Why are the lymph nodes in the neck inflamed and what to do about it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Most likely, you are all right. But just in case, check for dangerous symptoms.

What are lymph nodes

Lymph nodes or lymph glands are small swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin, and other areas near vital organs. The main task of the lymph nodes is to filter the lymph and help the body fight infections.

What is lymph, in general, everyone knows. It is also called ichor: this is the same colorless liquid that appears on the wound if the skin is slightly damaged. But there is much more lymph in the body than it might seem. It washes the cells of all organs and tissues, fills the intercellular spaces, is considered a special type of connective tissue and one of the most important elements of immunity.

It is the lymph that flushes dead cells, decay products, viruses, bacteria from the body.

Lymphocytes form the basis of lymph - the main cells of the immune system, capable of recognizing pathogens. Flowing through the lymph nodes, the lymph is filtered: viruses and bacteria are retained in them and destroyed.

When a person is healthy, the glands cleanse the lymph without undue stress. But if a viral or microbial attack is too strong, they have a hard time. The lymph nodes overflow with "garbage" that they do not have time to digest, become inflamed and become like peas rolling under the skin.

In general, enlarged lymph nodes are a sign that an inflammatory process is developing somewhere nearby.

Why are the lymph nodes in the neck inflamed?

Here is a list of the most likely causes:

• Respiratory tract diseases - the same ARVI.
• Problems in the mouth or nasopharynx. For example, caries, pulpitis, inflammation in the sinuses of the nose.
• General infections - chickenpox, measles, cytomegalovirus.
• Skin infections - for example, inflammation caused by an unsuccessful attempt to squeeze out a pimple.
• Otitis.

However, there are also more unpleasant causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes.

When to see a doctor with enlarged lymph nodes

Most often, enlarged lymph nodes are not an independent disease, but only a symptom. Therefore, they are usually accompanied by other signs of infection:

• general malaise and weakness;
• an increase in temperature;
• headache;
• sore throat, ears, or mouth;
• runny nose, nasal congestion.

Is there such a thing? So, do not worry and with all the bunch of symptoms go to the therapist. The doctor will help you quickly cure a cold, otitis media, or send you to the same dentist - if he decides that caries may be the cause of the trouble. As soon as you cope with the underlying disease, the lymph nodes will also deflate and no longer cause concern.

It is much worse if the lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed, and you have no signs of ARVI or other infections. In this case, we can talk about systemic inflammation - autoimmune diseases, oncological processes, HIV infection.

When to see a doctor immediately

Here is a list of symptoms, for any of which you must not just go to the therapist, but run:

• The skin over the enlarged lymph node turned red and became hot - this indicates the onset of a purulent process.
• The lymph nodes in the neck have enlarged for no apparent reason.
• The lymph glands are inflamed not only in the neck, but also in other places. For example, under the arms, in the groin, at the elbows.
• The knots do not move when you try to pinch them.
• Swollen lymph nodes are accompanied by increased sweating, persistent fever (without other symptoms of infectious diseases), and unexplained weight loss.
• It becomes difficult for you to swallow or breathe.
• The lymph nodes do not return to normal size for two weeks or more.

The doctor will either send you to the surgeon to open the abscess, or offer to have a blood test, x-ray, or take a piece of the inflamed lymph node for microscopic examination (this procedure is called a biopsy). Depending on the test results, you will be prescribed the appropriate treatment.

How to relieve the condition right now

Make a warm compress

Soak a cloth in warm water, wring it out well and apply it to your neck.

Attention: this method is not suitable if you observe symptoms of a purulent process - reddening of the skin over the lymph node, an increase in its temperature. With such symptoms, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Take pain reliever

Paracetamol-based products work best. But aspirin and ibuprofen can be harmful in some cases.

So, with aspirin, you should be careful with children, adolescents, as well as people who have problems with blood clotting. In addition, both drugs are contraindicated in chickenpox. Therefore, it is better to consult a physician.

Get more rest

If possible, take a sick leave or day off for a couple of days. Rest is necessary for the body to quickly cope with the disease.