Lymph nodes are an important part of the immune system, and when the lymphatic system malfunctions, the body as a whole suffers. Many people confuse the signs of lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy, which can lead to a misinterpretation of their condition.
In any of the cases, it is necessary to consult a doctor (infectious disease specialist, therapist, surgeon) to find out the cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes or their enlargement. The focus of a developing disease may not be the lymph node itself, but any other organ. Swollen lymph nodes may indicate serious problems.
Read this article about the differences between the signs of lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis, as well as the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Lymphadenopathy: manifestations and what is accompanied
Lymphadenopathy – this is an increase in lymph nodes, provoked by the course of various pathological processes in the body. Lymphadenopathy can be primary or secondary.
Primary lymphadenopathy – this is an increase in lymph nodes due to the spread of microbes from other foci of infection (cancer, caries, inflammation of the salivary glands).
Secondary lymphadenopathy is the result of the onset of the inflammatory process in the lymphatic system and occurs against the background of lymphadenitis. The lymph nodes do not increase in size all at once, local lymphadenopathy is usually observed: submandibular, axillary, inguinal or abdominal.
It is the enlargement of the lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity that is difficult to diagnose due to the hidden area of the lesion, the impossibility of palpation makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Cervical, inguinal or axillary lymph nodes are easily palpable and when they increase, the patient immediately notices swelling and discomfort.
Signs of lymphadenopathy (symptoms):
- swollen lymph nodes;
- weight loss;
- increase in body temperature;
- increased sweating;
- enlargement of the liver and spleen.
In some cases, the development of lymphadenopathy may be indicated by frequent relapses of acute respiratory viral infections and other diseases of the nasopharynx.
Causes of lymphadenopathy:
- fungal infections (histoplasmosis);
- bacteria entering the tissues of the lymph node with cat scratch disease, syphilis, tuberculosis;
- parasitic infections (giardiasis, toxoplasmosis);
- chlamydial infection;
- cancer metastases;
- rheumatoid arthritis.
See also: What do enlarged lymph nodes signal
Lymphadenitis: signs and causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes
Lymphadenitis – this is an inflammation of the lymph nodes, accompanied by an accumulation of pus. The provocateurs of inflammation are pyogenic microbes that penetrate the lymph node with the blood and lymph flow and settle in one node or several. Pathogens enter from the focus of accumulation of pus, which can be a wound or phlegmon, boil, erysipelas.
Lymphadenitis very often occurs together with lymphadenopathy, but by its nature it is characterized by the development of an inflammatory process with suppuration in the lymphatic system.
Symptoms of lymphadenitis:
- swelling of the lymph node and nearby tissues against the background of inflammation;
- pain in the area of the lymph node;
- redness and itching of the skin;
- rash in affected area;
- body temperature rises steadily;
- breathing problems – difficult or rapid;
- tachycardia.
How to prevent a decline in the immune system?
In case of any manifestations of inflammation of the lymph nodes, one should not self-medicate and should immediately consult a doctor. For diagnosis and diagnosis, it is necessary to undergo an examination by an infectious disease specialist, a surgeon, an oncologist and conduct all the necessary laboratory tests. The causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes can be very different.
Infectious causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes:
- HIV;
- mononucleosis;
- tuberculosis;
- Staphylococcal or streptococcal infections;
- viruses in the respiratory tract.
Non-infectious causes of swollen lymph nodes:
- lymphoma (cancer of the lymph nodes);
- foreign body hit;
- cancer metastases.
To find out the causes of any pathological processes in the lymphatic system, you should undergo a complete examination. By exclusion, the true damaging factor of inflammation of the lymph nodes or their enlargement is revealed.
What symptoms of swollen lymph nodes should I see a doctor for?
Treatment is carried out both in a hospital (with lymphadenitis) and at home (with lymphadenopathy). Treatment methods are chosen by a specialist depending on the cause of the inflammation.
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