The lymphatic system prevents the spread of infectious diseases throughout the human body. If we talk about the largest lymph nodes, then they are located in the groin. Thanks to this group of lymph nodes, it is possible to eliminate atypical cells in the abdominal cavity, genitals, and legs.
However, depending on various reasons, a person may be diagnosed with inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin. If unpleasant sensations occur, it is recommended to consult a specialist and identify the exact cause of this symptomatology.
Disease characteristics
Lymph nodes are the peripheral organs of the human lymphatic system, which look like oval or rounded formations with a diameter of from 0.5 to 2 centimeters. These organs help cleanse the lymph and produce protective cells, which in the future will fight against tumors, infectious diseases and other microorganisms that penetrate the human body.
Lymph nodes of this type are located in the area of the inguinal folds (or the so-called femoral triangle). These organs are also responsible for the transition of lymph to the iliac lymph nodes located in the peritoneum.
Features of the disease
If, for one reason or another, a person has a change in the size of the lymph nodes, then this phenomenon is called lymphadenitis. This ailment can pass in acute or chronic form. At the same time, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin can be either single or multiple. In the latter case, we are already talking about a systemic disease, which requires increased attention of specialists. Therefore, you should carefully monitor the condition of your body.
Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin
Lymphadenitis develops with the appearance of a primary infection or due to certain pathological processes that occur in the organs of the human body adjacent to the inguinal zone. If we are talking about a pathological condition, then in this case a comprehensive diagnostic study is required.
It is immediately worth saying that it is impossible to determine the exact causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin from a photo or following the recommendations of people who are not doctors. Therefore, do not self-medicate.
Among the main factors that affect the development of this pathology, it is worth noting:
- Oncological and venereal diseases.
- Inguinal injuries.
- Lymphoma
- Benign tumors.
- The appearance of boils and purulent wounds on the skin.
- Fungal microorganisms and colds.
- Viral ailments such as chickenpox, rubella or measles.
- Dangerous sexually transmitted diseases (e.g. HIV infection).
- Problems associated with the reproductive system (for example, women may develop ovarian cysts).
- Allergies.
- Muscle strain due to too intense exercise.
Similar problems can occur in adolescents. In this case, not so serious causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin are observed. Treatment, as a rule, is not required, since such symptoms can be explained by too rapid growth of a teenager.
In rare cases, inflammatory processes of this type are side effects of taking certain medications.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women
For the fair sex, this problem often occurs against a background of hormonal failure. This may be due to the menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Such jumps in hormones lead to a reaction of the immune system, which causes inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women. At the same time, ladies experience discomfort and pain.
If a woman is pregnant or has menstruation, then there is no serious reason for concern, as this is the norm. If the seals in the inguinal region of a woman increase regardless of the cycle of menstruation, this may indicate the beginning of the development of a serious pathology associated with the work of the reproductive system.
If the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin of a woman are associated with pregnancy, then in some situations this indicates a decrease in immunity. In order not to be nervous again, it is much easier to visit a specialist and make sure that there is no reason for concern.
Features of the manifestation of the disease in men
In representatives of the stronger sex, this symptomatology is manifested due to progressive inflammation or oncology, which is at the stage of tumor decay into formations (i.e. metastases). That is why with cancer it is very important to start therapy as soon as possible in order to prevent the subsequent expansion of the spheres of influence of atypical cells in the body.
If there is inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in men, then you need to be careful about such a pathology. If you feel unwell, it is recommended to visit a venereologist and a urologist.
Symptoms of the disease
Before listing the symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, it is worth clarifying that these organs are located quite close to the surface of the skin. Therefore, with inflammation, they are easily palpated.
Also, if a person is engaged in physical exercises or walks a lot, then unpleasant feelings of discomfort or aching pain may appear in the area of inflammation. During movement or in the process of self-palpation, many patients note the following symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin:
- Severe redness of the skin.
- Burning.
- Peeling and itching in the affected area.
- Explicit lymph node compaction.
- Elevated body temperature.
- Intoxication of the body.
The last symptom suggests that pus began to accumulate in the lymph nodes. In this case, the patient will suffer from extreme heat, weakness, chills, muscle and headache. In this case, it is very important to immediately begin treatment.
Many also note that with the development of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, they developed severe weakness, loss of weight and appetite, loss of strength and headaches. Such ailments often indicate that acute inflammatory or chronic processes occur in the patient's body. However, it is worth noting that if the enlargement of the lymph node occurs on the right side, then this does not always bring pain.
Diagnostics
In order to choose the right treatment for inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, it is first necessary to undergo a visual examination by a doctor. However, in this situation, it is far from always possible to detect the presence of inflammation in the lymph nodes. In some people, due to structural features of the body, it is not possible to detect seals. In this case, it is necessary to take a blood test. As a rule, a general study is sufficient to confirm or refute the presence of lymphadenitis.
Specialists pay attention to the level of leukocytes and the speed with which red blood cells settle. A biochemical blood test is necessary if the doctor wants to determine what level of protein is in the blood. If a specialist suspects the formation of malignant tumors, then a biopsy may be required. It is also worth making an X-ray, MRI, ultrasound and computed tomogram. In this case, it will be possible to clarify the size of the lymph node and the reasons for its appearance.
Fight against ailment
The success of treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women and men largely depends on the reasons that provoked this symptomatology. It is worth noting that this phenomenon rarely represents an independent pathology. Most often, these are symptoms of another ailment that needs to be treated immediately.
For example, in this way, carbuncles, boils, abscesses and other unpleasant pathological conditions can manifest themselves. For treatment, specialized drugs or some recipes of alternative medicine can be used. However, the latter should be used with great caution.
Antibiotics
In this case, we are talking about a wide range of agents that belong to the penicillin group. If we talk about the duration of therapy, then everything depends on the condition of the person, the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin of a man or woman, and other factors.
Only a doctor can prescribe the exact dosage, which is calculated based on body weight, and is also based on the level of the inflammatory process. In addition, the specialist must take into account the characteristics of the body of a particular patient and the possibility of allergic reactions or complications in other organs.
Antiseptics
By means of this type include ointment "Levomekol." This drug is inexpensive, but is very effective. It is usually used to impregnate gauze dressings. They are superimposed on the site of the lesion. However, to independently carry out such treatment is categorically not recommended. The fact is that if a patient has purulent formations in the inguinal region , then in this case he may suffer from intolerance to the components of this drug.
Physiotherapy
As a rule, doctors prescribe electrophoresis together with antibiotics. However, this method of treatment is strictly prohibited if a person has developed purulent lymphadenitis of the inguinal region.
If we talk about surgical intervention, then with inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, operations are quite rare. This procedure may be required only in case of accumulation of a large amount of pus. In this situation, drainage is performed.
General therapy
In this case, the treatment is aimed at the early elimination of inflammatory symptoms. For this, the patient must follow the recommendations of specialists. First of all, he should not lead an active lifestyle. It is recommended that you spend more time in bed.
Also, experts advise you to stick to a diet. This means that the patient should eat exclusively light foods of the dietary type and refuse fatty or high-calorie foods.
Antibiotics are best used as injections (especially when it comes to broad-spectrum drugs). It is very dangerous to take these funds in the form of tablets, since this has a negative effect on the intestinal microflora.
In some cases, if patients experience severe malaise, the doctor may additionally prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication, vitamins, and more. It is very important that the affected area does not heat up in any case.
Groin pain
If compacted balls appear in the genital area or on the pubis, and at the same time a person experiences pain, this can signal a rather serious inflammatory process.
If a man has severe pain in the groin on the left or right side, then he is most likely to suffer from purulent lymphadenitis. In this case, surgical intervention is required.
Itching and redness
If, in addition to obvious inflammation, severe redness is observed in the affected area, this may indicate a fungal infection. In this case, a person must undergo an ultrasound examination. As a rule, conservative or radical therapy is used to treat this pathology. This means that in some situations you can not do without antibiotics, and for other patients it is enough to use pills or ointments.
Folk remedies
If we are talking about chronic lymphadenitis, then, as a rule, such a disease goes much faster if the patient uses a medicinal decoction of nettle, hop, horsetail, oregano and yarrow. All these natural components must be mixed in the same amount and mixed. After this, a tablespoon of the obtained herbal harvest is poured with a glass of boiling water and brought to readiness in a water bath for 15 minutes. In the next step, the finished hot mixture cools for 10 minutes and filtered. It is necessary to take medicine 3 times a day on an empty stomach.
To get rid of local inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes, it is worth preparing dandelion juice. To do this, just collect fresh plants and put them on cheesecloth. After this, you need to press the moist tissue to the affected area. Hold gauze for several hours. The procedure is repeated every day.