Up to 1000 lymph nodes in the human body are involved in filtering lymph – transparent liquid that comes from all the "corners" human body. Harmful microorganisms, foreign proteins and cells that come with the lymph are neutralized in the lymph nodes by macrophages.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or in another area of the body indicate an increase in the load on the lymph node. In this case, inflammation of the lymph nodes is not excluded.
Swollen lymph nodes that are not accompanied by pain do not necessarily indicate a serious problem – this may be a sign of a normal functioning of the immune system.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck – what to pay attention to
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck should at least alert you. You are unlikely to be able to independently determine the cause of the increase in these small filters of the body – these reasons are so varied and numerous. However, it is worth noting the following:
- If the enlargement of the lymph nodes is not accompanied by pain (lymphadenopathy) – this is a sign of the presence of disease in neighboring areas of the body.
- If a lymph node is sore (lymphadenitis), the node itself is most likely inflamed due to a weakened immune system or an overly severe infection.
- If the skin is reddened over an enlarged lymph node, it is impossible to delay a visit to the doctor.
- Suppuration in the lymph node, which is surgically removed, is also dangerous.
- Very dense or confluent lymph nodes may be a sign of malignancy.
What do swollen lymph nodes indicate?
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck – causes of the phenomenon
As mentioned above, in order to accurately determine the cause of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a doctor who will conduct an examination, collect the information necessary for making a diagnosis, and conduct tests and diagnostics using special equipment. Diseases in which lymph nodes are often enlarged:
- diseases of the oral cavity and nasopharynx (including teeth, gums, sinuses, throat);
- respiratory diseases;
- infection in a specific organ;
- general infection (CMV, chickenpox, etc.);
- connective tissue diseases (eg arthritis);
- cancer (including lymphoma);
- response to drug administration as a result of hypersensitivity;
- granulomatosis;
- tuberculosis.
Swelling in the legs: what happened to the lymphatic system?
When enlarged lymph nodes in the neck should be seen by a doctor
If enlarged lymph nodes in the neck accompany any disease, for example, a sore throat, after treatment, their size should return to normal. If, after getting rid of the disease, the lymph nodes remain enlarged, you need to undergo a second examination with a doctor to find and eliminate the cause of such a problem.
By the way, sometimes inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, along with pain when swallowing, may not indicate a sore throat, but cancer, so it is better to consult a doctor with any diseases.
It is essential to see a specialist if:
- You have noticed swelling in the neck area, any neoplasm.
- The skin in the area of the lymph node turned red (purulent processes in the lymph nodes, which this feature may indicate, are very dangerous, self-medication in this case is strictly prohibited).
- Pain in the area of the lymph node in the neck (or in another lymph node).
- Deterioration of the condition, a sharp increase in temperature, accompanying an increase in lymph nodes.
- Lymph nodes remain enlarged after disease treatment.
What to do if the lymph node under the arm is inflamed?
Self-diagnosis in case of enlarged lymph nodes is excluded. Attempts to reduce the lymph nodes to normal sizes with the help of folk remedies will not bring the desired result, because to solve this problem, symptomatic treatment – not an option, you definitely need to find a disease that makes the lymph nodes "overstrain" and overcome it. To do this, if you have enlarged lymph nodes in your neck, contact a surgeon, infectious disease specialist, hematologist or oncologist.
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