Lymphadenitis( inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck) is a symptom of a whole group of pathological processes and diseases, both infectious and diseases of the lymphatic system. This system, which includes a large number of lymphatic capillaries, small and large vessels, trunks, ducts and nodes, is in itself one of the protective mechanisms of the body( immunity).Responsible for the secretion of lymph and its transport.
An important role in biological protection is performed by a network of lymph nodes located in different systems and human organs. The capsule of the nodes is filled with a loose stroma( substance), which is given the role of enrichment of the lymph passing through it with antibodies. Filtration from foreign inclusions and damaged cells prone to tumor degeneration.
The main functional properties of the lymph nodes are expressed:
- by the process of cellular formation supporting the normal functioning of immunity( phagocytes, lymphocytes, antibodies);
- providing drainage or drainage from tissues and organs of the intercellular fluid;
- maintaining its uniform balance between blood and lymph;
- by maintaining stable consistency of metabolic processes.
Inflammatory processes can affect single cervical lymph nodes and capture the entire lymph node network located in the neck area( anterior and posterior, submandibular and occipital, parotid and behind-the-ear).
Contents
- 1 Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, the genesis of
- 2 Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck
- 3 Diagnostic examination
- 4 Treatment methods
- 5 Features of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck in the child
Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck, the genesis
Causes of inflammation in cervical lymphadenitis are associated with the reaction of naturalkillers of immunity( macrophages) on any pathological conditions in the body.
These can be:
- Infections in the upper respiratory tract or in the mouth.
- Total decrease in the immune factor due to long-term infections, hematological syndrome, hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, persistent neuropsychiatric overstresses and stressful conditions.
- Development of tumor processes in lymphoid tissue.
- Tissue integrity violations.
To start an inflammatory reaction may:
- a prolonged alcoholic effect;
- disturbances in metabolic processes;
- insufficiency of secretion of hormones by the thyroid gland;
- connective tissue pathologies;
- is a hypersensitive reaction to antigens.
Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck
Clinical symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck are determined by the species belonging to the pathology.
Purulent form of the disease is characterized by: constant pulsating pains, immobile nodes, adhered to adjacent reddened tissues. Development of tumor formation bordered by even edges, with a non-uniform structure.
The edges of the tumor can be of different consistency - dense on one side and soft on the other. Her pressure causes a crisp sound. There is a decline in strength accompanied by high pyretic( up to 39 ° C - 41 ° C) temperature, attacks of headache and tachycardia.
Purulent form of pathology is dangerous by the rapid development of inflammatory reactions that can spread throughout the body.
With non-purulent form of disease, the nodes are enlarged, but mobile, a slight seal is noted. The pressure is reflected by the pain.
Species appearance of the disease is predetermined by the liquid structure prevailing in the inflammatory zone.
- Purulent form - purulent predominance in the lymphoid fluid.
- In hemorrhagic form of the pathological process in the liquid, blood predominates.
- Fibrous form of lymphadenitis is characterized by increased content of fibrin protein in the lymphoid fluid.
- Serous pathological process - the formation of turbid protein fluid at the site of development of the inflammatory process.
Common signs of the disease reflect the symptoms of the background disease at the site of the localization process. For example, if the cause is an infection, the main symptoms will correspond to "her illness," and inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck is one of the factors of diagnosis. Elimination of the underlying disease, in parallel eliminates signs of lymphatic inflammation.
Weakly pronounced inflammatory process, with a slight inflammation of the nodes and mild pains with pressure and ingestion of food - cause infections of a long, chronic course. A marked decline in strength is noted with prolonged exposure to cold and respiratory infection. Such conditions require diagnostic detection of infectious foci and their complete sanitation.
If the clinical picture is manifested by prolonged inflammation of the lymph nodes( more than six months), while the nodes are painful, with a dense and solid structure - this may indicate a tumor tumor. Procrastination in a diagnostic examination can be life threatening.
Diagnostic examination
Diagnosis of lymphadenitis of cervical nodes is based on visual examination of the patient, collection of anamnesis of the disease, conditions of previous diseases( injuries, surgical interventions, etc.).
Based on the results of general analyzes, the causative factor of the disease is identified. As additional measures specifying the diagnosis, the following are appointed:
- ultrasound examination;
- radiography or CT scan;
- fetal lymph selection for biopsy, with suspected tumor process;
- for chronic inflammatory reactions - cytological and histological examination.
On the accuracy of diagnostic conclusions depends on the formulation of an appropriate effective treatment plan and competent selection of medicines against inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck.
Methods of treatment
Depending on the course of the disease - acute or chronic - a program of therapy and treatment of inflamed lymph nodes on the neck is prescribed.
The inflammatory response is not self-evident, but manifests itself as a secondary syndrome of provocative factors. Therefore, the tactics of treatment are not aimed at eliminating symptoms, but on treating provoking diseases.
Elimination of inflammatory reactions is achieved by the method of correction of the immune system and drug treatment.
Assignment:
- preparations of glucocorticoids( "Prednizonolon", "Deltasone" or "Medrol");
- immunostimulating drugs;
- multivitamins and preparations high in vitamin "C";
- physiotherapy - galvanization, the introduction of drugs by electrophoresis, UHF therapy.
Antibiotics, with inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck, are prescribed with suppuration to prevent further spread of the infection.
Select according to the specifics of the specific pathogen. These may be preparations and analogs of "Vilprafen", "Benzylpenicillin", "Azithromycin", "Septrin", etc.
In case of failure of drug therapy, foci of suppuration are opened surgically. Cleaning of the affected area from pus and necrotic connective tissue is carried out, followed by drainage.
Features of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck in a child
The manifestation of inflammatory reactions in the lymph nodes in the neck in children are noted, mainly from the age of five to seven years. This is due to the unformed lymphatic system, which is not capable of providing full barrier functions. Only by 9-10 years she is able to kill infections. The disease in children is characterized by active development, accompanied by:
- intoxication;
- sleep and appetite disorders;
- strong neck swelling;
- symptoms of headaches.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes at the neck temperature in children can rise to 39 ° C.Often such a reaction may be a result of vaccination.
The danger is that in a chronic course of illness the child can feel quite normally, it is possible to detect the disease only by probing the nodes.
This state of affairs threatens neglect of the disease, which can be complicated by the manifestation of the myocardium - lethargy, pale skin and shortness of breath. Children fall behind in weight, easily get tired and often completely refuse food.
Promotes the development of the disease in children: weakening of immunity, excessive growth of pathogenic microorganisms and damage to lymphoid tissues. Only timely examination and treatment can enhance immune protection.
Inflammatory reactions in the cervical lymph nodes in adults and children can manifest themselves in different forms and course, an advisory reception with an otolaryngologist, infectious disease specialist, phthisiatrist, pediatrician or oncologist will help resolve the situation.
