Lymphadenitis is absolutely harmless in most cases. However, if it lasts longer, other symptoms may be present. These should then be clarified with a doctor. We explain how inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs, what the various causes are and how it can be treated.
What is lymphadenitis?
The medical term for lymphadenitis is lymphadenitis. It manifests itself as swelling of the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system runs through our entire body. You can think of it as similar in appearance to a tree made up of many branches, the lymphatic vessels. Next to the blood circulation, the lymphatic system is the second most important circulatory organ in our body. In fact, about twice as much lymph fluid flows in our body as blood. The lymphatic system is responsible for removing waste from our bodies and draining our tissues. Without this system, we could not live.
The lymph nodes are part of our lymphatic system and play an important role in the processes mentioned above. Lymph flows very slowly through the lymph nodes and that is a good thing. In this way, the lymph fluid is filtered and cleaned. For this purpose we have a large number of lymph nodes in our body. If you want to feel lymph nodes yourself, the easiest place to do this is on the neck or in the groin area. Many others cannot be palpated. They are shaped like kidney beans and are about 5 to 20 millimeters in size. They are an important part of our immune system. If these lymph nodes swell, something in our lymphatic system is no longer running smoothly.
What are the causes of lymphadenitis?
You have probably already experienced that the lymph nodes on your neck swell up during a cold. Viruses or bacteria inflame the lymph nodes. They swell and often cause pain. The lymph nodes are on the lookout for foreign material, in this case viruses or bacteria, and have the task of fighting them. They do this by producing more defense cells. The result is swollen lymph nodes. Once the cold is over and the viruses and bacteria have disappeared, the lymph nodes also return to their normal size. In this case, we speak of reactive lymphadenitis.
Even though this is the most common cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes, there are other causes that can lead to lymphadenitis. Rheumatic diseases or cancer can be other causes. In the case of cancer, the term lymphoma is used. There is also chronic lymphadenitis, which occurs with a chronic infection, such as lymph node tuberculosis. However, in people under 40, the most common cause is a bacterial or viral infection.
Diagnosis: How do I recognize lymphadenitis?
You can recognize lymphadenitis primarily by the swollen lymph nodes. Especially on the neck, these are then very clearly visible. They can be painful, but do not have to be. Other symptoms include fatigue or fever. When visiting the doctor, a so-called palpation is performed to diagnose the lymphadenitis. For this purpose, the doctor palpates the most important lymph node stations. These are located on the neck, in the armpit area and in the groin area.
In addition, a laboratory examination in which a blood count is taken can provide further information. An ultrasound examination is also possible and a lymph node puncture is performed to check whether tumor cells are present. During this procedure, the tissue is examined for cancer cells.
How is lymphadenitis treated?
If your lymphadenitis is caused by a viral infection, treatment is usually not necessary or even not useful. You simply have to get through a cold and the lymphadenitis is quickly over. If, on the other hand, a bacterial infection is present, treatment with antibiotics may be necessary. But even this is not necessary in many cases and is clarified individually with the doctor.
The situation is completely different if the lymphadenitis is caused by a tumor or another disease. Here, various treatment options come into question, which are of course clarified differently with the doctor. These include drainage, i.e. the removal of body fluids, or the removal of lymph nodes. This is the so-called lymphadenectomy.
What can I do myself in case of lymphadenitis?
If the swelling is caused by a cold, pain can be relieved by warm and cold compresses. The cold compresses relieve the pain and warm compresses stimulate the blood circulation. Otherwise, as already mentioned, just wait and see. In the case of inflammation of the lymph nodes caused by cancer, for example, where a lymphoma has developed, this is primarily treated by appropriate therapy. Here, for example, immunotherapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be considered.
When patients suffer from lymphoma, they often wish to do something themselves to improve their well-being. Changing their diet or getting more exercise and sport can help. Physiotherapy treatment, massages or physiotherapy can also positively support the treatment and relieve pain. Of course, all these things should be clarified in advance with the attending physician. Conclusion: An inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) is in most cases caused by a viral or bacterial infection. If the swelling of the lymph nodes has not subsided on its own after three weeks at the latest, it is important to consult a doctor in order to rule out other causes.
Buy lymphatic drainage device from Clubsante
Author: Physiotherapist Marvin Seidel
Source and image source: Clubsante, # 230672600 Kalim / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 26 July 2022