Cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in a chronic or acute form. Cervical localization manifests itself almost immediately in the form of typical symptoms, which makes possible the timely start of therapy and, accordingly, a quick recovery.
Most often, cervical lymphadenitis occurs against a background of a disease of the oral cavity, which can be caused by infection with microorganisms, viruses, or bacteria. A distant purulent focus can also be a prerequisite for lymphadenitis.
Causes of Lymphadenitis
Quite often, inflammation of the lymph nodes is preceded by a process of suppuration in the face. Staphylococci and streptococci are the most common causative agents of the disease. Depending on the cause of the occurrence, lymphadenitis is divided into specific and non-specific.
The cause of specific lymphadenitis can be severe infectious diseases, such as diphtheria, tuberculosis and others. A non-specific form of the disease occurs due to direct infection in the lymph node. This can happen through a wound in the neck.
The risk group for cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) includes patients with a weakened immune system, children often working with infectious diseases, adults working with animals, land and dirty water. Most cases occur in patients over 18 years of age.
Provocative factors
There are several factors that determine the risk of a disease:
- infectious disease of the nasopharynx and oral cavity;
- disorders of the endocrine system, including the thyroid gland;
- AIDS virus;
- an allergic reaction with complications;
- pathology of the metabolic process;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) is not contagious, it is a secondary process that occurs as a complication of a viral or bacterial infection. Depending on concomitant diseases, the treatment of lymphadenitis is carried out by an otolaryngologist, infectious disease specialist, surgeon, etc.
At the initial stage, lymphadenitis manifests itself in an acute form, gradually turning into a chronic stage. Sometimes at the introductory stage, the symptoms of the disease do not appear. It depends on the state of immunity of the patient.
Kinds
Types of cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) are presented below:
- nonspecific inflammation occurs when a fungal or viral infection enters the lymph node, is easier to treat, less likely to lead to complications;
- specific inflammation is a sign of severe pathology, including tuberculosis, syphilis, typhoid fever and plague
In this case, the diagnosis is already at the stage of the chronic course. There are several stages of the disease in acute form:
- Serous . It does not cause intoxication and severe fever. The initial stage of penetration of a harmful microorganism into the lymph node.
- Purulent . Indicates bacteria infection. It is accompanied by high temperature and requires surgical intervention.
- Complicated . It requires emergency surgical intervention, as it can lead to infection of the whole body.
The course of the non-specific form of cervical lymphadenitis (ICD code 10 - L04) is characterized by the spread of viruses and fungi through the lymph node. This form lends itself well to therapy and rarely causes complications. The spread of the disease to other lymph nodes can lead to the development of a severe pathology called generalized lymphadenitis.
Signs of Cervical Lymphadenitis
Common symptoms indicating lymphadenitis are:
- an increase in temperature in the acute stage of the course of the disease;
- sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, weakness;
- neurological disorders, apathy, dizziness, migraines;
- intoxication.
At the beginning of acute cervical lymphadenitis (ICD code 10 - L04), lymph nodes become denser and enlarged. Palpation is painful. This is considered a serous stage and requires medical attention. Otherwise, the disease will progress and become chronic.
Signs that characterize the chronic form of lymphadenitis are:
- swelling of the lymph nodes;
- increase in body temperature;
- drowsiness, general malaise, sleep disturbance;
- slight pain on palpation.
At the stage of the chronic course of lymphadenitis of the cervical lymph nodes (ICD 10 - L04), the symptoms become unexpressed. This is due to the fact that the body reduces the amount of resources that is spent on fighting the disease and gets used to the existing condition. As a result, the body is intoxicated with decay products and areas that have undergone necrosis.
Purulent tissue damage leads to an increase in the external manifestations of the disease and as a result quickly worsens. The purulent stage is indicated by pulsation and severe pain, as well as severe swelling of the lymph nodes. This condition is considered life threatening and requires immediate intervention.
Diagnostic Methods
How is cervical lymphadenitis detected (ICD 10 - L04)? During the examination, a specialist palpates the affected lymph nodes, as well as the surrounding tissues, to determine the cause of the disease. A general blood test will give information about the presence of an inflammatory process, accompanied by an increase in the number of lymphocytes.
If lymphadenitis is diagnosed without concomitant complications, immediate treatment is required. If the doctor observes changes in other organs and systems, an additional examination is required, including such tests:
- general and biochemical blood analysis;
- a study on the histology of the material of the lymph node through puncture;
- X-ray examination of the chest (performed with suspected tuberculosis);
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, if the cause of the inflammatory process has not been established;
- blood test for immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis.
Regardless of the stage of the disease, visiting a doctor is a strictly mandatory procedure. Exacerbation of lymphadenitis can occur at any time.
Treatment
Purulent cervical lymphadenitis (ICD 10 - L04) is treated exclusively by surgery. The focus is opened, the contents are removed, the wound is treated and drained. After this, symptomatic therapy is performed. Conservative treatment is carried out depending on the factor that caused the disease. Most often prescribed analgesics, restorative drugs and anti-inflammatory drugs. During remission, physiotherapy is allowed.
Preventative measures
As for prevention, it is necessary to immediately treat purulent and inflammatory diseases that occur in the chest and face. Since the disease can occur against the background of infection of the oral cavity, you should regularly visit the dentist for preventive purposes.
In addition, the prevention of lymphadenitis involves the intake of vitamin-mineral complexes, timely treatment of scratches and wounds on the skin, as well as the treatment of abscesses, boils, etc. It is unacceptable to treat lymphadenitis at home. Inflamed lymph nodes can not be heated or compresses applied to them!