Reactive lymphadenitis is one of the components of the general chain of pathological changes that are almost asymptomatic. A reactive disorder in the lymph nodes is considered the initial manifestation of a particular disease, the first symptom of the body struggling with the infectious process.
For example, with a latent latent form of tuberculosis, the pathogen can remain in an inactive stage for quite a long time. It can be neutralized by its own protective forces without causing any harm to a person.
However, due to a number of negative influences, latent infection can suddenly become active. Then, with a high probability, the lymph nodes are the first to take the blow as part of the immune system.
Reasons for the development of this pathology
The following factors can provoke the occurrence of reactive lymphadenitis:
- The inflammatory process is chronic.
- Decreased immunity.
- Frequent colds.
- Hypothermia.
- Long stay in a poorly ventilated area.
- Lack of sunlight.
- Chronic emotional stress, severe stress.
- Inadequate nutrition, mono-diet.
- Excessive overwork.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Avitaminosis.
- Bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse).
Often reactive lymphadenitis develops in children under five due to immature immunity, as a reaction to any inflammatory focus in the body of the child, which may be rhinitis, otitis media and respiratory viral pathologies.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
Reactive inflammation of the lymph nodes is a concomitant symptom of a pathological process. The following pathogenic agents provoke its occurrence:
- viruses (herpes, flu);
- bacteria (staphylococcus, streptococcus, etc.);
- mycotic microorganisms (dermatomycetes, candida);
- parasites (toxoplasmas).
Often the localization of inflamed lymph nodes indicates a specific pathological process in the same area, that is, they are located near the inflammatory focus.
Signs and symptoms of this pathological condition
The initial sign of the development of reactive lymphadenitis is reactive lymphadenopathy, which can be manifested by an increase in various numbers of lymph nodes and their slight soreness. Left unattended, such a pathological process begins to be aggravated by lymphadenitis, and it can be recognized by the following clinical signs:
- swelling of the lymph nodes, their increase in size;
- soreness of the lymph glands with pressure and palpation;
- swelling and redness of the skin over the affected lymph nodes;
- the nodes are not connected to the skin and to each other, to the touch they are solid, dense.
Depending on the factors that provoked the development of non-specific reactive lymphadenitis, it may be accompanied by such manifestations:
- excessive weakness;
- low-grade or fever;
- cephalgia;
- sleep disturbance;
- rhinitis;
- cough.
If a severe pain syndrome occurs in the area of one lymph node or a group of them, hyperthermia of more than 38.5 ° C, rapid heartbeat and breathing (symptoms of purulent lymphadenitis), it is urgent to consult a specialist.
In reactive lymphadenopathy after treatment of the underlying disease, the condition of the lymph nodes is always normalized independently. However, if the primary cause of the development of the pathological phenomenon remains without appropriate treatment, the process may be complicated by inflammation of the lymph glands themselves. In this case, there can be an overgrowth of lymphoid tissue, with the occurrence of reactive hyperplasia in the nodes and a pronounced violation of their functionality, which can provoke their suppuration or the spread of infection to neighboring tissues and the whole organism.
Diseases that may be accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes:
- tuberculosis;
- angina;
- caries, stomatitis;
- mastitis;
- AIDS;
- enterocolitis;
- syphilis;
- pathology of the genitourinary system;
- flu;
- sinusitis;
- otitis;
- adenoiditis in a child;
- Bubonic plague;
- teething in infants.
Varieties of this pathology
Acute and chronic types of the disease are distinguished by the duration and severity of the course. The first develops in the form of a reaction to the ingestion of an infection. The chronic form of lymphadenitis occurs most often in the case of chronic pathologies. In this case, the lymph nodes are only slightly enlarged, and their soreness may be absent.
Depending on the cause that provoked the development of the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes, reactive lymphadenitis (according to ICD-10, this ailment passes through code R59 until an accurate diagnosis is established) is non-specific and specific. The latter is the most dangerous and more difficult to treat, since it is caused by serious infectious agents (tuberculosis, syphilis, plague). Non-specific is most often with colds and SARS and is easily treated with the elimination of the underlying pathology.
Purulent, serous and simple lymphadenitis are distinguished depending on the cellular structure of the inflamed lymph node. Serous develops with the viral course of the disease or with cancer, purulent - with the bacterial nature of the development of inflammation. The purulent form of lymphadenitis is especially dangerous, since an abscess or phlegmon can develop.
Depending on the location, reactive cervical lymphadenitis, axillary, inguinal and other types of pathology are distinguished.
Lymphadenitis in children
Reactive lymphadenitis in a child is a disease in which inflammatory damage to the lymph nodes occurs, regardless of their location. This pathology always acts as a secondary ailment, which is the response of the immune system to other pathological processes that occur in it.
In children, this type of disease develops much more often than in adults. This is due to the fact that the child’s immunity is not yet sufficiently developed to actively deal with certain diseases. And often the lymph nodes even respond to a common cold. The most common site for the localization of reactive lymphadenitis in children is the neck, armpit, nape and groin.
Cervical lymphadenitis
The clinical manifestations of inflammation in the body may vary depending on the factors that provoked it. As a rule, the inflammatory process in the cervical lymph nodes develops as a result of the penetration of pathological bacteria into the body. In most cases, cervical lymphadenitis causes the multiplication of streptococcus and staphylococcus. An increase and soreness of the lymph nodes of the neck are observed with the following diseases:
- SARS, flu;
- tonsillitis, tonsillitis, glossitis;
- advanced caries, periodontitis with pulpitis.
Axillary lymphadenitis
This localization of lymphadenitis is observed with infection with streptococcus, Escherichia coli or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, pneumococcus or diplococcus. However, there are several transmission routes: hematogenous, lymphogenous, and contact.
Diseases that contribute to the development of axillary reactive lymphadenitis:
- tuberculosis;
- brucellosis;
- syphilis;
- tularemia;
- actinomycosis;
- inflammatory diseases of the mucous membranes and skin;
- furunculosis, eczema;
- blood diseases;
- oncological pathologies;
- HIV infection, AIDS.
Diagnostic measures for the development of this pathology
With an increase and soreness of the lymph nodes, it is recommended to consult a therapist. This doctor can refer the patient to narrower specialists: a urologist, gynecologist, dentist, gastroenterologist, infectious disease specialist, mammologist or surgeon.
With reactive lymphadenitis, the following laboratory tests are necessary to determine the cause of the disease:
- general tests of urine and blood;
- blood test for syphilis, viral hepatitis, HIV;
- bacteriological examination of urine and blood;
- tumor markers;
- blood for hormones;
- blood biochemistry;
- cytological analysis of discharge from the urethra, vagina;
- puncture of the lymph node with cytological examination.
The list of instrumental diagnostic methods includes:
- X-ray
- computed tomogram;
- gastroduodenoscopy;
- bronchoscopy;
- sigmoidoscopy.
Treatment of the disease in children and adults
How to treat reactive lymphadenitis? This is a common question. We will examine it in more detail.
Reactive inflammation of the lymph nodes is the initial sign of many diseases. Accordingly, therapy should be based on the elimination of the underlying pathology and the focus of infection.
Select a treatment regimen should be a qualified specialist.
If the bacterial flora is an infectious agent of the inflammatory process, antibiotic therapy is used. Fungal infections are also treated with appropriate antimycotic drugs, such as Fluconazole, Orungal, etc.
To combat viral diseases effective antiviral medications - "Interferon", "Kagocel", "Remantadin" and others. Antibacterial, antiprotozoal and anthelmintic drugs are successfully used against parasitic infections. Treatment of reactive lymphadenitis should be comprehensive and timely.