What Is Lymphadenitis?
Lymphadenitis is the inflammation of the lymph nodes, which causes swelling and tenderness of the lymph nodes. A lymph node is part of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. These produce cells that help the body to fight against infections. Humans usually have 600 lymph nodes in their bodies. Lymph nodes can generally be felt near your jaw, in the groin area, and under your arm. A lymph node can be soft and small, which once infected can increase in size. In lymphadenitis, the lymph nodes will swell near the site of infection, tumor, or inflammation. If the nodes are swollen, hard, and immovable, the most common cause can be cancer, and if the nodes are pliable and soft, it can be due to a benign or infectious process.
What Could Cause Lymphadenitis?
Inflammation of the lymph nodes can be caused due to infections or noninfectious causes. Lymphadenitis infection can be a viral infection like upper respiratory infection or HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) and bacterial infection. Fungal and parasitic infections can rarely cause lymphadenitis. The bacteria most commonly causing lymphadenitis are streptococcus and staphylococcus. Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can also cause lymphadenitis. Lymphadenitis can also arise from cancer present within the lymph nodes, which can be the primary lymph node cancer or the metastatic tumor from the other parts of the body. Lymphadenitis can also be caused due to contagious diseases that can spread from one person to another.
Examples of the infectious causes of lymphadenitis are:
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Parasitic infections.
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HIV.
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Tuberculosis.
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Upper respiratory viruses.
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Infectious mononucleosis.
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Staphylococcus.
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Streptococcus.
Examples of the non-infectious causes of lymphadenitis are:
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Cancer of the lymph nodes known as lymphoma.
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Inflammation due to the reaction to a foreign body.
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Secondary or metastatic cancer that spreads from another part of the body.
What Will Be the Symptoms of Lymphadenitis?
The most common symptom of lymphadenitis is swelling with tenderness in and around the lymph node. Enlargement of the lymph node is called lymphadenopathy. The other symptoms may include:
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Swollen, hard, and tender lymph nodes.
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Lump or mass left behind the skin.
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Itchy skin.
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Redness, swelling, and warmth.
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Rashes.
The severe symptoms which denote a life-threatening condition are:
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Breathlessness.
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Rapid breathing or difficulty in breathing.
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High fever.
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Tachycardia (increased heart rate).
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Severe redness, pain, swelling, and warmth.
What Are the Types of Lymphadenitis?
There are two types of lymphadenitis they are:
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Localized Lymphadenitis - This is the most common type of lymphadenitis. It can usually affect one or a few of the lymph nodes near the area where the infection begins. For example, when the tonsils are involved, we can feel the lymph nodes near the neck.
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Generalized Lymphadenitis - This type of lymphadenitis will occur in two or more of the lymph nodes. It can be caused by an infection that spreads through the bloodstream or any other illness that affects the body.
What Are the Risk Factors for Lymphadenitis?
Frequent infection is the most common risk factor for lymphadenitis. The following conditions can also increase the risk for lymphadenitis:
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Upper respiratory tract infection.
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Earache.
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Coryza.
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Conjunctivitis.
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Impetigo.
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Fever.
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Irritability.
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Anorexia.
How to Diagnose Lymphadenitis?
Methods to diagnose lymphadenitis are:
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Physical examination is done to rule out the size, tenderness, pain, and location of the inflamed lymph nodes.
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A blood test to determine any infection.
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The sample taken from the lymph node tissue or fluid is viewed under a microscope.
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Fluid from the lymph node can be taken and cultured to determine the causative agent.
How to Prevent Lymphadenitis?
To prevent lymphadenitis:
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Wash your hands regularly with hand wash or soap.
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Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
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Maintain hygiene in areas where food is prepared.
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Try to cleanse or use antiseptic on any breaks or scratches in your skin.
What Are the Complications of Lymphadenitis?
Most of the lymphadenitis can be resolved on its own. However, depending on the underlying cause, the swelling can remain for some time. If left untreated, the complications of lymphadenitis might be very serious, even life-threatening. It can cause complications like the spread of cancer and the spread of infection.
When to Seek Medical Help for Lymphadenitis?
The lymphadenitis, which is soft and pliable, can be from a benign or infectious process. It can result from diseases that can be contagious that can get transmitted from person to person. Seek medical help when you have symptoms like swollen, hard, and tender lymph nodes.
How to Treat Lymphadenitis?
Lymphadenitis can be treated with medications or without medications. In most cases, we can bring the infection under control within three to four days, but in some cases, it may take weeks or months and the period for recovery depends on the underlying cause. The antibiotics should be targeted on the group A streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus. It includes a ten days course of Amoxicillin and Clavulanate (Augmentin), oral Cephalexin (Keflex), and Clindamycin (Cleocin).
Treatment of Lymphadenitis With Medicine.
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Antibiotics can be given orally or by injection to treat the underlying infection.
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Analgesics (painkiller) can be given to control pain.
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Antiinflammatory drug to reduce inflammation and swelling.
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Other drugs are given depending upon the severity and the specific cause of the lymphadenitis.
Treatment of Lymphadenitis Without Medicine
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Cold and moist compress to reduce the swelling.
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Surgery to drain the abscess if necessary.
Conclusion:
Lymphadenitis when treated in the initial stages has a very good prognosis. By maintaining good general health and hygiene chances of infection can be prevented and thereby chances of lymphadenitis.
