations of intoxication, especially in infants;
4. Loss of appetite;
5. Restless sleep;
6. Severe swelling of the neck.

If a child has a chronic course of the disease, then his condition does not worsen, the temperature is also within normal limits, the neck does not hurt, but the nodes are enlarged.

However, if left untreated, the disease poses a great danger. It can provoke the development of myocarditis, which is accompanied by lethargy, pallor, and shortness of breath. Sick children do not gain weight well, get tired quickly, and sometimes may refuse to eat altogether.

Cervical lymphadenitis in adults

Inflammation can be triggered by acute diseases of the nasopharynx, dysfunction of the thyroid gland and metabolism, alcohol abuse, connective tissue pathologies, allergies, tuberculosis, HIV infection, and cancer. The most primitive causative agents of inflammation are viral and bacterial infections.

Diagnosis and treatment of cervical lymphadenitis

The first step is palpation. Then clinical and laboratory studies. A biopsy, x-ray, histological analysis, CT and MRI may be prescribed.

For mild inflammation, rest and warmth, plenty of warm drinks, and avoidance of drafts and low temperatures are recommended. If the cause of inflammation is a tuberculosis bacillus, the patient is hospitalized and treated with anti-tuberculosis antibiotics.

It is necessary to follow a diet: exclude simple carbohydrates, trans fatty acids; eat more lean meat, lean fish, fruits/vegetables; limit sugar, flour, dairy.

Drug and physical therapy

If cervical lymphadenitis occurs against the background of viral diseases (sore throat, influenza, acute respiratory infections), specific treatment is not required. Otherwise, anti-inflammatory drugs are needed, for example, medrol or prednisolone. In addition, immunostimulants are prescribed - agents that restore immunity, as well as multivitamins. If there is suppuration, it is necessary to take antibiotics, which are prescribed depending on the causative agent of inflammation.

The main methods of physiotherapy in this case are: electrophoresis with various medications, galvanization and UHF.

1. Electrophoresis is a physiotherapy procedure that involves introducing into the body
   medications using electric current. Administration of medications is carried out through the skin and mucous membranes;
2. Galvanization is the effect on the patient’s body of a constant continuous electric current through electrodes applied to the body;
3. UHF is the effect on the body of a high-frequency magnetic field with different wavelengths (from 1 to 10 meters). The procedure also has a thermal effect.

If conservative methods are useless, they resort to surgical intervention: the suppuration is opened, the affected connective tissue and pus are removed, and drainage is performed.

Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis in children and adults with folk remedies

If the cause of the disease is a bacterial infection and the inflammation occurs against the background of a cold or flu, then you can effectively get rid of it using traditional medicine recipes.

1. Alcohol tincture of Echinacea. You can purchase the product at any pharmacy. You need to accept it
   inside, after diluting with warm boiled water (up to 40 drops of tincture per 100-150 ml of water). Drink the medicine three times a day, regardless of meals. It is also used for compresses: dilute the tincture with water in a ratio of 1 to 2; moisten gauze in the resulting solution and apply it to sore spots; fix with a bandage, scarf or scarf for the whole night;
2. Herbal compresses are effective remedies for any inflammation of the oropharynx. It is recommended to use the following collection: mix dry crushed herbs (leaves) of yarrow, St. John's wort, walnut, mistletoe; dilute the mixture with water. You need to take 1 tsp of each herb. (without top), and a glass of water (200-250 ml). The mixture is put on fire, after boiling, boiled for about 5 minutes, then removed and left to cool. The decoction is used for compresses, which are applied at night. They must be installed for at least 14 days in a row;
3. Compress made from alcoholic infusion of celandine. Fresh leaves of the plant should be washed well and crushed in a mortar to obtain 1 tbsp. l. juice Then the latter is poured into a glass container, where 100 ml of alcohol or vodka is added and left for 24 hours. The gauze is first moistened in hot water, then soaked in alcohol tincture. The compress is applied to the sore spot for the whole night, secured with a bandage, scarf, or other material.

Traditional recipes can also be used to treat children. You must always strictly observe the dosage and adhere to the specified method of preparing medications, because violating the recipe can worsen your health.

Cervical lymphadenitis is manifested by acute or chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the neck. This disease immediately exhibits typical symptoms; such localization is easy to diagnose, so treatment can be started in time to prevent complications. The cause of cervical lymphadenitis in young children and adults is often diseases of the oral cavity caused by viral and bacterial microorganisms. A distant purulent focus can also become a factor in the development of the disease.

Causes

Damage to regional lymph nodes is often preceded by a purulent process in the facial area. Among the most common causative agents of the disease are staphylococci and streptococci. Depending on the causative factor, lymphadenitis is classified into specific and nonspecific. In the first case, the cause will be a severe infection, diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria and many others. Nonspecific inflammation occurs when an infectious agent directly enters the lymph node through wounds in the neck without aggravating pathologies.

People at risk include people with a weakened defense mechanism, children with frequent infectious diseases, adults who work with animals, land and contaminated water. More often diagnosed in people over 18 years of age.

Risk factors:

• infection in the oral cavity and nasopharynx;
• pathologies of the endocrine system, especially the thyroid gland;
• immunodeficiency, HIV;
• complicated allergic reaction;
• violation of metabolic processes;
• alcohol abuse.

Cervical lymphadenitis is not a contagious disease; it is a secondary process and develops as a complication of an advanced bacterial or viral process.

The treatment of lymphadenitis is carried out by a surgeon, ENT specialist, pediatrician, infectious disease specialist and other specialists, depending on the consequences and associated disorders in the body.

Stages of inflammation

The inflammation is acute, then gradually becomes chronic. Depending on the state of the immune system, clear signs may be absent at the initial stage of the pathology, then lymphadenitis is diagnosed already at the chronic stage.

Stages of acute cervical lymphadenitis:

1. Serous. Develops after the pathogen penetrates the lymph nodes. Accompanied by moderate symptoms without severe intoxication of the body. The temperature rarely rises to 38 degrees, the prognosis for treatment is favorable.
2. Purulent. Occurs when damaged by bacteria. Manifests itself with severe symptoms with an increase in temperature to 39 degrees. Immediate surgical treatment is required.
3. Complicated. Without surgery, the infection spreads to neighboring lymph nodes. Adenophlegmon appears, an inflammation of the deep layers of the skin.

The transition to the chronic stage is accompanied by a subsidence of clinical manifestations, pronounced symptoms disappear, but intoxication of the body continues, which is accompanied by constant weakness, lack of appetite, and low-grade body temperature.

Forms of the disease

Depending on the pathogen, specific and nonspecific lymphadenitis are distinguished. According to the intensity and duration of the pathology, acute, chronic, complicated and recurrent pathology are noted.

Features of the course, depending on the etiology:

• nonspecific inflammation occurs against the background of a fungal or viral infection entering the lymph node, is easier to treat, and less likely to lead to complications;
• specific inflammation is a sign of severe pathology, including tuberculosis, syphilis, typhoid fever and plague.

A complicated form of inflammation in a small child and adults can result in the spread of pathology to other lymph nodes, which will lead to a serious illness - generalized lymphadenitis. Less dangerous consequences include adenophlegmon and exacerbation of existing diseases against the background of decreased immunity.

Symptoms

General signs of the disease:

• in the acute form, the temperature rises;
• weakness, poor sleep and lack of appetite;
• neurological symptoms (migraine, apathy, dizziness);
• intoxication.

At the initial stage of the disease, enlargement and thickening of regional lymph nodes can be observed. On palpation they are painful and adherent to the surrounding tissues. This is the serous stage of the disease, if you do not seek help, the symptoms increase, swelling of the lymph nodes persists for several weeks, and the process becomes chronic.

Symptoms of chronic lymphadenitis:

• swelling of the lymph nodes;
• temperature rise to 37.5-38 degrees;
• malaise, drowsiness, loss of sleep;
• mild pain during palpation.

At the chronic stage, the symptoms are poorly distinguishable, the body “gets used to it” and fewer resources are spent on fighting the disease. This leads to slow poisoning by decay products and areas of necrosis.

As purulent tissue damage occurs, external signs of inflammation increase and at one point the disease worsens. The transition to the purulent stage will be indicated by severe pain and pulsation during palpation, swelling of the lymph nodes, which are already fused with the surrounding tissues. Body temperature rises to 38 degrees and above, the condition becomes life-threatening.

In children, lymphadenitis is more active and moves faster from one stage to another. More often in a child one can observe inflammation of the submandibular nodes and the spread of the pathological process to the neck.

Diagnostics

During an external examination, the doctor pays attention to the affected lymph nodes and surrounding tissues to identify the causative factor. A clinical blood test will show the inflammatory process, an increase in the level of lymphocytes, and if lymphadenitis is not complicated by other disorders, treatment begins immediately. When the doctor sees changes in other organs, instrumental diagnostics and additional tests are prescribed.

A comprehensive examination includes:

• clinical blood test;
• puncture, histological examination of the node material;
• chest x-ray if tuberculosis is suspected;
• ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity for unknown causes of inflammation;
• computed tomography to visualize the focus of the disease and surrounding tissues;
• analysis for HIV and hepatitis.

Visiting a doctor should not depend on the stage of the disease. A decrease in swelling and absence of pain does not indicate recovery. At any moment, lymphadenitis can worsen, in which case urgent surgical treatment will have to be performed. The best option would be to visit a doctor when the first symptoms appear: swelling and pain in the neck. In this case, it will be possible to plan a drug therapy regimen and prepare for surgery.

Treatment options

For purulent lymphadenitis, surgical treatment is indicated. The lesion is opened, the contents removed, treated and drained. Then symptomatic treatment is prescribed.

Drug therapy is carried out depending on the etiological factor. Symptomatic medications for pain relief, anti-inflammatory and restorative drugs are prescribed. The doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs. During the period when symptoms subside, you can undergo physiotherapeutic procedures, including UHF therapy, galvanization and medicinal electrophoresis.

Prevention

For the primary prevention of cervical lymphadenitis, it is important to promptly treat inflammatory and purulent diseases in the face and chest. Considering the risk of the disease occurring against the background of oral diseases, it is necessary to regularly visit the dentist for professional hygiene and sanitation.

Pathogenic microflora accumulates in hard dental deposits, which can trigger inflammation of the gums and periodontium. Without treatment in case of weakened immunity, this threatens the spread of infection to regional lymph nodes and bone tissue.

Prevention includes:

• taking vitamin complexes;
• treatment of wounds and scratches on the skin;
• treatment of boils, abscesses and other foci of purulent infection.

It is not allowed to treat cervical lymphadenitis at home without first being examined by a doctor. Warm compresses and many other traditional medicine methods can lead to the spread of infection and blood poisoning.

If a person notices lumps appearing on his neck just below the ear or lower jaw, he should immediately consult a doctor. Most likely, cervical lymphadenitis may manifest itself in this way. This is by no means a reason to panic, but timely diagnosis of the disease is the key to successful treatment.

The patient's condition, accompanied by a sharp increase in lymph nodes, is called lymphadenopathy in medicine. This is a fairly general name, rather describing the clinical picture of the development of the disease. But its causes can be a variety of diseases, including lymphadenitis.

Lymphadenitis- this is an infectious lesion of large lymph nodes (See general article). As a rule, the disease has a fairly clearly defined localization. Typically, an increase in nodes is noticeable in the armpits, in the area of ​​​​the elbow or knee joints. Cervical lymphadenitis is also quite common, due to the close location of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes (between the angle of the lower jaw and the ear), submandibular and superficial cervical (in the area of ​​the collarbone) to the surface of the body.

Causes and classification of cervical lymphadenitis

As a rule, the cause of inflammation of the nodes is the penetration of an external infection into the lymphatic system - various types of pathogenic microorganisms. There are cases of the onset of inflammation from products of organic tissue decay or even microscopic foreign bodies entering the vessels.

In the normal development of the disease, when lymphadenitis is the main disease, as a rule, there is a history of skin wounds, purulent wounds or severe inflammatory processes (boils, abscesses). However, manifestations of lymphadenitis can also be a consequence of chronic or acute diseases occurring in the body, such as tuberculosis, influenza, inflammation of the lungs and upper respiratory tract, tonsillitis. Often, inflammation of the lymph nodes is caused by an unsanitized oral cavity with active caries processes or advanced periodontal disease, or even a person’s careless attitude to the treatment of chronic rhinitis (runny nose).

The causative agents of lymphadenitis can be a number of pathogenic bacteria- streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli or purulent coli. Penetrating with the lymph flow from the primary site of the lesion into the lymph nodes, microorganisms actively multiply and accumulate in them, affecting the nodes themselves and adjacent tissues with the toxins produced.

Often there is a hematogenous route of infection (through the bloodstream), which can manifest itself in chronic infectious diseases of internal organs (liver, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract).

According to its manifestations and nature of progression cervical lymphadenitis can be acute, purulent, can have a serous form, or go into a chronic nonspecific stage. In case of neglect of the disease or improper treatment, the appearance of adenophlegmon cannot be ruled out.

Symptoms of cervical lymphadenitis

A person who monitors his health will immediately see the first manifestations of cervical lymphadenitis. The lymph nodes noticeably enlarge and thicken, and a feeling of pain appears when you press on them. This is often accompanied by constant headache, difficulty swallowing, general malaise, weakness, aching joints, and increased body temperature.

If appropriate measures are not taken, the disease may develop into serous form. The general condition of the person does not improve, the lymph nodes become even larger and harder, and become constantly painful, even without touching them.

At a chronic nonspecific stage(more typical for people with insufficient immune system functions), lymphadenitis can be sluggish, almost asymptomatic. A person gets used to small swellings in the neck, as well as to a constant slightly elevated body temperature. However, this does not mean that the disease is on the decline; at any moment it can turn into its severe forms.

When the disease is advanced, it can go into a purulent stage. The pain becomes sharp, often throbbing and twitching. The areas of skin above the lymph nodes acquire a dark red color, which indicates the activation of the inflammatory process. The swellings grow, merging with each other and with surrounding tissues. Touching such nodes is extremely painful. The body temperature rises sharply to 38 degrees or higher, and the patient’s general condition worsens.

The most severe form of untreated lymphadenitis is the formation of adenophlegmon. Skin hyperemia spreads over a large area; areas of obvious softening appear in the affected areas, which indicates the formation of extensive internal purulent tissue lesions. The temperature rises to critical levels, accompanied by severe malaise, headaches, and disturbances in the functioning of the cardiovascular system. In this case, emergency hospitalization of the patient is necessary, as the consequences can be very dire.

In children The process of development of lymphadenitis is much more active than in adults. Usually its symptoms occur against the background of a current respiratory illness, sore throat, or flu. Most often, the submandibular nodes are affected in children. The child's temperature rises, he becomes restless, there is a decrease in appetite and sleep disturbances. In addition, sometimes pain in the neck prevents him from holding his head straight, which can cause developmental disorders of the cervical spine.

Diagnosis of the disease

At the slightest manifestation of these symptoms, you must consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and prescribing appropriate treatment.

• The specialist, as a rule, begins with an external examination of the patient and palpation of the affected areas. The patient's medical history is taken into account and specialized laboratory tests are prescribed. Their significance cannot be overestimated, since the development of lymphadenitis may indicate the development in the human body of such serious diseases as tuberculosis, syphilis, oncological disorders, tularemia, and plague.
• Of course, a general blood test of the patient will show a lot. But for a more complete picture, as a rule, a node is punctured to send its contents for histological analysis.
• A person’s predisposition to tuberculosis infection is taken into account (results of the latest Mantoux tests), and a fluorographic examination of the lungs and chest organs is mandatory.
• If there is insufficient objective data and the etiology of the disease is not fully understood, ultrasound examinations of the lymph nodes and abdominal organs can be performed.
• To identify the full clinical picture, an analysis for HIV infection and studies using computed tomography methods are often required.
• In acute purulent forms of lymphadenitis, and, in particular, when it develops into the stage of phlegmon, diagnosis is carried out simultaneously with surgical intervention. Delay in this case is unacceptable, since under unfavorable conditions for the development of the disease, the most severe complications are possible - up to osteomyelitis, meningitis and general sepsis.

Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis

In the initial stages of the development of the disease, its treatment is carried out, as a rule, on an outpatient basis. Even before receiving detailed histological tests, the patient is prescribed penicillin antibiotics. Subsequently, with a clearer clinical picture obtained, the list of anti-inflammatory drugs can be clarified or changed by a medical specialist.

If lymphadenitis is an external manifestation of other painful processes occurring in the body, then the doctor’s prescriptions will be aimed, first of all, at eliminating the causative diseases.

Any treatment regimen involves, along with antibiotics, taking general health-improving medications and vitamin complexes that increase the body’s immunity and improve the patient’s overall well-being.

With purulent forms, therapeutic agents may not be enough, and you will have to resort to surgical intervention, followed by disinfection, removal of pus and drainage of the area.

In particularly severe cases, as well as if lymphadenitis is caused by atypical types of bacteria that cannot be treated with medication, surgery is performed to excise the affected lymph nodes.

Physiotherapeutic treatment (electrophoresis, ultrasound, galvanotherapy) has a positive effect. The only thing you should be careful about is that you should never use warm compresses, as this leads to the activation of inflammatory processes.

Cervical lymphadenitis is a serious disease that does not tolerate neglect or unskilled self-medication. The possible consequences of developing an advanced disease are especially severe. Therefore, at the first suspicion of enlarged lymph nodes, you must immediately consult a doctor to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe a set of therapeutic measures.

Cervical lymphadenitis is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck. It occurs extremely rarely as an independent disease. Basically it is a secondary manifestation of the spread of inflammatory processes in the body. The infection enters the cervical lymph nodes through the bloodstream or through open wound surfaces.

The main signs of cervical lymphadenitis:

• Lumps on the neck that cause pain when palpated;
• Deterioration in general health;
• Temperature increase;
• Headache.

In the acute form of cervical lymphadenitis, severe suppuration of the lymph nodes forms. Chronic lymphadenitis of the cervical region occurs with every cold or flu.

Cervical lymphadenitis: causes

The causes of cervical lymphadenitis are local or diffuse (disseminated) bactericidal infections. Depending on the location of the source, the following become inflamed:

• Submandibular lymph nodes - affected by infection in the mouth and face;
• Retropharyngeal lymph nodes - become infected with microorganisms of the nasopharynx;
• Superficial cervical lymph nodes are a consequence of infection of adjacent skin areas;
• All cervical lymph nodes, bilateral global inflammation - caused by infectious mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis, secondary syphilis, infiltrative lesions.

Recurrent lymphadenitis of the cervical region develops as a result of lymphogranulomatosis or immunodeficiency of the body.

The causes of cervical lymphadenitis can be the following developing or past diseases and pathologies:

• Inflammation of the nasopharynx;
• Various allergic reactions;
• Metabolic disease;
• Connective tissue pathology;
• Thyroid dysfunction;
• Oncological diseases;
• Alcoholism;
• HIV infection.

Cervical lymphadenitis in children

Cervical lymphadenitis in children is more active than in adults. Children's immune system is just developing and is not able to immediately cope with infection.

The chronic form of cervical lymphadenitis in children is manifested only by enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area. When palpated, they are slightly painful or do not hurt at all. The temperature is normal, the child’s health is good.

The acute form of cervical lymphadenitis in children manifests itself as follows:

• The temperature rises to 38 degrees and above;
• Sleep and appetite are disturbed;
• The child complains of headache, severe pain in the areas of enlarged lymph nodes;
• Severe swelling forms in the neck area;
• Infants experience general intoxication of the body.

In this case, you should immediately contact your pediatrician, who will determine the causes and prescribe a course of treatment. In case of intoxication, it is necessary to urgently take measures to stop it.

Self-medication or improper treatment can result in serious complications in the child’s further development.

Cervical lymphadenitis in adults

Cervical lymphadenitis in adults is a fairly serious disease. The lymphatic system is one of the first to respond to infections entering the body and signals infection by enlarged lymph nodes. If lumps are detected in the cervical area, you should be examined by an otolaryngologist and dentist. Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes in adults is formed due to:

• Various respiratory diseases - acute respiratory infections, influenza, tonsillitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis;
• Sluggish diseases of the oral cavity - periodontal disease, caries, gingivitis;
• Presence of cancer cells (extremely rare).

Cervical lymphadenitis: treatment

Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis should begin with determining the root cause of infection and eliminating the infectious focus. After the flu, sore throat, or acute respiratory infection, the lymph nodes return to normal without drug treatment. In other cases, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs (prednisolone, deltasone, medrol).

At more serious stages, with inflammation and suppuration of the cervical lymph nodes, antibiotics are prescribed. The group of antibiotics depends on the sensitivity spectrum of the infectious agent. If the cause of the infection is a tuberculosis bacillus, treatment must be carried out in a hospital setting with special anti-tuberculosis therapy.

To speed up the treatment process for cervical lymphadenitis, it is recommended:

• Various types of physiotherapy - medicinal electrophoresis, galvanization, UHF therapy;
• Anti-inflammatory ointments;
• Immunity-restoring drugs - immunostimulants, multivitamins, drugs high in vitamin C;
• Drink plenty of fluids and keep the patient warm, without drafts or hypothermia.

If treatment of cervical lymphadenitis does not produce results and suppuration has formed in the lymph node, it is necessary to open it. A surgical operation is performed, during which the suppuration is opened, the pus is removed and the wound is drained.

Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis at home using folk methods is strictly not recommended. In most cases, such treatment is dangerous. Lymph nodes should not be heated, rubbed or iodine mesh applied to them. You can use tinctures or decoctions only after consulting your doctor.

Untimely treatment of cervical lymphadenitis can lead to thrombophlebitis or sepsis.

For prevention, you should follow basic hygiene rules for cuts and injuries, carefully monitor your general health and strengthen your immune system.

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