Causes of swollen lymph nodes (adenopathy)

There are many things that cause swollen lymph nodes. This condition, also known as adenopathy, can be caused by infection and other conditions that have previously attacked the body. So, what is the complete explanation? How to deal with the causes of swollen lymph nodes?

What causes swollen lymph nodes?

1. Viral or bacterial infection

Viral infection or bacterial infection is the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. Often times, the swelling occurs near the infected part of the body. For example, a throat infection is one of the things that causes the lymph nodes around the neck to swell.

Other diseases caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal infections that can cause lymph nodes to become enlarged. Some of them include:

• Chicken pox
• Measles
• HIV
• Herpes
• Flu
• Adenovirus
• Sore throat
• Tonsillitis
• Ear infection
• Lyme disease
• TB disease
• Chlamydia
• Syphilis

2. Non-infectious causes

Apart from infection, some non-infectious conditions can also cause lymph node enlargement.

Injury

Injury can cause enlarged lymph nodes. As your body works to heal the wound and prevent infection, swollen lymph nodes can appear near the site of the injury.

Some drugs

Phenytoin (Dilantin) and the drug that prevents malaria are two examples of drugs that can cause swollen lymph nodes.

Autoimmune disease

Autoimmune diseases can also cause swollen lymph nodes. These diseases are for example:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of muscles and other organs.
• Lupus, which is a disease that causes inflammation in the organs, muscles, and skin.
• Sarcodiosis, which causes groups of inflammatory cells (dranulomas) to grow in various parts of your body.

3. Cancer

Sometimes cancer can also make lymph nodes swell. Swollen lymph nodes due to cancer can be a sign of malignancy or even a sign that this is where the cancer originates.

The cause of swollen lymph nodes due to cancer can indicate that the cancer cells have spread. In rare cases, swollen lymph glands may be a sign of:

• Lymphoma, which is a type of cancer that starts in the lymph system or in the lymph nodes.
• Leukemia, which is a type of cancer of the blood and spinal cord, which can also affect the lymph system.

Another example that can cause lymph node enlargement is when breast cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, lymphadenopathy will appear in the armpit (axilla), or when lung cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, there will be adenopathy around the collarbone.

When should you see your doctor for adenopathy?

In some cases, enlarged lymph nodes can be a sign of serious conditions. Immediately consult a doctor if in addition to experiencing swollen glands, you also experience the following symptoms:

• The lump does not go away even after weeks
• Difficulty breathing
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Weakness or loss of feeling around the swelling

How to find out what is causing the swollen glands in your body?

Lymphadenopathy that appears to be a sign that something is wrong with your body, or it may just be a mild infection. However, it can also be a symptom of some underlying disease.

To be sure, the doctor will check for swollen lymph nodes that appear on your body, other symptoms, and any possible causes you have. Then, you may need to do some tests such as:

• Blood test, to confirm the doctor's suspicion related to the underlying disease.
• Scan / scan. This is done to find the source of infection or to look for possible tumors.
• Biopsy. This is done if the doctor suspects the swelling is a tumor or cancer.

How to treat the causes of swollen lymph nodes?

Treatment must be carried out in accordance with the underlying cause of swollen lymph nodes, after carrying out several medical tests and also a doctor's diagnosis.

Because, there is no specific treatment that only treats adenopathy. However, reported by Healthline, you can treat adenopathy in the following ways:

• Warm compresses of water. Soak a towel in warm water, wring it out until the water doesn't drip. Then, compress on the swollen area.
• Use cool pack . If a warm compress does not relieve inflammation and can sometimes irritate the skin, you can replace it with cool pack aka cold compress.
• Break. Most illnesses will recover if you give your body a break from activities.
• Use pain relievers. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen can reduce your discomfort.
• Take antibiotics. For adenopathy caused by bacteria or fungi, you can use antibiotics to kill bacteria and fungi.