Inflammation of the lymph nodes accompanies at least a dozen diseases that affect not only the immune system, but also other body systems. To what doctor to address at increase in lymphonoduses, and about what the inflamed lymph node speaks.
To whom to contact
The answer to the question of which doctor to consult for inflammation of the lymph nodes depends on the cause of the inflammation, but first of all you should visit the infectious disease specialist, oncologist, endocrinologist, surgeon and phthisiatrist. Let's consider, what doctors treat lymphonoduses, and why the choice such wide.
Lymph nodes are small structures in the form of beans, which are located next to the lymphatic vessels. In the human body about six hundred lymph nodes, they are located on the neck, under the arms, and there are also lymph nodes in the groin. In these places they can be touched by hand, whole lymphatic clusters are formed. Some are in the hands, legs and chest.
Lymph is a liquid that removes bacteria from the body, transports fats from the small intestine and lymphocytes into the bloodstream, after they mature in the bone marrow.
Lymphocytes and lymph nodes form an integral part of the immune system, removing pathogenic microbes from the body, and harmful bacteria. There are immune cells in the nodes.
Lymph nodes are designed for filtering blood, removing microbes from it and supplying fresh lymphocytes. Blood is supplied to the lymph nodes through the vessels or arteries of the organs, from there the blood returns back to the bloodstream. In fact, the lymph nodes act as a filter.
Why they increase
If the lymph node has become inflamed, it means that the number of lymphocytes in response to an infection or pathogenic microorganism has sharply increased. The number of immune responses was so great that it caused an increase and swelling of the lymph node.
In some cases, they are increased directly from contact with the infection. In people with tonsillitis or pharyngitis, the lymph node in the upper part of the neck can become inflamed and grow. In other cases, it indicates trauma, infectious diseases, oncology, AIDS.
That's why with inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes and others that are in the body and tangible to the touch, you need to consult a specialist and you can not engage in self-medication.
Symptoms of
With increasing lymph nodes under the arm and in other parts of the body, there may be additional symptoms indicating that you need to see a doctor. To such additional symptoms carry:
- Prolonged inflammatory process, lasting more than 14 days;
- Weight reduction;
- Sweating during sleep;
- Rapid fatigue;
- Increase in the size of nodes;
- Redness over inflamed places;
- Difficulty with breathing.
In the normal state, the size of the bean-shaped structures should be no more than one centimeter. But they must be inflamed in response to an external pathogen that has got into the blood - it is an integral function of the immune system.
Diagnosis
Inflamed inguinal or other node is not an independent disease, but manifests itself as a symptom of other diseases. Such a syndrome is called lymphadenopathy, and it can be generalized or localized.
- Generalized lymphadenopathy is an inflammation of several nodes around the subject.
- Localized - this is the swelling of one node, often near the site of the disease.
Determine the cause of swelling can be, first to find out what the nature of lymphadenopathy.
- The doctor will study the size, tenderness of inflamed tissues, their consistency and location.
- Next, additional symptoms and a patient's medical history are examined.
- The person who is examined looks at the main locations of the cluster locations of the nodes - in particular, the neck, armpit, groin.
- After this, the patient is referred for laboratory blood tests specific to the alleged disease.
- If the analyzes did not yield comprehensive information, a biopsy of the abnormal and large node itself is performed, and pathological microorganisms are detected in it.
Localized lymphadenopathy
In inflammation of one structure, treatment is directed to remove the root cause of its swelling. This, in particular:
- Conjunctivitis;
- Diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
- Tonsillitis;
- Lishay;
- Mononucleosis;
- Pharyngitis;
- Chlamydosis;
- Inflammations that appear after getting a scratch from the cat and transmission of the infection.
As you can see, almost all these diseases are associated with infections that have a local damaging effect and are widely encountered in medical practice, especially during periods of exacerbation of diseases - in the spring and in the autumn.
Generalized lymphadenopathy
Inflammation of several structures throughout the body is a more serious symptom that requires immediate medical attention. Such an organism reaction can speak of:
- Infectious mononucleosis;
- Toxoplasmosis;
- HIV;
- Hepatitis B;
- Tuberculosis;
- Rheumatism;
- Lymphoma or leukemia;
- Diseases of Lyme transmitted by tick bites;
- Corey;
- Brucellosis;
- Abdominal typhoid;
- Amyloidosis;
- Rubella.
These diseases are quite dangerous and the sooner they are diagnosed, the higher the chance to build a correct and effective treatment.
Conclusion
Inflammatory processes in any body system are pathological and speak about health problems of one or another scale. Particular attention should be paid to such processes in the immune system, as it must protect the body from the penetration of pathogens.
