The lymphatic system of the human body is considered one of the most complex. Lymph nodes are continuously in the process of producing microphages. It becomes a kind of barrier that protects a person from the penetration of infections that enter the body naturally (for example, with diseases of the nasopharynx) or against the background of injuries to the skin.
If the human immune system could not resist the development of pathogenic microflora, then there is a certain reaction in the form of inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear. When a tumor forms in this area, it is quite easy to determine by touch on its own. It is worth noting that the inflamed focus can cause serious discomfort or not at all create unpleasant sensations.
If we talk about what to do if the lymph node behind the ear becomes inflamed, then first of all it is necessary to determine the causes of the ailment. When there is a risk of the spread of infection, such a condition can lead to rather serious consequences. In addition, you need to understand that lymph is responsible for the transfer of enzymes, many useful substances and the removal of bacteria. Therefore, problems with this zone must be solved as soon as possible.
Why behind the ear lymph nodes are inflamed
To begin with, the human body contains about 600 nodes of the lymphatic system, the size of each of them rarely exceeds 50 mm. Moreover, they can be of the most diverse form (oval, circle, bean, etc.). Behind the ear, the lymph nodes pass near the vein. If a person is completely healthy, then these nodules are not felt to the touch. Serious problems may occur if a certain seal and inflammation are found, requiring qualified assistance.
When experts note the reasons why the lymph node behind the ear in a child or an adult has become inflamed, then most often they are isolated against the background of the following conditions:
- Inflammatory diseases occurring in the ears. Most often, otitis media is referred to such ailments.
- The development of inflammation in the oropharynx of a person. If an adult or a child has an inflamed lymph node behind the ear, then it is likely that the patient is suffering from laryngitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, or stomatitis. Pulpitis and even normal caries also lead to similar symptoms.
- Fungal infections that affect the scalp. As a rule, with such pathologies, a person suffers from severe itching and hair loss.
- Seasonal colds.
- Infectious diseases. These include rubella, chickenpox, and mumps.
- Purulent rashes that were caused by the activity of streptococci.
- Neuritis, in the event that the doctor diagnosed inflammatory processes affecting the peripheral nerves, which are located directly in the human ear.
As a rule, with such pathologies, the lymph nodes are enlarged, but do not hurt or suppurate. Usually, after eliminating the cause of the swelling, the symptoms completely disappear. However, if a person experiences severe pain and notes that the lymph nodes are very hot, then with a high probability it can be assumed that the patient suffers from purulent processes.
If there is pus
In such situations, we are talking about lymphadenitis. In this case, patients note that they have not only increased the lymph node behind the ear, but also significantly increase body temperature (up to 38 degrees or more). This leads to poor appetite, severe headaches and general weakness. To a more neglected extent, noticeable ulcers appear around the lymph nodes.
As a rule, this symptomatology is observed if conditionally pathogenic bacteria and even some types of intracellular parasites affect the body. Lymphadenitis develops due to streptococci, staphylococci, chlamydia, Escherichia coli, etc.
If the child has a lymph node behind the ear and the temperature rises, then you should immediately consult a specialist. Such ailments at a young age can lead to quite serious complications in adulthood, so you should not risk it.
Standard symptoms
The first alarming signs of the onset of the inflammatory process are pain during palpation and a noticeable increase in behind-the-ear zones. As mentioned earlier, when the size of the lymph nodes is normal, it is impossible to determine them by touch. If behind the ears there are swelling or noticeable redness, then this is the first signal that it is time to start worrying. Nodules that are much hotter than the rest of the skin should also be alerted.
Symptoms of Lymphadenitis
With a more advanced stage of the disease, the patient additionally begins to complain about:
- frequent headaches and a sharp deterioration in overall health;
- very intense fever;
- problems with sleep and appetite;
- congestion and soreness of the ear.
This pathology is difficult to confuse with other ailments. Self-medication should be practiced only after visiting a doctor and only if it is in a condition if pus does not stand out from the ear. Otherwise, there is a risk of bringing the situation to an abscess. If inflammation reaches the lining of the brain, then there is a danger of the most sad outcome. In addition, the blood flow very quickly begins to spread the infection throughout the body. Against this background, the performance of the most important systems or organs may be impaired.
Sometimes an inflamed lymph node behind the ear becomes the result of respiratory illness, otitis media, or flu. In this case, it is necessary to cure the primary ailment. After this, the lymph nodes themselves will return to normal. In some cases, you can get by with traditional medicine recipes. However, if we are talking about a more advanced stage, in which pus is formed, then most likely the doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics. In addition, experts often recommend taking medications of a general strengthening effect and anti-inflammatory drugs.
It is worth noting that if the child has a lymph node behind the ear, the panic is not worth it. Such ailments are most often diagnosed in children. The main thing is to know how to properly treat this pathology.
Treatment features
Deciding what to do if the lymph node behind the ear is inflamed is best left to the doctor. Treatment can vary greatly depending on what stage the disease is at, whether pus is present, etc. Based on this, a specialist can prescribe:
- Antibacterial drugs (cephalosporins or penicillins). Such remedies help to quickly remove inflammation and eliminate the infection.
- Antiallergic drugs. Thanks to the drugs of this group, it is possible to quickly remove puffiness and reduce inflammation.
- Painkillers. Such funds are prescribed in those situations when the behind-the-ear lymph nodes are strongly inflamed and cause acute pain.
- Vitamin complexes and immunomodulatory agents. They help to improve the protective function of the human body. Particular attention should be paid to vitamin C. It helps the body withstand infectious ailments. Also, this vitamin accelerates recovery.
Determining what to do if the lymph node behind the ear becomes inflamed, a specialist can also prescribe physiotherapeutic procedures. These primarily include UHF and electrophoresis.
If serious purulent formations are found, the intervention of a surgeon may be required. In such situations, it is necessary to cut the lymph node and clean it of the resulting masses. For this, a special solution of antiseptic action is used. After this, the lymph node is sutured, but for several days a drainage is inserted into the incision, which is necessary to remove residual purulent masses, as well as effusion. However, the doctor decides to resort to surgical intervention only if conservative treatment methods are completely ineffective.
When deciding what to do if the lymph node behind the ear becomes inflamed, many people prefer traditional medicine. However, it must be remembered that such therapy is allowed only if it complements the standard treatment with medications prescribed by a doctor. Use only unconventional methods is not worth it. There are several options for how to treat lymph nodes at home. Let's consider them one by one.
Carrots and beets
Such a fortified drink will help alleviate the condition of the patient. To prepare it, you need to wash and peel one carrot and beetroot. After that, root crops need to be grated or grinded in a blender. The resulting slurry is placed in gauze and squeezed. Ready juice is recommended to drink half a glass once a day.
Nettle
Based on this herb, you can prepare a medicinal infusion. To do this, just take a spoonful of dried nettle leaves, chop them and pour 250 ml of boiling water. After this, the liquid is brought to a boil and infused for about 15 minutes. When the infusion is slightly cooled, you can strain it and drink half a glass before breakfast, lunch and dinner.
If we are talking about treating the lymph node behind the ear in a child, then the child may not like the rather specific taste of the medicine. To remedy the situation, some add a little natural honey to the liquid. However, doctors do not recommend giving nettles to children. If we are talking about a child, then it is better for him to prepare the next medicine.
Oat milk
To prepare this homemade drug you need to buy 1 liter of enough fat milk and cook a handful of oatmeal. After this, the liquid is brought to a boil and oats are added to it. The fire must be reduced and hold the medicinal decoction on the stove for 35-40 minutes. After this, the liquid cools down a little and is poured into glasses. In each of them, you can add a spoonful of honey. Children (depending on age) should be given half or a third of a glass three times a day. For adults, the dose is increased.
Aloe
For the preparation of a medicine, a plant that is at least two years old is suitable. Use the lower leaves of aloe. After grinding, about 150 ml of juice can be squeezed out of them.
The resulting liquid is poured into a glass of natural honey. After that, 2 incomplete glasses of Cahors are added to it. The resulting medicine is infused for 5 days in a dark and rather cool place. After this time, it is recommended to drink the tincture one tablespoon before a meal.
This product is allowed to be given to children, but only over 6 years old. Do not forget that the drug includes alcohol, so you should be careful or completely abandon such treatment.
Dandelion flowers
This is another therapeutic infusion that will help reduce inflammation in the ears. To prepare the drug, you need to boil 250 ml of water and add a spoonful of dried flowers of this plant to it. After that, the grass boils for 5 minutes and infuses in a warm place for half an hour. You need to take the medicine three times a day before (preferably 15-20 minutes) each meal.
Jade
Compresses using this green stone will help relieve inflammation. In order to alleviate their condition, it is recommended for 10 minutes (or more) to apply jadeitis to an inflamed place. However, a stone can only help if it is a minor pain.
Celandine
Using this herb, you can also prepare therapeutic compresses. To do this, collect several tops of celandine, wash and pass through a meat grinder or blender. The resulting slurry is mixed with the same volume of medical alcohol and left in a dark place for 1 hour.
After this, you need to cut a small piece of gauze, moisten it in hot water and dip it into the prepared infusion. Next, thin tissue is applied to the affected area, where there is the greatest inflammation of the lymph node. On top of the gauze is covered with a piece of cellophane and a warm woolen cloth. With a compress, you must walk for at least five hours. Therefore, it is better to cook it at night and remove it in the morning.
Is it dangerous to heat the lymph nodes
Some recipes of alternative medicine suggest heating the inflamed area. However, doctors strongly recommend not to carry out such procedures if pus began to accumulate in the lymph nodes, especially when it comes to young children. The fact is that warming procedures provoke even more inflammation. Against this background, the infection begins to spread faster throughout the human body, because of which his condition only worsens. In the most severe cases, blood poisoning occurs.
However, at the initial stage, warming procedures are allowed. Inflamed nodes can be covered with a woolen scarf.