Why lymph nodes become inflamed in the groin and what to do with them

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

This problem will definitely not go away by itself. So see your doctor as soon as possible.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes Swollen lymph nodes, or scientifically lymphadenitis, is a condition in which the lymph nodes enlarge, become dense and can hurt and accumulate pus.

There are many lymph nodes in the body: they are located in clusters along the large veins. And any of them can become inflamed, sometimes for harmless reasons that do not require treatment. Unfortunately, the latter does not apply to the inguinal nodes. Their inflammation is a sure sign of problems.

How to understand that lymph nodes are inflamed in the groin

The inguinal lymph nodes are located in the fold between the thigh and the pubis. They usually cannot be seen or felt. But when Swollen lymph nodes become inflamed, they become larger. And under the skin, one or more hard or elastic oval nodes at least the size of beans begin to be felt.

Whether other symptoms appear, such as redness or pain, depends on the underlying cause of the lymphadenitis.

Why are the lymph nodes in the groin inflamed?

The inguinal lymph nodes can become inflamed and enlarged due to the problems of Swollen lymph nodes from which the body as a whole suffers. But more often the defeat of the external genital organs and legs is to blame. Because it is from them that the lymph is collected in the inguinal nodes.

So let's start with the most innocuous causes of inflammation.

Taking certain medications

Most often, Swollen lymph nodes are to blame for swollen lymph nodes in the groin or other places, drugs for the prevention of malaria, some antibiotics, drugs for high blood pressure and anticonvulsants based on phenytoin.

Mononucleosis

This disease, similar to SARS, causes Patient education: Infectious mononucleosis (mono) in adults and adolescents Epstein-Barr virus, which is transmitted along with saliva when kissing or, for example, using shared utensils. For many, mononucleosis goes away without visible symptoms, but sometimes there are:

• weakness;
• temperature rise to 39, 5–40 ° С;
• sore throat.

In addition, infectious mononucleosis of a group of lymph nodes located in the neck, armpits or groin becomes inflamed. Individual nodes can reach 1–3 cm in diameter, become dense, and hurt when pressed. But the skin above them remains healthy and does not redden.

In some people, the lymph nodes are felt and hurt even after recovery.

Toxoplasmosis

It is caused by the unicellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which lives in cats and other animals. It is from them that a person is most often infected with Toxoplasmosis.

In 95–99% of people after infection, symptoms of Toxoplasmosis do not appear. But sometimes, with a decrease in immunity, the disease can sharply turn into an acute form with vivid signs:

• muscle and joint pain;
• lethargy, weakness;
• high fever, neck muscle tension, photophobia;
• headache;
• enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body.

Genital herpes

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin can be caused by the herpes virus Patient education: Genital herpes type 1 or 2. It is sexually transmitted, penetrates the nerve nodes located in the sacrum, and for a long time does not manifest itself in any way.

But with a decrease in immunity, the virus is activated. A rash in the form of bubbles with fluid appears on the skin of the genitals and around the anus, and the lymph nodes may become enlarged and painful, or they may remain invisible. Sometimes because of herpes, it hurts to urinate, constipation develops.

Syphilis

This STD causes Syphilis treponema pallidum. A hard chancre, a small painless ulcer, forms at the site of the bacterial invasion. The lymph nodes in the groin enlarge, become dense, but do not hurt. The chancre heals in 3-12 weeks and lymphadenitis goes away at the same time.

If syphilis is left untreated, it will later develop more severe symptoms, which can lead to serious complications.

Chancroid (chancre)

Another sexually transmitted disease, Chancroid, is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus ducreyi. The first symptoms appear 3-7 days after infection. Rashes appear on the skin of the thighs and groin. Gradually, they turn into small painful sores with an inflamed red rim and a white coating in the center. At the same time, the lymph nodes in the groin enlarge and hurt. Sometimes pus accumulates in them, an abscess is formed.

Erysipelas

Erysipelas is provoked by group A streptococci. They affect the upper layers of the skin and the lymphatic vessels located in them. Most often, the disease develops on the legs. Due to the inflammatory reaction, the outflow of lymph from the limbs is disturbed, and bacteria can penetrate Erysipelas: clinical and laboratory aspects into the inguinal lymph nodes and cause lymphadenitis.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis Bacteria Patient education: Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs. But sometimes Disseminated tuberculosis infection can spread through the lymph or blood to other organs. In women, the uterus is often infected with Urogenital tuberculosis, therefore, the menstrual cycle is disturbed, uterine bleeding worries. And men develop tuberculous orchitis Orchitis - an inflammation of the testicle, when it increases and turns red. These changes can lead to lymphadenitis.

Oncological diseases

Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin can be a sign of cancer. It is usually a type of Leukemia, or blood cancer. Sometimes inflammation is associated with lymphoma Patient education: Follicular lymphoma in adults - cancer of the lymphatic system. The symptoms are the same:

• frequent rise in temperature for no apparent reason, chills;
• severe fatigue;
• weight loss;
• bone pain;
• the appearance of bruises or small rashes on the skin;
• heavy sweating, especially at night;
• nose bleed.

HIV

Patient education: Symptoms of HIV infection of immunodeficiency virus causes cell death of the immune system. The first symptoms appear 1–4 weeks after infection:

• malaise and weakness;
• sore throat;
• temperature increase;
• soreness of the joints;
• painless enlargement of lymph nodes throughout the body.

Symptoms of the disease can persist for up to two weeks and disappear without a trace. But the virus continues to live and multiply in the body. Therefore, over the course of 2-15 years, mild manifestations of infection may appear, including periodic enlargement of lymph nodes in the groin or other places. This happens both due to the virus itself and due to the activation of other infections.

What to do if the lymph nodes in the groin become inflamed

Visit a doctor. And as soon as possible. If the pain is too severe, an over-the-counter pain reliever pill can be taken before taking. But to warm up the lymph nodes, try to pierce them or engage in some other self-medication, in no case! This can seriously harm your health and slow down your recovery.

If you have recently had unprotected sex and you suspect an STI, see your gynecologist, urologist, or venereologist. In all other cases, you can make an appointment with a therapist.

The doctor will order an examination of the Swollen lymph nodes to find the cause of the lymphadenitis. You may need Differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathies in the doctor's practice:

• General blood analysis. It helps to see signs of inflammation in the body.
• Ultrasound. Usually, an enlarged group of lymph nodes is examined, as well as the organs of the small pelvis.
• PCR diagnostics. It is used when viral infections are suspected.
• Lymph node biopsy. Using a thick needle, a tissue sample is taken from the largest node, or sometimes it is removed entirely and sent to the laboratory.

Only after receiving the result of the examination, the doctor will be able to accurately name the cause of lymphadenitis and prescribe treatment.