Inflammation of the lymph nodes

A Inflammation of the lymph nodes or Inflammation of the lymph vessels is in the jargon Lymphadenitis called. It describes an inflammatory reaction of the lymph nodes in the body. Often this is directly related to a previous illness; under certain circumstances, however, lymphadenitis can also occur without such.

What is lymph node inflammation?

Inflamed lymph nodes typically show up as swelling of the lymph nodes. Usually general symptoms such as fever and fatigue are added.
© M.Dörr & M.Frommherz - stock.adobe.com

Under one Inflammation of the lymph nodes medical professionals understand inflammation of the lymph nodes. This usually leads to swelling of the affected lymph nodes, some of which can be painful. Depending on where in the body the inflamed lymph nodes are located, the enlargements may be visible from the outside.

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Lymphadenitis can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or general fatigue. A basic distinction is made between acute and chronic lymph node inflammation. The causes of the inflammatory reaction can be bacterial or viral exposure. The course of the disease and therapy also depend largely on the cause.

causes

A Inflammation of the lymph nodes In many cases it is caused by a previous infection in the body. The lymph nodes have the task of supporting the body's defenses; For this reason, the defense cells inside become active when they register an infection.

As a result, the pea-sized knots swell. If bacteria or viruses get directly into the lymph nodes, an infection develops. It is not uncommon, for example, that respiratory diseases are responsible for lymphadenitis. For example, tonsillitis can result in inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes.

Under certain circumstances, however, lymph node inflammation can also occur without a corresponding previous illness: This is the case, for example, when bacteria settle in the tissue and thus cause an infection.

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Symptoms, ailments & signs

Inflamed lymph nodes typically show up as swelling of the lymph nodes. Usually general symptoms such as fever and fatigue are added. If there is inflammation in the mouth area, difficulty swallowing, a sore throat and painful itching can occur. In the course of the disease, the inflammation of the lymph nodes often leads to indefinable tiredness in the patient, which already occurs in the morning after getting up and which increases during the day.

This can lead to concentration problems and a general decrease in physical and mental performance. If treatment is given early, the symptoms usually subside quickly. The symptoms usually peak after a week. Only the sore throat may persist longer. If the inflammation of the lymph nodes is not treated adequately or too late, further symptoms and in the worst case even serious complications can arise.

Weight loss as a result of difficulty swallowing, chronic sore throat, hoarseness, temporary loss of voice and severe infection are possible. People with a weakened immune system may develop a superinfection, which is associated with further complications. This can result in potentially life-threatening blood poisoning. Inflamed lymph nodes also pose a risk of chronic disease.

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Diagnosis & course

The doctor examines the inflamed lymph nodes.

The attending physician can do one Inflammation of the lymph nodes often diagnose quickly. If the swelling of the affected nodes is visible, it can also be easily felt. A general blood test is done to pinpoint the cause. This provides information on whether there is actually an inflammation and whether viruses, bacteria or other reasons are responsible.

If in doubt, the affected lymph node can be punctured and the tissue sample obtained in this way can be examined in the laboratory. If a lymph node inflammation is left untreated, it can weaken and impair the entire organism. If it is based on another disease, it depends on how the patient's state of health develops.

Complications

In most cases, lymph node inflammation can be diagnosed relatively quickly and easily. For this reason, early treatment of this disease is also possible. Those affected primarily suffer from swollen lymph nodes. These can lead to various complaints and significantly reduce the patient's quality of life.

In most cases, those affected suffer from a sore throat or difficulty swallowing. It is also not uncommon for a fever to occur and for the patient to feel exhausted. The resilience also decreases significantly due to the inflammation of the lymph nodes, so that there are restrictions in everyday life. Those affected can no longer easily perform certain everyday physical activities and are often very tired.

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The further course of the lymph node inflammation depends heavily on its cause, so that a general course of the disease cannot usually be predicted. In the case of a flu-like infection, this complaint can usually be treated easily, so that the disease usually progresses positively.

As a rule, there are no particular complications. In the case of cancer, however, various complications can arise, depending on the type of tumor. The life expectancy of the person affected may also be reduced by the disease.

When should you go to the doctor?

A lymph node inflammation manifests itself among other things by fever, sore throat and difficulty swallowing. A doctor should be consulted if these symptoms occur and cannot be treated with general measures such as rest and rest. If you have a severe sore throat, fatigue and other signs of inflammation, it is best to see your doctor immediately. A doctor must be informed at the latest when symptoms such as weight loss or circulatory problems occur. Otherwise life-threatening complications can occur.

Mainly at risk are allergy sufferers, people with immunodeficiency, as well as children, pregnant women and the elderly. Lymph node inflammation is also associated with measles, rubella, chlamydia, and rheumatoid diseases. Affected patients must inform the doctor of the symptoms and arrange for a diagnosis. For this purpose, the family doctor or an ENT doctor can be visited. Other contact points are the lymphologist or an internist. In addition to the symptomatic treatment, the cause must be treated. In addition, the affected tissue must be closely observed in order to detect any malignant changes at an early stage.

Treatment & Therapy

Once the attending physician has made a diagnosis, he will then initiate appropriate therapy. Is the Inflammation of the lymph nodes Due to a flu-like infection, treatment may not be necessary, as the symptoms usually subside on their own after a few days.

If bacteria are the cause of lymphadenitis, antibiotics are prescribed to kill them. It may be necessary to inject these directly into the blood; then the patient should go to the hospital for a few days. If the affected lymph nodes fill with pus from the bacterial infection, they may need to be surgically removed. Otherwise, there is a risk that the pus will leak and infect the area (in this case, experts speak of a phlegmon). In the worst case, there is a risk of blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening.

Schematic representation of the anatomy and structure of lymph nodes. Click to enlarge.

If the lymph node inflammation persists for days or even weeks despite medical treatment, it is advisable to examine the tissue yourself in order to rule out a malignant change. Either a tissue sample or the entire knot can be taken here.If it really is cancer, appropriate steps must be taken.

In addition to the surgical removal of the affected tissue, this can also include chemotherapy, which switches off the cancer cells. To prevent negative effects on the body, it is advisable to consult a doctor in the case of permanently swollen lymph nodes.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against swelling of the lymph nodes

Outlook & forecast

The lymph node inflammation can be treated well under normal circumstances. If medical treatment is used, you can expect to be free of symptoms within a few weeks. If the immune system is stable, it is supported by the administration of medication during the healing process. The pathogens are killed by the drugs and then transported away from the organism. There is a gradual improvement in health until recovery can then be documented.

Those affected often experience healing even if they do not seek any medical help for themselves. This is especially possible if the person concerned does not suffer from any other health problems and has a strong immune system. With a healthy lifestyle and compliance with some guidelines from the field of self-help measures, a significant alleviation and subsequent healing of the lymph node inflammation can be achieved.

With sufficient rest, support and strengthening of the immune system on a natural basis and the avoidance of risks, self-healing can occur. The prognosis worsens if existing symptoms increase continuously or new symptoms develop. In the event of these disease developments, therapy must be initiated, as blood poisoning can develop in severe cases. This represents a potential danger to life and must be treated by a doctor so that the chances of improving health increase.

prevention

There one Inflammation of the lymph nodes can have various causes and is often a side effect of another infection, it cannot be directly prevented. However, a healthy lifestyle that supports the immune system is helpful. If swollen or painful lymph nodes are found, a doctor should be consulted to clarify the exact causes of the symptoms and, if necessary, initiate treatment.

Aftercare

The aftercare then has the task of preventing complications and making everyday life for those affected tolerable. If the symptoms are not finally treated, further consequences often arise. The chances of healing in the case of lymph node inflammation are considered good, which is why there are usually no retrospective complications.

Doctors take great care in making an accurate diagnosis. This is due to the fact that other diseases can also cause the typical symptoms. Depending on the underlying disease that is causing the inflammation, follow-up measures focus on getting it under control and preventing it from recurring.

In the case of tonsillitis, for example, the attending doctor will arrange a blood test and, if necessary, order a throat swab. This allows the success of the treatment to be clearly documented. In particular, nicotine consumption should then be avoided as far as possible. General measures such as a balanced diet and protection against the cold around the neck are considered the best measures against infections that can lead to lymph node inflammation.

You can do that yourself

A slight inflammation of the lymph nodes usually goes away on its own after a few days. Recovery can be promoted with some natural remedies and self-help measures.

The most important thing is rest and relaxation. The person concerned should avoid stress and, if possible, also avoid stimulants such as coffee, cigarettes or alcohol. Instead, a balanced diet rich in vitamins is recommended. You should also drink plenty of water, as fluids improve lymph flow and accelerate the flushing out of toxins. A warm bath also helps and is taken from nature with a soothing additive for the best effect.

Massage stimulates the function of the lymph nodes and reduces swelling. If the inflammation is mild, the massage can be repeated two to three times a day, preferably with an essential oil or a lotion from the field of naturopathy. Warm compresses are a good alternative. To do this, simply dip a washcloth in warm water, wring it out briefly and place it on the swollen lymph nodes for five to ten minutes. A good household remedy is apple cider vinegar, which is best applied directly to the affected area. If the lymph node inflammation has not subsided after a few days, it is advisable to see a doctor.