Lymphadenitis: symptoms, causes, treatment, etc. & bull; hello healthy

Definition

What is lymphadenitis?

Lymphadenitis or lymphadenitis is inflammation and swelling of the lymph or lymph nodes due to a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.

There are about 600 lymph nodes that spread throughout the body. The lymph nodes that are easiest to find and feel are under the jaw, armpits, and groin.

Lymph nodes are round like peanuts covered with various connective tissues. The size of the lymph glands also varies, from being only a few millimeters to as large as about 2 centimeters.

These lymph glands contain white blood cells, so this lymph is the most important part of the immune system.

Lymph nodes are scattered at several points on your body and clustered. When there is swelling, you will usually feel swelling in certain areas, such as the lower part of your chin, armpit creases, and groin. The location where the swelling appears usually indicates a certain health condition.

In general, lymphadenitis is divided into two types:

Local lymphadenitis

This condition is among the most common. Local lymphadenitis usually occurs in one or several adjacent lymph nodes. For example, enlarged glands due to tonsil infection, so that swelling will be felt in the neck.

Generalized lymphadenitis

This type appears in two or a group of lymph nodes. Usually caused by an infection that spreads through the bloodstream. The presence of other diseases in the body can also trigger this condition.

Signs & symptoms

What are the symptoms of lymphadenitis?

Symptoms of lymphadenitis usually vary, depending on the severity and type. In fact, sometimes this condition will not show any symptoms.

The signs that are most easily detected are swelling in the lymph node area. This swelling generally feels soft or hard to the touch and is accompanied by pain.

A lymph node is considered enlarged if it reaches about 3.8 centimeters (cm) in width. The following are the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes when viewed from the cause:

1. Lymphadenitis due to infection

Lumps in the lymph nodes due to viral or bacterial infection usually have the following characteristics:

• Feels soft and soft to the touch
• Has a changing shape, sometimes it can be shifted
• Redness appears on the skin

2. Lymphadenitis due to tumors

Unlike the swollen glands due to infection, you also have to be aware of tumors that may grow in the lymph. If it is caused by a tumor, the swollen lymph will have the following characteristics:

• Feels hard to the touch
• Not easy to change or shift
• More solid

Other symptoms that may accompany the appearance of lymphadenitis are:

• Respiratory system problems, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, or sore throat
• You have a fever
• Night sweats
• Swelling of the arms, legs, or all parts of the body
• Weight loss
• Pus appears in the swollen area

In some rare cases, there may be symptoms not listed above. If you experience the above symptoms or other unusual signs appear, consult a doctor immediately.

When to go to the doctor

Most cases of swollen lymph nodes that are still in the mild category will subside on their own. For example, swollen lymph nodes due to minor infections.

However, if you start to feel the following signs and symptoms, then you should immediately go to the doctor:

• Lumps suddenly appear for no reason
• The swelling gets bigger
• It didn't go away for two to four weeks
• The lump feels hard and doesn't slide easily when pressed
• High fever, night sweats, and weight loss without cause

Every human body shows signs and symptoms that are different from one another. Always discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for your situation.

Cause

What causes lymphadenitis?

The most common causes of lymphadenitis are the following:

1. Sore throat

Infections that cause sore throat occur due to the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria can cause swollen lymph nodes.

2. Ear infection

Bacteria that attack the ear and cause infection can cause swelling of the lymph nodes, especially at the back of the ear.

3. Measles

Measles is caused by rubeola, a virus that is part of the paramyxovirus. This virus attack can result in enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.

4. Infections of the teeth and gums

Teeth and gums that are damaged and infected are usually attacked by anaerobic bacteria, as is often found in periodontitis.

5. Mononucleosis

This disease is transmitted through saliva, and what causes the emergence of mononucleosis is the Epstein-Barr virus. This virus can cause lymphadenitis in the neck.

6. Infections of the skin or wounds

If the skin tissue is injured, this can increase the risk of getting a bacterial infection. Bacteria that attack the injured skin can spread throughout the body, including the lymph nodes.

7. AIDS

The HIV virus that causes AIDS can be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, or passed down from parents. This virus will flow until it reaches the lymph nodes, and swelling will appear.

8.Tuberculosis (TB)

TB disease can be a cause of lymphadenitis. This is caused by transmission of the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis which attacks the lungs. Bacteria that manage to reach the lymph nodes will cause infection and inflammation.

9. Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a spirochete bacterium called Treponema pallidium. The swelling caused by these bacteria feels hard and solid.

10. Toxoplasma

This disease occurs due to infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Usually transmitted through cat feces or undercooked meat when cooked.

Risk factors

What factors increase my risk of developing lymphadenitis?

Lymphadenitis is a condition that can affect people of all ages and races. However, there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this condition.

Here are some risk factors that can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes:

1. Age

Certain types of lymphadenitis, such as the chronic type, are more common in children under 12 years of age.

2. Having certain health problems

If you have certain diseases or health conditions that result from a bacterial or viral infection, you are more likely to have swollen lymph nodes.

3. Make physical contact with certain animals

Several types of animals such as cats, furs, and cows can transmit the toxoplasma gondii parasite. Therefore, if you are in frequent physical contact with these animals, you will be at greater risk of developing lymphadenitis.

Complications

What are the complications caused by lymphadenitis?

Swelling of the lymph or lymph nodes that is not promptly treated may cause several complications and health problems, such as:

• Buildup of abscesses or sores with pus
• Cellulitis (infection of the skin)
• Fistula
• Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
• Rupture of the caortic artery
• Irritation of the lining of the heart or pericarditis

Diagnosis

How do doctors diagnose lymphadenitis?

To find out if you have lymphadenitis, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, recent activities, and your history.

After that, the doctor will perform a physical examination by looking at the characteristics of the swollen lymph nodes that you are experiencing.

The doctor will usually assess the size, tenderness, texture, and temperature of the lump. This is important, because the location of the swelling and the characteristics of the lump can help the doctor determine what is the main cause.

Broadly speaking, the diagnosis of lymphadenitis can be divided into the following 3 ways:

1. Laboratory tests

Some of the types of laboratory tests that will be performed by the doctor are:

Gram staining or gram method

This method is done to find out the type of bacteria that causes infection.

Network culture

Its goal is similar to the gram method, namely to identify the type of bacteria and how it reacts to antibiotics.

Serological examination (blood test)

This test is done to determine the presence of infection due to the Epstein-Barr virus or toxoplasma.

Skin test or purified protein derivative (PPD)

Usually, the doctor will do this test to find out if there is an infection due to tuberculosis.

Complete blood count (CBC test)

The examination is done by checking the levels of all blood cells, especially if there is an increase in the levels of white blood cells.

2. Imaging tests

To diagnose lymphadenitis, your doctor may also perform imaging tests to accurately estimate the size of the swelling.

An endobronchial type ultrasound (USG) test can help differentiate between non-malignant swollen lymph nodes, including tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and reactive lymphadenitis.

In addition to an ultrasound test, your doctor will run a chest radiograph to determine if there is a problem with your lungs that could be a trigger for swelling.

3. Surgical procedures

By performing a procedure to remove part of the infected lymph node (biopsy), the doctor can perform a more accurate examination.

This procedure is done by taking a sample of your lymph nodes and examining them under a microscope.

Medicines & Medicines

The information described is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How to treat lymphadenitis?

Each patient with lymphadenitis will be treated with different methods, depending on the underlying cause.

In addition, treatment will also be adjusted according to several things, namely age, medical history, disease severity, and previous treatment results if treatment has been done.

Some types of treatment and treatment that are usually carried out are the consumption of drugs, antimicrobial therapy, tissue cutting, or chemotherapy and radiation for swelling that has the potential to become a tumor.

In some cases, you may not need special treatment. If the patient's immune system is deemed capable of fighting the infection causing lymphadenitis, doctors usually will not perform any treatment.

In fact, if treatment is continued in this case, the lymph nodes will continue to swell.

Meanwhile, for those of you who need to undergo treatment, here are some types of treatment and treatment that are commonly used by medical personnel to treat lymphadenitis:

1. Medicines

To help relieve symptoms of lymphadenitis such as swelling, pain, or fever, your doctor will usually prescribe medications such as ibuprofen.

If needed, the doctor will also give several types of antibiotics that can help the body fight infection.

The types of antibiotics recommended are clindamycin and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole.

2. Drainage of pus

If the lymph nodes have become infected, abscesses or pus can form. Therefore, one solution to relieve swelling and infection is to drain the pus in it.

To perform this procedure, the doctor will first apply a local anesthetic to the affected lymph node area. Then, the doctor will make a small cut or incision. From this incision, pus will come out of the swollen lymph nodes.

3. Appointment, chemotherapy, or radiation

If the swelling or enlargement of the lymph nodes that you experience is related to a tumor, especially a tumor that has the potential to become cancer, you will get treatment that focuses on the tumor.

Some types of treatment that doctors will recommend are surgery to completely remove the tumor, chemotherapy to kill cancer cells, and also radiation therapy.

Before taking any action, the doctor will always discuss each option with you, including what are the advantages and disadvantages.

Home remedies

Are there any lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat and prevent lymphadenitis?

The best way to prevent lymphadenitis is to see a doctor when you notice the first sign of any infection or if you notice soft swelling that feels like a small lump under the skin.

Make sure you clean and use an antiseptic on scratches or wounds on the skin and always maintain good hygiene.

Apart from running medical treatment, you can also try the following things that you can do at home:

1. Compress with warm water

Apply a cloth dampened with warm water to compress the swollen area. Compressing can help improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and reduce swelling.

2. Get enough rest

If you have too much activity, it may take a long time for the swelling of your lymph nodes to subside. Therefore, make sure you get enough rest and sleep every day.

3. Using turmeric

A study from the Journal of Food Science and Technology shows that adequate consumption of turmeric has the potential to help fight the bad bacteria that cause infections. Some of the bacteria that can be killed by turmeric are E. coli, S. aureus, and salmonella.

4. Consume garlic

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation and reduce swelling of the lymph nodes.

5. Apply castor oil or peppermint oil

Several types of oil such as castor oil and peppermint oil can help relieve pain in the swollen area. In addition, they can help reduce swelling and inflammation.

6. Drink honey

Like the ingredients mentioned above, honey also contains anti-inflammatory properties which are believed to relieve swelling and enlarged lymph nodes. In honey, there are also antimicrobial substances that can fight bacterial infections.

7. Drink some types of tea

Several types of tea such as mullein leaf tea and spirulina tea contain antioxidants that are good for the health of the body. In addition, it contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial substances that are useful in reducing inflammation and enlarged lymph nodes.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to better understand the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide health advice, diagnosis or treatment.