Enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck: causes and symptoms

Lymph nodes are the main part of a single lymphatic system that permeates, cleans and protects the human body from external influences. Therefore, the lymph nodes instantly react to inflammatory or tumor processes in the body. Sometimes there is an independent inflammation of the lymph nodes, which poses a serious danger to health and life.

Enlargement of lymph nodes on the neck is possible as a result of lymphadenitis. The disease manifests itself in the form of enlarged lymph nodes and their morbid state. It occurs as a result of complications with purulent-inflammatory diseases (angina), which develop in the body. Inflammation is a signal to call a doctor.

The causes of enlarged lymph nodes on the neck may be different. In the first place, inflammation occurs with lesions of purulent microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, etc.), decay products of tissues and cells, purulent foci, toxins. The primary focus of infection can be inflammation of the tonsils or other organ. It must be borne in mind that microorganisms, together with toxins, enter the lymph nodes through lymphatic or blood vessels. Microbes can also get into the lymph node in case of direct injury to the body. In this case, we can say that lymphadenitis is a primary disease.

A single enlargement of the lymph node on the neck, not accompanied by pain, without increasing temperature and progressive growth, is not a sign of the disease. This only indicates an increased activity of this body.

Today, lymphadenitis is divided into specific and nonspecific, purulent, non-nasal, acute, chronic.

Nonspecific increase in cervical lymph nodes is caused by staphylococci, streptococci and other microorganisms that lead to the formation of pus. Together with toxins, microbes enter the lymph nodes. Acute lymphadenitis is characterized by an increase, soreness of the lymph nodes, a deterioration in the general condition of the patient, the onset of headache, weakness, and fever.

With non-nasal lymphadenitis, there is an increase in the lymph nodes on the neck, which become painful, denser, but without redness of the skin and without adhesion to surrounding tissues. When the purulent form over the lymph nodes occurs reddening of the skin, they merge with surrounding tissues and become almost immobile. The person's body temperature rises, there are severe headaches and tachycardia is felt.

Specific inflammations can cause pathogens of tuberculosis, syphilis, plague and other infectious diseases. Diagnosis of this complex form is carried out by a thorough examination with the help of punctures of the affected lymph nodes and X-ray studies.

To treat an increase in lymph nodes on the neck begin after determining the exact stage of the disease, as well as a variety of lymphadenitis. At the initial stage, the main focus of infection, which is the cause of inflammation, is treated. With purulent form produce phlegmon, opening abscesses, drainage of dangerous abscesses. At the same time, UHF therapy, antibiotics and a sparing regimen are prescribed.

In chronic forms, it is required to eliminate as quickly as possible inflammation in the human body, which acquires a recurrent sluggish character. After determining the diagnosis, depending on the degree of defeat of the lymph nodes, first-level drugs can be prescribed, and the treatment can last about a year. In infected nodes, streptomycin is administered, and when purulent processes necessarily take antibiotics of a wide range of action.

As a supplement to traditional methods of treatment, folk remedies are used: tincture of echinacea, green jadeite, Canadian yellow-powder powder, which help to remove symptoms and alleviate the condition of the patient.