Lymph nodes are the main part of a single lymphatic system that permeates, cleanses and protects the human body from external influences. Therefore, the lymph nodes instantly respond to inflammatory or tumor processes in the body. Sometimes there is an independent inflammation of the lymph nodes, which poses a serious danger to health and life.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are possible as a result of lymphadenitis. The disease manifests itself in the form of an increase in lymph nodes and their painful condition. This occurs as a result of complications of purulent-inflammatory diseases (tonsillitis) that develop in the body. Inflammation is a signal to see a doctor.
The causes of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can vary. In the first place, inflammation occurs when lesions by purulent microorganisms (staphylococci, streptococci, etc.), decay products of tissues and cells, purulent foci, toxins. The primary focus of infection may be inflammation of the tonsils or other organ. It must be borne in mind that microorganisms, along with toxins, enter the lymph nodes through the lymphatic or blood vessels. Microbes can also enter the lymph node in case of direct organ injury. In this case, we can say that lymphadenitis is the primary disease.
A single increase in the lymph node in the neck, not accompanied by pain, without fever and progressive growth, is not a sign of the disease. This only indicates the increased activity of this organ.
Today, lymphadenitis is divided into specific and nonspecific, purulent, non-purulent, acute, chronic.
Nonspecific enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes is caused by staphylococci, streptococci and other microorganisms that lead to the formation of pus. Together with toxins, microbes enter the lymph nodes. Acute lymphadenitis is characterized by an increase, soreness of the lymph nodes, a deterioration in the general condition of the patient, the occurrence of headache, weakness, and fever.
With non-purulent lymphadenitis, there is an increase in lymph nodes in the neck, which become painful, more dense, but without redness of the skin and without adhesions with surrounding tissues. With a purulent form over the lymph nodes, redness of the skin occurs, they merge with the surrounding tissues and become almost motionless. A person's body temperature rises, severe headaches occur and tachycardia is felt.
Pathogens of tuberculosis, syphilis, plague and other infectious diseases can cause specific inflammations. Diagnosis of this complex form is carried out by a thorough examination with the help of punctures of the affected lymph nodes and x-ray studies.
To treat an increase in lymph nodes in the neck, they begin after determining the exact stage of the disease, as well as a type of lymphadenitis. At the initial stage, the main focus of infection, which causes inflammation, is treated. With a purulent form, phlegmon is performed , opening of abscesses, drainage of dangerous ulcers. At the same time, UHF therapy, antibiotics and a sparing regimen are prescribed.
In chronic forms, it is required to eliminate the inflammation in the human body as quickly as possible, which becomes a recurrent sluggish character. After determining the diagnosis, depending on the degree of damage to the lymph nodes, first-level drugs can be prescribed, and treatment can last about a year. Streptomycin is injected into the infected nodes, and with purulent processes, antibiotics of a wide range of action are required.
As a supplement to traditional methods of treatment, folk remedies are used: tincture of echinacea, green jadeite, Canadian yellow root powder, which help relieve symptoms and alleviate the patient's condition.