Lymphadenitis on the neck: causes, symptoms and treatments

Lymphadenitis on the neck is a fairly common problem that occurs in both children and adults. A similar disease is accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes and arises against the background of infection activity. So what are the causes and symptoms of the inflammatory process?

Lymphadenitis on the neck and its causes

It's no secret that the main function of the lymph nodes is to protect the body from infection, as it is here that some varieties of white blood cells are produced and matured. Increase and inflammation of the node indicates the penetration of the body of viruses, bacteria or fungal orgasms.

Lymphadenitis on the neck can occur against a background of various diseases, in particular, sinusitis, angina, tonsillitis, otitis. In addition, the source of infection can be carious teeth, inflamed gums or mucous membranes of the mouth. Rubella, colds, mononucleosis, influenza - all these diseases can be attributed to risk factors. Much less often, pathogenic microorganisms enter the lymph nodes of the neck from internal organs.

Lymphadenitis on the neck and its symptoms

The main signs of the disease directly depend on the degree of its development. Acute lymphadenitis of the neck proceeds in three stages:

• The catarrhal phase is accompanied by a significant increase in the affected nodes. When probed, they are hard - sometimes the knot can be seen with the naked eye. Touching the affected area is given with pain.
• In the absence of treatment, a hemorrhagic stage of inflammation occurs , in which lymph begins to accumulate in the lymph nodes with impurities of blood. In such cases, the skin over the affected node swells and becomes firm to the touch.
• The purulent phase of inflammation is considered dangerous, since it can lead to the development of phlegmon. At this stage, the skin above the node reddens, becomes extremely painful and red to the touch. Along with this, the patient's state of health deteriorates considerably.

Of course, lymphadenitis on the neck can cause other symptoms. At some patients already at the initial stages there is a strong rise in temperature, weakness, drowsiness, aches in muscles, heaviness in the body. Depending on the primary disease, a runny nose, sore throat, nausea and other problems are possible.

Lymphadenitis on the neck and its complications

Of course, with the availability of qualified medical care, the inflammatory process is easily eliminated with the help of medications. But in some cases, lymphadenitis results in an abscess or phlegmon formation. Particularly dangerous complications include sepsis, toxic shock syndrome, the development of rheumatism.

Lymphadenitis on the neck: treatment

Of course, a strong increase in lymph nodes - this is a good reason to visit the doctor's office. In this case, the primary goal of a specialist is to determine the primary disease, since if the cause is eliminated, the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes can fade in itself. Patients are recommended bed rest, warmth and peace, a balanced diet and a plentiful drink. In some cases, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents are prescribed, in particular, ibuprofen preparations. If there is a purulent process, surgical intervention is necessary.