Axillary lymphadenitis is a disease accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the axillary region. It is worth noting that such a disease requires medical attention, since otherwise suppuration of both the node itself and the surrounding tissues is possible.
Axillary lymphadenitis: causes
It's no secret that the human lymphatic system is primarily responsible for protecting against pathogenic bacteria, fungi and viruses. Therefore, most often axillary lymphadenitis is the result of the activity of a particular type of infection.
As a rule, inflammation of the lymph nodes appears against the background of diseases of the respiratory system, including tonsillitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and tuberculosis. By the way, carious teeth can also be a source of infection.
Much less often, pathogenic microorganisms directly enter the lymph nodes. Often, infection occurs in the presence of scratches, wounds and abrasions on the skin of the armpits. Sometimes the inflammatory process appears after a severe injury to the lymph node.
Axillary lymphadenitis: photos and symptoms
At the initial stages of the disease, the clinical picture may not be too clear. Sick people notice only slight discomfort during hand movements. The enlarged lymph node can be felt independently - it is slightly enlarged and hard to the touch.
In the absence of therapy, the disease passes into a serous form, which is accompanied by the further development of the inflammatory process and the accumulation of serous fluid inside the affected node. At the same time, the skin in the axillary region swells and acquires a reddish tint, and it is already impossible to feel the lymph node. The surface of the skin is hot to the touch, and every movement is given away by severe pain.
In the future, the appearance of a purulent process is possible. With this condition, the inflammatory process extends to neighboring tissues, affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Often under the skin of the patient, large ulcers can be noticed. Axillary lymphadenitis is accompanied by severe pain, fever, general weakness, and lack of appetite.
The accumulation of pus is fraught with dangerous complications, in particular, the formation of fistulas. That is why it is so important to seek medical help on time.
Axillary lymphadenitis: treatment methods
Of course, the treatment regimen in this case depends on the severity of the disease. Mild inflammation is usually treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. In addition, it is extremely important to detect the primary source of infection, since its elimination will help to get rid of lymphadenitis faster and prevent further complications.
The serous form also means taking antibiotics. In addition, special anti-inflammatory drugs are used throughout the treatment. For example, experts recommend regular cold compresses with decoctions of herbs or Vishnevsky ointment.
Axillary lymphadenitis sometimes requires surgery. In particular, the operation is performed in the presence of large abscesses and boils down to purification of tissues from purulent masses.