Swollen lymph nodes-definition, causes, symptoms, diagnosis a
What is lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes also called lymph glands are small bean-shaped structure which is spread throughout the body and is an important part of immune system. It filters the substance that travel through lymphatic fluid as well as they contain lymphocytes which helps the body to fight against infection and disease. Lymph nodes are connected to one another by lymph vessels and is found in more than hundreds of numbers in our body.
Swollen lymph nodes
Medical name for swollen lymph nodes is lymphadenopathy. It is usually a result of infection, bacteria or virus. In some rare cases swollen lymph nodes are also caused by cancer. Some common areas where you might easily notice swollen lymph nodes are – neck, under your chin, armpits, legs, above the collarbones or your groin. Sometimes the swollen lymph node can cause no harm since it can be just a reaction of your body toward any infection or bacteria. This swelling may occur as a result of some immune cell activity which is going on in lymph nodes. But if you are having it without any cause they you may need to see your health care provider.
Causes of swollen lymph nodes
Most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is swelling in your neck which is an upper respiratory infection and it takes 10 to 14 days to resolve, according to 3MEDS, India’s best online pharmacy store.
- Autoimmune disorders ( HIV or Rheumatoid arthritis)
- Specific type of cancers (such as Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin disease and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma)
- Infections such as flu
- Cold
- Sinus infection
- Skin wounds
- Strep throat
- Mononucleosis
- Certain medications, for instance antimalarials, typhoid immunization, phenytoin and antiseizure
- Tonsillitis
- Ear infection
- Swelling of gums
- Tuberculosis
- Mouth sores
- Impacted or abscessed tooth
- Sexually transmitted disease (STI)
Some other rare causes of swollen lymph nodes are:-
- Cat scratch fever
- Gingivitis
- Measles
- Toxoplasmosis
- Shingles
Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes
- Tenderness and pain may be there in the lymph nodes
- There may be swelling also which can be of pea sized or kidney bean
Signs and symptoms also vary on the cause behind your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms may include:-
- Sore throat
- Runny nose, fever and other signs and symptoms of upper respiratory function
- General swelling in lymph nodes
- Fixed, hard and rapidly growing nodes
- Night sweats
- Fever
When to see a doctor?
In many of the cases, swelling generally disappears in 2-3 days which means that the body has successfully fought the infection. If in case the swelling remains more than that then you need to be concerned about it, you might need to visit your health care provider.
Others reasons for which you may have to visit doctor:-
- A node that is not able to move freely
- Node that is rubbery to touch or hard to feel
- Node that is very big (an inch or more than that in diameter)
- Swollen lymph nodes that is accompanied by night sweats, unexplained weight loss, high fever or abdominal pain
Diagnosis
- First step in diagnosing swollen lymph nodes is physical examination which focuses on the affected area.
- Discussion about the person’s symptoms and medical history
- Medical tests may also be proceeded to know the cause behind swelling
- Imaging tests can also proceeded which includes:- Ultrasound, CT scan and MRI scan
Treatment of swollen lymph nodes
- Usually it disappears on its own but treatment is needed when it doesn’t disappear for a long course of time.
- Doctors may prescribe you anti-infection medicines such as antibiotics or antivirals to counter the swollen lymph nodes
- Lymph biopsy may also be proceeded in severe cases
- Home remedies to treat swollen lymph nodes
- Taking medicines for pain such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
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- Applying warm wet compress to the affected area
- By drinking plenty of fluids which can include water and fruits juices
- Taking adequate amount of sleep for giving your body rest to recover
Outlook
Swollen lymph nodes are signs of some other conditions such as infections and generally they recover on itself within few days. Consulting doctor would be the best option if your symptoms are continuing for more than 3 weeks. Your cause of the swelling will decide which treatment you need. Start trying the home remedies when the symptoms begins, this may prevent you from further complications. Be positive be healthy.