The human body is a harmonious system that responds to any environmental impact. Due to the protective properties, many viruses are recognized at the stage of origin, so a person must listen to his inner sensations in order to prevent the development of pathology in advance. Scientists are still researching the lymphatic system, which is a natural defense mechanism with a complex structure. If the immune system is damaged as a result of a disease, nodular formations may appear on different parts of the body. In this case, the patient should know whether it is possible to warm the lymph nodes behind the ear and how to deal with this pathology with the help of drugs.
What is the lymphatic system?
One of the most important parts of the human body is the lymphatic system. It is tightly connected with general immunity. Nodular formations, or lymph nodes, are divided into subspecies, which are responsible for the proper functioning of different organs. They represent the basis of the entire lymphatic system of the human body. As a result of any malfunction, a timely reaction to the onset of infection does not occur, therefore, protective functions are reduced. A person becomes more vulnerable to various types of infections.
The lymphatic system, which functions normally, quickly detects pathological microflora, and the lymph nodes activate the production of immune cells - lymphocytes. They direct the main forces to eliminate the infection. After this, the inflamed lymph nodes gradually resolve, immunity is restored.
Types of disease
Doctors subdivide all inflammatory processes that occur in the lymphatic system and lead to the formation of nodes into two types:
- Lymphadenitis The inflammatory process in the tissues of the lymph node, which appeared due to the fact that pathological infections in any way enter the body.
- Lymphadenopathy This is a natural reaction of the lymphatic system to the fact that a minor infection has appeared in the body. This is a temporary phenomenon, it does not affect the lymph nodes themselves and does not lead to damage.
The strategy for the upcoming treatment of the lymph node behind the ear will depend on which type of pathology arose in this particular case. What to do next, the doctor will tell. Most often, immediate intervention requires lymphadenitis, a type such as lymphadenopathy, passes on its own. The type of disease can be determined using a comprehensive clinical examination.
Location and Dimensions
Formations such as lymph nodes can be located in different places of the body - under the armpits, in the groin, on the elbow bends. But most often they appear near the auricles. Lymph nodes formed in these places perform a protective function of the oral cavity, temporal and parietal parts of the head, and ENT organs. When there are formations behind the ear, the inflammatory process of these parts is often observed. When, after the diagnosis, the doctor determined whether there are lymph nodes on the earlobe , behind the auricle or not, their size and density are determined.
Formations located under the earlobe usually do not increase more than 3-5 mm, so it is especially difficult to probe them. When diagnosing, dynamics is very important. If the inflammatory process develops rapidly, then the size of the lymph node can reach 30 mm. However, such indicators are very rare and require individual consideration.
Causes of inflammation
Each specific case requires a detailed diagnosis and elucidation of the factors that influenced the appearance of the lymph node behind the ear. The reasons for this violation can be completely different. Infectious-inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and ENT organs are most often observed. These parts of the body are most vulnerable to the ingestion of pathogenic microorganisms. Because of this, lymphocytes begin enhanced reproduction, playing the role of a kind of protection.
Doctors say that this process is completely natural. Indeed, without this, the human immune system could not cope with serious diseases. The following factors lead to the appearance of painful and enlarged lymph nodes behind the ears:
- pharyngitis;
- flu;
- otitis;
- neglected caries;
- furunculosis of the ear;
- inflammatory diseases of the ear nerve;
- stomatitis;
- tonsillitis;
- sinusitis.
Even from this short list, we can conclude that pathology arises from the close interconnection of organs: ear - throat - nose. Sometimes nodular formations behind the ears appear due to sexually transmitted diseases, but in this case, inflammation of the entire lymphatic system is observed.
Infectious diseases that develop in the oral cavity can lead to the transition of the inflammatory process to other parts. Therefore, for any disease, you need to monitor the patient's condition, observing any changes. Pathology can occur for the most harmless reason. For example, in children, behind the ear lymph nodes are often found after acute viral diseases. In advanced cases, they pose a serious health hazard.
Symptoms
The inflammatory process in the area behind the ear can occur in different ways. The course of the disease depends on the causes and duration. Typically, acute inflammation becomes noticeable immediately due to the fact that it begins suddenly, accompanied by a noticeable visual growth of the node. Doctors fix the following symptoms:
- increase in body temperature;
- palpation pain;
- insomnia;
- aching pain in a calm state;
- throbbing tinnitus;
- loss of appetite;
- redness of the skin at the site of the lesion.
The last sign may indicate the presence of other diseases, so you need to consult a doctor to determine if there is a lymph node behind the ear. A photo taken the day before will help complement the clinical picture. Redness and pulsation of the skin at the site of the nodule indicates that a purulent process is developing. If time for treatment is missed, then this can lead to an abscess.
In some cases, the doctor checks if there is a lymph node behind the ear when there are no other symptoms. This suggests that, most likely, the disease has become chronic or there are additional pathologies.
Danger of disease
Ignoring the symptoms of pathology can lead to serious problems. Lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis are serious diseases that can be fatal if you do not use modern treatment. In some cases, these formations can disappear by themselves. This often happens after a flu or sore throat. However, it is still recommended that you seek medical advice and avoid self-medication.
When the doctor has determined whether there are lymph nodes behind the ear, you need to pay attention to additional symptoms. Sometimes a nodule appears as a complication after a long illness, so it’s better not to risk it, but trust the professionals. The following signs indicate an increased danger:
- impaired breathing function;
- severe drowsiness and weakness;
- the appearance of spots around the node;
- increased body temperature, which lasts more than 3-4 days;
- dizziness;
- gastrointestinal problems - vomiting and diarrhea.
If at least two symptoms from this list are found, then you must call an ambulance and contact a medical institution. Only there they can carry out the necessary tests and identify the root cause of inflammation.
Which doctor should I go to?
If it is not clear whether there is a lymph node behind the ear or this formation is of a completely different kind, then first you need to make an appointment with the therapist.
Recently, general practitioners have appeared in urban and rural polyclinics, who also perform an initial examination of the patient and then refer him, if necessary, to other specialists. After finding out the cause of the disease, the therapist or general practitioner will redirect the patient to a specialist who treats ENT organs.
Diagnosis of the disease
To make an accurate diagnosis and identify the etiology of the disease, it is necessary to carry out some activities. These include the study of symptoms and history taking. These operations are performed so that the doctor can compile for himself a complete picture of the disease. With their help, he will be able to compile for himself a list of disturbing symptoms and establish the cause of the inflammatory process.
Initially, a visual examination is performed when the doctor determines the location and size of the lymph node. With the help of palpation, a study is made of the degree of pain and the size of the formation. At the same time, a specialist can determine if there is a purulent process. Since the lymph nodes behind the ears are often associated with diseases of the organs of the hearing, the doctor examines the auricles and reveals if they have plugs, inflammation or furunculosis.
The next stage involves laboratory tests - they take blood for sugar, as well as for general, biochemical studies. Additionally, blood is donated for the presence of tumor markers and sexually transmitted diseases, if there is such a need. Additional diagnostics involves taking a urine and feces test to conduct a backseeding.
If the patient has a suspicion of oncology, then a puncture is performed - taking the material of the lymph node with a thin needle, under the supervision of an ultrasound machine. Lymphatic tissue is sent for further study, with the help of special devices the cellular composition is examined. Sometimes, to establish a dangerous diagnosis, an additional MRI is necessary. According to the results of tests and biopsies, additional therapy is prescribed aimed at neutralizing pathological cells.
Treatment methods
According to doctors, enlarged lymph nodes located behind the ear do not belong to an independent disease. Most often, they are caused by a complication of a disease, so education can be eliminated only by finding out the cause. In cases where lymphadenitis appeared due to a bacterial infection, antibacterial drugs that suppress the pathogen can be prescribed.
When the diagnosis of oncology is confirmed after a multilateral diagnosis and biopsy, the treatment will depend on factors such as species, specificity and stage. Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery may be used. Sometimes modern broad-spectrum immunomodulators help.
Drug therapy
The most common treatment for lymph nodes behind the ear is with modern antibiotics. The following groups belong to this type of medicines:
- macrolides;
- cephalosporin;
- tetracycline;
- penicillin.
These drugs act on individual subspecies of pathogenic microorganisms, so it is very important to establish which species caused the disease.
When the lymph nodes appear due to a viral infection, antiviral medications are prescribed. In this case, immunostimulants are especially effective, helping to strengthen the immune system in order to fight the infection. The following drugs have proven particularly good:
- "Kagocel";
- "Isoprinosine";
- "Arbidol";
- "Acipol";
- Cycloferon;
- Ingavirin.
After successful treatment, plant immunostimulants based on eleutherococcus and echinacea can be prescribed as prophylaxis. With sexually transmitted diseases, strong immunity boosting agents and active antibiotics are prescribed.
Is it possible to warm the lymph nodes behind the ear?
When a doctor prescribes treatment, he must indicate that it is not recommended to warm the lymph nodes behind the ear in both children and adults. If warming procedures are carried out, this is likely to lead to an exacerbation of the inflammatory process and to the further spread of infection in the body.
Toddler mothers would like to know if the lymph node has become inflamed behind the ear, is it possible to walk. Doctors advise in case of lymphadenitis to keep the inflamed nodule from the cold, trying to stay warm. Walking at this time is not recommended, but when you need to go down the street for examination, you can prevent hypothermia of the lymph node by putting a warm scarf around your neck.
If purulent lymphadenitis has been diagnosed, then the patient must know whether it is possible to warm the inflamed lymph nodes behind the ear or not. In no case should heating be done. Such actions can lead to blood poisoning due to the fact that pathogenic bacteria accumulated in the lymph node begin to multiply intensively. And after the spread of pathological microorganisms with blood flow, other body systems can be affected.
Folk methods
If the process is in the initial stage, then alternative methods of treatment can be used. However, they must be previously agreed with the attending physician. All folk remedies that have proven themselves positively aimed at removing edema and strengthening immunity. They can be divided into external and internal. External includes applying compresses of the following components:
- nettles;
- boiled onions;
- St. John's wort
- yarrow.
It must be borne in mind that these ingredients must have room temperature so as not to overheat the formation behind the ear. Internal methods of treatment include strengthening decoctions and infusions. A good effect for the body gives the reception of infusions from:
- echinacea;
- birch leaf;
- fir;
- licorice.
Conclusion
In order to prevent the further development of inflammation, you need to contact a doctor immediately after the first signs and symptoms have been noticed. After examination, he will conclude and say whether the lymph node behind the ear can become inflamed. The hospital will be fully diagnosed and the cause that led to the disease will be established. If you delay with the examination, then the risk of complications increases.