Treatment of lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes)

Lymphadenitis — is inflammation of the lymph nodes, which most often develops as the body’s reaction to infection, diseases of the teeth, ENT organs, skin, or other tissues. It usually manifests as painful enlargement of a lymph node, swelling, induration, sometimes — redness of the skin, increased temperature, and general weakness.

Lymph nodes are part of the immune system: they react to inflammatory processes and help the body restrain the spread of infection. That is why their enlargement may be a temporary reaction to a cold or local inflammation, but if the discomfort increases or the node does not decrease for a long time, it is important to find out the cause.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical», you can undergo diagnosis of the causes of lymphadenitis and receive individually selected treatment. Schedule a consultation at a convenient time for you by phone or through the online appointment form on the website.

Lymph nodes react to infections, inflammation, and other pathological processes occurring in the body. Most often, inflammation of a lymph node occurs not by itself, but as a response of the immune system to an infectious focus in neighboring tissues or organs.

The main causes of lymphadenitis may be:

• infections of ENT organs: tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, pharyngitis, otitis, sinusitis;
• dental diseases: caries, periodontitis, inflammation of the gums, complications after tooth extraction;
• inflammatory processes on the skin: boils, infected wounds, scratches, abrasions, insect bites;
• viral infections: influenza, ARVI, infectious mononucleosis, herpesvirus infections;
• bacterial infections that may spread through the lymphatic vessels;
• infections of the genitourinary system;
• purulent-inflammatory processes of soft tissues;
• autoimmune diseases in which the immune system maintains prolonged inflammation;
• less often — oncological diseases or metastatic involvement of lymph nodes.

The cause of inflammation is often related to the area from which the lymph node collects lymph. For example, with diseases of the throat, tonsils, teeth, or gums, cervical and submandibular lymph nodes may react, and with infections of the skin or soft tissues — the nodes closest to the focus of inflammation.

Lymphadenitis can develop both in women and in men. The mechanism of inflammation is the same, but possible sources of infection may differ. In women, the cause is sometimes inflammatory gynecological diseases, in men — urological infections, inflammation of the skin or soft tissues.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» note: lymph nodes may enlarge after previous infections, when the main manifestations of the disease have already decreased, but the immune system still continues to react. In such cases, it is important to assess not only the node itself, but also the possible primary source of inflammation, in order to correctly determine the further treatment tactics.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» warn: signs of lymphadenitis may differ depending on which particular lymph node is inflamed. It is important to consult a doctor if the lymph node enlarges quickly, becomes very painful, the skin over it turns red, a high temperature or general weakness appears. Such manifestations may indicate active inflammation or suppuration, which requires timely treatment.

Usually, diagnosis is performed by a family doctor or therapist. During the examination, the doctor carefully palpates the lymph node, assesses its size, density, mobility, and tenderness.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following may be prescribed:

• complete blood count — helps detect signs of inflammation, bacterial or viral infection;
• tests for infections — are prescribed if there is suspicion of a specific pathogen or systemic infectious disease;
• ultrasound examination — allows assessing the structure, size, blood supply of the lymph node, and the presence of signs of suppuration;
• additional examinations — CT, MRI, puncture, or biopsy may be needed with prolonged enlargement of lymph nodes, an atypical picture, or suspicion of complications.

Most often, with local enlargement of nodes, the doctor may recommend having an ultrasound of the lymph nodes. This is a safe and painless method that helps distinguish reactive enlargement of lymph nodes after infection from a purulent process, cystic changes, or other conditions that require additional diagnostics.

Treatment of lymphadenitis depends on the cause of inflammation and the presence of complications. A lymph node usually reacts to another process in the body, therefore therapy should be aimed not only at reducing pain or swelling, but also at eliminating the main source of infection or inflammation.

Treatment tactics may include:

• treatment of the underlying disease — therapy of tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis, dental infection, skin inflammation, or another process that caused the lymph node reaction;
• medication therapy — anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, fever-reducing medications, and with a confirmed bacterial infection — antibiotics;
• local treatment — wound treatment, treatment of pustular skin lesions, sanitation of the oral cavity, or other procedures depending on the cause of inflammation;
• surgical care — if an abscess forms and there is a risk of infection spreading to surrounding tissues.

Doctors of «Oxford Medical» warn: antibiotics are not needed with every enlargement of lymph nodes. If inflammation has a viral nature or is a reaction after a previous infection, treatment may be different. Independent use of antibacterial medications may change the clinical picture, complicate diagnosis, and not give a result.

During treatment, it is important to follow a gentle regimen: do not warm the lymph node, do not massage it, do not try to «disperse» the induration, and do not use compresses without a doctor’s prescription. At the same time, a strict diet for lymphadenitis is usually not needed, but during the treatment period it is desirable to support the body: drink enough water, choose light balanced food, do not abuse alcohol, excessively spicy and fatty dishes. If lymphadenitis is associated with diseases of the throat, oral cavity, or gastrointestinal tract, the doctor selects dietary recommendations individually.

In most cases, lymphadenitis responds well to treatment if the cause of inflammation is established in time and the main infectious focus is eliminated. The risk of complications increases when inflammation progresses or the patient self-medicates for a long time.

Possible complications of lymphadenitis:

• suppuration of the lymph node — pus may accumulate in the tissues, causing pain, swelling, and redness to intensify;
• spread of infection to neighboring tissues — inflammation may extend beyond the lymph node and involve the subcutaneous tissue;
• formation of phlegmon or an abscess — these are purulent complications that require urgent medical care;
• transition to a chronic form — the lymph node may remain enlarged for a long time, especially if the root cause of inflammation is not eliminated.

In the future, untreated or incorrectly treated lymphadenitis may lead to repeated exacerbations, prolonged discomfort, formation of scar changes in the tissues, and disruption of normal lymphatic drainage in the affected area.

Prevention of diseases of the lymphatic system is aimed at timely treatment of infections and inflammatory processes. To reduce the risk, it is recommended:

• to treat tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis, otitis, sinusitis, caries, gum inflammation, and other infectious diseases in a timely manner;
• to treat scratches, wounds, abrasions, insect bites, and not to ignore pustular rashes on the skin;
• to undergo preventive examinations with a dentist, ENT doctor, therapist, or another specialist in the presence of chronic diseases;
• not to self-medicate when lymph nodes are enlarged, not to warm them, and not to take antibiotics without a doctor’s prescription.

It is also important to support the immune system: to sleep enough, eat a balanced diet, not carry infections «on your feet», and consult a doctor if inflammatory processes often recur.

The cost of treatment of lymphadenitis depends on the cause of inflammation, localization of the lymph node and, accordingly, the number of necessary examinations and the selected therapy tactics. At the medical center «Oxford Medical» in the city of Kyiv, you can receive a doctor’s consultation, undergo diagnostics and treatment according to modern recommendations.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the current prices for medical services here. To schedule a consultation, contact the contact center or leave a request through the online appointment form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
• MSD Manual Professional Edition
• NCBI Bookshelf