Unfortunately, lymphadenitis in children is diagnosed quite often. Such a disease is accompanied by inflammation of a lymph node, which leads to a deterioration in well-being and the development of a purulent process. It is extremely important to seek medical help on time, since at the later stages of the development of the disease, surgical intervention is necessary.
Lymphadenitis in children: causes
In fact, the cause of inflammation is most often a bacterial infection. Of course, pathogenic microorganisms can enter from the external environment. However, in most cases, the source of infection is other foci of chronic inflammation in the body. In particular, lymphadenitis in children occurs against the background of gingivitis, rhinitis, in the presence of carious teeth.
The initial (or serous) stage of the disease is accompanied by the accumulation of serous fluid in the cavities of the lymph nodes. Subsequently, dead bodies of lymphocytes and macrophages are delayed there. Thus, a purulent process begins, which is already much more dangerous for the health of patients. The most severe form of the disease is accompanied by the spread of inflammation to surrounding tissues. In such cases, we are talking about adenophlegmon.
Lymphadenitis in children: the main symptoms
The disease usually begins with an increase in body temperature to 38-40 degrees. In this case, the child suffers from symptoms of intoxication: there is the appearance of weakness, dizziness, constant drowsiness, loss of appetite. At the same time, the lymph nodes greatly increase in size - they can be easily felt under the skin.
In the absence of therapy, the disease becomes purulent. In this case, the tissues around the affected node swell, become more dense and painful. If the purulent process passes to the surrounding areas, then the skin in this place turns red and becomes hot to the touch.
In any case, lymphadenitis in children requires medical attention. The absence of treatment is fraught with an independent rupture of the abscess, in which a fistula is formed, and purulent contents spread to neighboring tissues. In some cases, the disease becomes chronic, which is also dangerous.
How to treat lymphadenitis in children?
As a rule, a small patient requires round-the-clock monitoring, therefore treatment is most often carried out in a hospital setting. Naturally, a complete examination of the body is necessary to begin with. It is imperative to detect the source of the infection and eliminate it. For example, you need to get rid of tooth decay or cure a runny nose.
Lymphadenitis in children requires symptomatic therapy. Most often antibiotics are used here - it can be skin ointments, tablets, injectable solutions. Children can be prescribed anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs, which will greatly alleviate the symptoms. Warm compresses on the skin from Vishnevsky ointment will be useful.
In the most severe cases, when the purulent process has managed to spread to neighboring structures, surgical intervention is required. During the operation, the doctor opens the abscess and thoroughly cleans the tissue from pus residues.