Swollen Lymph Nodes Symptoms
The body’s lymphatic system is made up of a network containing:
- Organs
- Lymph nodes situated thru out the body
- Vessels
Most of these lymph nodes are located in the:
- Head
- Neck
- Armpits
- Groin
Lymph nodes that are swollen are a sign or symptom that there is a problem someplace in the body. When the lymphatic nodes begin to swell, the individual might notice:
- Painful and tender lymphatic nodes
- Swollen lymphatic nodes – size of a kidney bean or pea or even bigger
Contingent on the reason for the swollen lymphatic nodes, other symptoms or signs an individual might have consist of:
- Sore throat, runny nose, upper respiratory signs of infections, fever
- Common swelling of lymphatic nodes thru out the body – indicating an infection such as mononucleosis, or HIV, or an immune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
- Limbs that are swollen, which often indicate lymphatic system blockages may cause swelling in a lymphatic node, too far under the skin to feel.
- Fixed, hardened, swiftly growing nodes, indicate a potential tumor
- Night sweats
- Fever
An individual needs to see a doctor if the swollen lymphatic nodes:
- Developed for no obvious reason
- Keep enlarging or have been existing for more than 2 weeks
- Feel rubbery or hard and do not move when pushed on them
- Accompanied by a fever that is persistent, unexplained weight loss, night sweats
- Accompanied by a sore throat or by problems with breathing or swallowing
Swollen Lymph Nodes Causes
A lymphatic node is a round, small, sometimes bean-shaped collection of cells which are enclosed by a case of connective tissue. These cells are a blend of lymphocytes that create protein elements which detain invaders, for example viruses – and macrophages, that breakdown the detained material. These macrophages and lymphocytes screen the lymphatic fluid while it travels thru the body as well as protects the individual by terminating invaders.
The lymphatic nodes are positioned in groupings, and each grouping drains a definite area of the body. An individual may be most possible to note any swelling in various spaces, for instance in the lymphatic nodes in the neck, under the chin, in the armpits as well as in the groin. The location of the swollen nodes can aid in identifying the basic cause.
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The common reason for swollen lymphatic nodes is infection, specifically a viral infection, for instance the common cold. But, there are different kinds of infections, including bacterial as well as parasitic and other probable reasons of swollen lymphatic nodes. They can consist of:
Infections – Common
- Ear infections
- Strep throat
- Infected or abscessed tooth
- Measles
- Mononucleosis
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — the virus that causes AIDS
- Skin or wound infections, for instance erysipelas or cellulitis
Infections – Uncommon
- Some STDs, for instance syphilis
- Tuberculosis
- Immune system disorders
- Toxoplasmosis – a parasitic infection
- Cat scratch fever – bacterial infection due to cat bite or scratch
- Lupus – inflammatory chronic disease targeting joints, kidneys ,skin, blood cells, lungs and heart
- Rheumatoid arthritis – inflammatory chronic disease that targets synovium tissue lining joints
Cancers
- Lymphoma – cancer of lymphatic system
- Other cancers that spread or metastasized to lymphatic nodes
- Leukemia – cancer blood-forming tissue, bone marrow and lymphatic system
Other likely, but very rare reasons include certain drugs, for instance the anti-seizure drug phenytoin know at Dilantin, and protective medications against malaria.
If an individual has infection as the reason for swollen lymphatic nodes and it is not treated, complications that could occur consist of:
- Formation of abscesses – localized collection of pus caused by the infection
- Infection of the blood system or bacteremia – this is sepsis which is caused by an overwhelming infection of the blood system.
Swollen Lymph Nodes Diagnosis
In order to diagnose what might be the cause of the swollen lymphatic nodes, the primary care physician will need:
- Medical history
- Physical exam
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies
- Lymphatic node biopsy
Swollen Lymph Nodes Treatment
Lymphatic nodes which are swollen due to viruses often return to normal after the viral infection gets better. Treatments for lymphatic nodes swollen from other causes depend on the cause:
Infection
A common treatment for lymphatic nodes that are swollen that is caused by a bacterial infection is antibiotics. Pain relievers as well as fever reducers over the counter include ibuprofen such as Motrin, Advil, aspirin as well as acetaminophen such as Tylenol. Ibuprofen as well as aspirin has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce some of the swelling. A child should not be given aspirin without the doctor’s advice to the link to Reye’s syndrome. This is a very rare but serious illness that may affect teenagers as well as children recovering from an infection that is viral. If the swollen lymphatic nodes are due to the HIV infection, you will need to receive treatment for that problem.
Immune disorder
If the swollen glands are because of problems such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, treatment is directed to the underlying condition.
Cancer
Glands that are swollen because of cancer require treatment for the specific cancer. Depending on the kind of cancer, treatment can involve radiation, surgery or chemotherapy.
Swollen Lymph Nodes Pictures
