The submandibular lymph nodes act as a natural barrier to pathogens trying to enter the body. In normal condition, their size does not exceed 5 mm. With its increase, there is a violation of the normal functioning of the body, primarily the ENT organs and the oral cavity, as well as the cervical region.
The concept of lymph nodes
They relate to the immune system of the human body. Contribute to the outflow of lymph, which is a transparent liquid that resembles blood plasma in its composition, but does not have its shaped elements, in particular platelets and red blood cells. Moreover, it has many macrophages and lymphocytes, which absorb and destroy foreign objects for the human body. They are the first to respond to the dynamics of its functioning. With a disease of pharyngitis or tonsillitis, the submandibular lymph nodes begin to be clearly palpated.
Lymph node classification
The lymphatic system contains in addition to the lymph nodes the duct and blood vessels. Depending on their location, the former are divided into the following regional groups:
- submandibular;
- chin;
- parotid;
- mastoid;
- occipital.
Many people believe that the first and second species are one and the same. But actually it is not. The following signs are characteristic of submental lymph nodes:
- lymph drainage is carried out in the lateral cervical lymph nodes ;
- lymph is collected from various tissues of the lower lip and chin;
- mostly not palpated;
- placed in the subcutaneous tissue of the chin;
- they can be from 1 to 8.
Submandibular lymph nodes have the following symptoms:
- lymphatic drainage is carried out in the same way;
- lymph is collected from the upper, lower lips, salivary glands, palatine tonsils, palate, cheeks, tongue, nose;
- palpation is often detected;
- located in the submaxillary tissue in the form of a triangle located behind the submandibular salivary gland in front;
- their number is from 6 to 8.
The process of passage of lymph through the body contributes to its constant purification.
Lymph node function
All such formations, including submandibular ones, are characterized by many functions performed. Among them are the following:
- contribute to the release of metabolites;
- remove pathogens from the body;
- facilitate the transport of electrolytes and proteins from surrounding tissues into the blood;
- delay metastases;
- contribute to the maturation of leukocytes;
- give a timely response to antigens that enter the body;
- are a natural filter for the body;
- outflow of lymph to the peripheral veins from the tissues.
Normal submandibular lymph nodes
In the normal state of the body, a person does not feel their presence. They in this position can be described by the following characteristics:
- local temperature is equal to that in the body;
- the skin under the jaw is pale pink;
- palpation does not cause discomfort;
- they are not fused with subcutaneous tissue;
- have a clear outline;
- homogeneous with an elastic and soft consistency;
- painless;
- their size does not exceed 5 mm.
Often there is a situation when the submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged. This indicates the presence of pathology in the body. Children, due to the fact that they do not have contact with pathogens from an early age, often cannot grope for lymph nodes. As various viruses attack, they become more dense. Therefore, palpation in people who often suffer from infectious diseases is easier than people in whom the body has increased immunity.
Causes of an increase in submandibular lymph nodes
If the body alone can not cope with the antigens that attack it, then various pathogens begin to accumulate in the lymph nodes, which leads to the inflammatory process.
The submandibular nodes are enlarged with the following diseases:
- lymphoreticulosis, toxoplasmosis;
- rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, AIDS, HIV;
- tumors, lipomas, atheromas, tooth cysts;
- leukemia, lymphoma, lymphocytic leukemia;
- a wound that got an infection located in the jaw area;
- chickenpox, scarlet fever, measles, mumps;
- various dental diseases: condition after tooth extraction, inflammation of the salivary glands, purulent abscess of teeth, caries, alveolitis;
- sinusitis, otitis media, laryngitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis.
This list is not exhaustive. Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes can be observed for other reasons. Sometimes an increase occurs without the last described process. In this case, they talk about a disease called lymphadenopathy.
In this case, the node:
- not soldered to fiber;
- has increased dimensions;
- painless;
- the skin is not changed.
Inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes, accompanied by their increase, is called lymphadenitis. It appears as a result of the action of bacterial toxins. In this case, general intoxication of the body may be noted, for which the following condition is inherent:
- increase in body temperature;
- redness of the skin in the area of the node;
- conglomerate formation;
- dense consistency;
- painful sensations;
- cohesion with nearby tissues.
Thus, pain is a secondary symptom in the submandibular lymph node. The causes must be sought for primary, in order to neutralize them, after which the increase and inflammatory processes in the nodes under consideration will pass by themselves.
Symptoms
When the submandibular lymph node is inflamed, the same symptoms are observed that were described above: pain on palpation (with the possibility of recoil in the ears), fever, redness of the skin, the acquisition of a dense consistency, an increase in size.
The more the infection spreads throughout the body, the more signs of pain appear. There is swelling, suppuration of the lymph nodes, as a result of which the lower jaw becomes weakly mobile.
If submandibular lymph nodes hurt, this indicates that the disease is progressing. The general condition of the patient is deteriorating.
Started is the stage at which suppuration is noted. If urgent measures are not taken during this period, breakouts can occur, which can lead to blood poisoning, and this, in turn, can lead to serious consequences for the body, including death.
Diagnostics
If submandibular lymph nodes hurt, then the patient must pass:
- blood for a detailed analysis to determine the processes of inflammation, including venous, to determine infectious and sexually transmitted diseases;
- seeding on the sensitivity of pathogens to various antibiotics during the separation or accumulation of pus in the organs under consideration;
- CT scan to determine the presence of tumors;
- radiography to determine the condition of the patient’s chest;
- biopsy for histological examination of the potential development of cancer cells.
Treatment
It should be, first of all, aimed at curing the focus of the disease. In some cases, it is possible to use independent forms of drug and surgical treatment, as well as the use of folk remedies.
If there is an increase in submandibular lymph nodes, then the doctor prescribes antibiotics. As a rule, the following are their quality:
- "Cefuroxime";
- Amoxiclav;
- Clindamycin;
- Cephalexin.
With inflammation caused by diseases of the throat, soda-salt solutions for rinsing can be used. As an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and astringent drug, Burov's fluid can be used.
Surgical intervention is performed when the lymph nodes rot. An incision is made in the capsule into which the catheter is inserted, after which the pus is removed.
Folk remedies in the presence of abscess infections are unsafe to use. Therefore, you must consult a doctor. If such processes do not develop, you can apply gauze dressings at night with an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes to them, soaked in echinacea alcohol tincture. They can be taken orally. To achieve the required concentration of 0.5 cups of water, 30 drops of this tincture are diluted, the solution is taken 2-3 times a day.
In addition, you can use warm garlic infusion, beetroot juice, ginger tea, blueberry drink.
In any case, healing does not include self-medication, applying heat and cold sources to inflamed lymph nodes.
To eliminate the cause of inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes in a child, you need to contact a pediatrician. Most often, children suffer from colds. In this case, the following drugs may be prescribed:
- interferons;
- immunomodulators;
- nucleic acids (Derinat), which contribute to the processes of regeneration and stimulation of immunity;
- "Arbidol" to provide a mild stimulating effect.
Prevention
First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the causes leading to inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes. It is also necessary to adhere to the following basic preventive measures:
- timely treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and other infections;
- avoid overcooling the body;
- to maintain the intestinal microflora in an optimal amount, for which it is necessary to balance the diet by including fruits and vegetables in it;
- strengthen immunity;
- pay attention to oral hygiene, timely solve dental problems.
Finally
The submandibular lymph nodes are, along with other similar organs, the first defender of the human body when trying to penetrate foreign objects into it that can harm it. With their inflammation, it is necessary to contact a therapist or pediatrician who can refer the patient to doctors of specialization. First of all, it is necessary to treat the cause that caused the inflammatory process. After its elimination, the submandibular lymph nodes return to normal.