Lymph nodes are a kind of litmus test that indicates the presence of cancer cells in the body or the spread of an infection. In the case of the development of the disease, they increase in size and become quite dense.
Remember! In a healthy person, the lymph nodes are elastic, rounded and mobile. Moreover, feeling them, a person does not experience any pain.
Where are the lymph nodes (LN)? They are located in groups in the inguinal region, armpits, in the recesses on the bends of the limbs (i.e. arms and legs), in the cavity of the chest and peritoneum, on the neck (for example, the posterior cervical lymph node), and also along the blood vessels.
On a note! LU in the area of the peritoneum or sternum cannot be felt. Sometimes their increase is mistaken for appendicitis.
What is lymph? This liquid is viscous in consistency and completely colorless. The lymphatic system itself includes a huge number of capillaries, blood vessels and ducts that carry lymph.
Lymph node function
Lymph nodes, being an integral part of not only the circulatory, but also the human immune system, perform several functions:
- Transport. Lymph facilitates the transport of immune cells at a time when the immune system begins to work in activation mode; entering protein molecules into the plasma (they hardly overcome the walls of the blood capillary, but easily penetrate the lymph through its capillary system); as well as introducing infectious agents, fluids, large and small molecules into the body’s circulation system.
- Immune (i.e. protective). In LN, the process of formation of immune cells: antibodies, lymphocytes, phagocytes and others.
- Filtrational. It is the lymphatic system that is the filter through which various harmful microorganisms cannot penetrate the body. If the amount of pathogenic microflora is small, then LU copes with it "on its own." If this fails, then the lymph node (in which the proportion of foreign cells or microbes is too large) becomes inflamed and increases in size.
- Exchange. LN intestines are actively involved in the protein, lipid, vitamin-carbohydrate metabolic process, as well as the digestive.
- Barrier. All foreign particles in the form of various bacteria and viruses (delivered by lymph) are retained in the lymph nodes, and then these pathogenic objects are destroyed by special cells called "macrophages", and the body is cleansed.
- Reserve. Lymph nodes are a kind of "reservoir" for storing lymph enriched with lymphocytes.
The functions of the lymphatic system are quite diverse. Therefore, its defeat has consequences for the whole organism as a whole.
Where are the lymph nodes
Where are the LAs located directly? They can be closer to the surface of the human body (for example, the posterior cervical lymph node), which can even be palpated, or inside the human body. The last group of lymph nodes cannot be felt. They can only be detected using techniques using special tools.
The location of the posterior cervical lymph nodes speaks for itself: they are located on the back of the neck. And to be more precise, they are located between the lower part (that is, the mastoid region) of the temporal bone and the clavicle.
As a rule, the posterior cervical lymph nodes "guard" the prevention of respiratory infections of an infectious nature. The size of the posterior neck in the normal state is about 0.5-50 mm. If this figure is greater, then you should beware and consult a doctor.
Is it possible to determine the increase in LU by palpation
Determine that the posterior cervical lymph nodes are enlarged, possibly by himself. To do this, just turn your head to the side (for example, to the left) and put your palm on the front of the neck to the right. At this moment you will feel (under the palm of your hand) how the muscle stretched between the ear and the collarbone (its name sounds like a sternocleidomastoid). But along its posterior edge, you can feel the posterior cervical lymph node (photo above).
On the front edge of the studied muscle are the anterior cervical lymph nodes.
Then you should carry out the same procedure, turning your head to the right. Moreover, the lymph nodes should be palpated with fingers placed perpendicular to the surface of the neck.
Determining the enlargement of the posterior cervical lymph nodes in children is somewhat difficult due to their tiny size. In addition, they are very soft. In any case, for an accurate diagnosis, you must go to a doctor for a consultation.
Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes
Which indicates that the posterior cervical lymph nodes are enlarged:
- LUs become quite convex and bumpy, that is, a change in their structure and consistency occurs.
- Sometimes adhesions form with surrounding tissues. In this case, the nodes completely lose their mobility.
- Often in case of inflammation of the lymph nodes, significant pain occurs when the head is tilted or turned.
- An increase in the posterior cervical lymph nodes can cause some discomfort when swallowing.
- The presence of redness, rash and edema in the area of LU.
In addition, other manifestations of the disease can be observed:
- decreased appetite;
- increased sweating (i.e. hyperhidrosis);
- increase in body temperature;
- itching of the skin;
- a state of drowsiness, weakness, and general malaise;
- pain in the joints and head;
- nauseous condition.
Causes of enlarged lymph nodes
What can cause inflammation of the posterior cervical lymph nodes? Reasons for their increase:
- Infections (fungal, viral and bacterial).
- Parasitic infestation.
- Specific infections (such as syphilis or tuberculosis).
- Toxoplasmosis.
- ARVI.
- Mononucleosis.
- Various malformations: lymphangiectasia (i.e. vasodilation), hypoplasia (or insufficient development of blood vessels and lymph nodes), lymphangiomatosis (the so-called proliferation of inferior lymphoid tissue).
- Are the posterior cervical lymph nodes enlarged? The reasons may lie in impaired functioning of the immune system.
- Malignant neoplasms (e.g., lymphocytic leukemia, lymphogranulomatosis, lymphoma, lymphosarcoma or lymphangioma).
- Rubella.
- Damage of a mechanical nature (for example, a fall, accident) or injuries of the LA (or the tissues around them) during surgery.
- AIDS.
- Inflammatory processes (e.g., lymphangitis or regional lymphadenitis).
- Measles.
On a note! Quite rarely, metabolic disturbances, allergies, addiction to strong drinks and thyroid disease can provoke an increase in lymph nodes.
Let us dwell on some points in more detail.
Lymphadenitis
It is this inflammatory disease that gives the most striking symptomatology in the form of enlarged lymph nodes, which in this case become very painful and quite motionless. In addition, local edema and redness of the skin over LN are observed. As the disease develops, the patient may develop chills and increase body temperature.
Lymphadenitis begins with a catarrhal hyperplastic stage, and then passes into a purulent form and lymphadenoma. Most often, this ailment signals that certain pathological changes are occurring in the human body.
At the stage of catarrhal lymphadenitis with timely diagnosis and therapy, the chance to cope with the acute process in the lymph node is very high. At the purulent stage of the disease, it is unlikely that it will be possible to do without surgical measures (that is, opening the abscess, cleansing the cavity with antimicrobial and antiseptic agents and drainage).
Rubella
How can I get this disease? There are three ways:
- Intrauterine. That is, from an infected mother through the placenta, the virus is transmitted to the baby. As a result, the child receives congenital rubella.
- Contact. Infection occurs through direct contact with an already infected person.
- Airborne.
With this ailment, the lymph nodes become inflamed approximately 2-3 hours before the appearance of a rash on the skin. Moreover, LU become painful, but adhesions are not observed. A rubella patient is immediately isolated and prescribed the necessary therapy.
The incubation period of this viral disease is about 15-24 days. The disease does not belong to the category of dangerous if the disease is diagnosed in a child. It is quite another matter if rubella is observed in a pregnant woman. In this case, the presence of the disease can threaten serious complications for the baby (for example, congenital deafness).
Diagnosis of ailment
First, the doctor makes a visual examination of the lymph nodes and their palpation. Such indicators as the size of the LU, their consistency, the presence or absence of painful sensations when feeling them, as well as adhesions with surrounding tissues, are important. If enlarged, but painless lymph nodes are observed, then, most likely, this indicates that the disease is provoked by an infection that causes either a simple runny nose or sore throat. Or maybe the reason for the increase in LU lies in tooth decay. If the LU is enlarged and upon palpation the patient feels pain, then it is likely that this indicates the presence of an inflammatory process directly in the lymph node.
Symptoms such as the presence of fairly dense LN and adhesions in the form of lymph nodes merging with each other can indicate a malignant tumor.
Next, the doctor prescribes a series of laboratory tests, and depending on their results, gives a referral to such specialists as a hematologist, dentist, surgeon, dermatologist, oncologist, otolaryngologist or infectious disease specialist. In order for the diagnosis to be made extremely accurately, the following instrumental diagnostic methods may additionally be prescribed:
- PCR analysis (i.e., polymerase chain reaction), which allows the patient to identify diseases of a hereditary and infectious nature (both at the acute stage and in a chronic form). This study helps to determine the causative agent of the disease and its nature.
- Ultrasound LU.
- Examination of the condition of the red bone marrow (i.e. sternal puncture).
- A biopsy of the posterior cervical LU, during which tissue or cell sampling occurs.
Therapy of ailment
To cope with inflammation of the LU, it is necessary to find the root cause of this ailment. As a rule, the source of the disease is in the immediate vicinity of the inflamed lymph node. In order for the doctor to be able to select adequate therapy, the patient must undergo a full examination. Depending on what caused the inflammatory process, one or another treatment may be prescribed:
- All kinds of diseases of a fungal, viral and bacterial nature that caused inflammation of the posterior cervical LN are usually treated with topical medications. Only in case of serious bacterial infections (after all diagnostic measures) can the doctor prescribe systemic antibiotics.
- In oncology, a medical specialist can recommend either chemical and radiation therapy, or surgery. The main thing: to identify and start timely treatment in time.
- If the posterior cervical lymph node has increased due to disturbances in the functioning of the immune system, then you should contact a specialist such as an immunologist who will prescribe the necessary therapeutic measures.
- To relieve pain, a variety of pain medications can be prescribed.
- If the cause of inflamed LU is a disease of a dental nature, then in this case the most important is the complete rehabilitation of the oral cavity. And then drug treatment follows.
As adjunctive therapy, physiotherapeutic methods such as:
- ultrasound therapy;
- laser therapy;
- ultraviolet radiation;
- galvanization;
- UHF
Important! Self-medication is dangerous. Only a doctor can establish the true cause of the disease and prescribe the necessary measures. Remember this.
Traditional medicine
If the inflammation of the lymph nodes is not severe, then some popular methods can be used to combat the disease. But remember: before starting self-medication, you need to consult a medical specialist and then carry out all activities only under his supervision. Otherwise, you can simply aggravate the situation with the state of your health. Here are some recipes:
- Ready tincture of Echinacea, acquired in the pharmacy network. This drug not only helps relieve inflammation of the posterior cervical lymph node, but also improves immunity. We prepare the therapeutic mixture as follows: add 10 drops of tincture to boiled and chilled water (1 glass). We drink the prepared solution during the day for 4 doses. The course of treatment is to completely get rid of the disease.
- Canadian yellow root powdered. The plant has excellent antiseptic properties, but has one drawback - it can cause indigestion (to avoid this, we recommend adding more sour-milk products to your diet during the treatment period). We prepare a therapeutic drink as follows: add root powder (1 dessert spoon) to water (1 glass). We drink it three times a day for ½ teaspoon (or ¼).
- Aloe juice, which can be taken 1 tablespoon every day. But first you need to check if there is an allergic reaction to this plant. If there is, then you will have to refuse to take aloe juice.
- Rinse (3-4 times a day) with decoctions of herbs such as chamomile, mint or calendula.
- Rinse with a mixture (3-4 times a day), prepared as follows: in hot water (1 cup) dilute salt (1/2 teaspoon) and soda (1/2 teaspoon). After cooling the mixture to an acceptable temperature, you can proceed to the procedure.
- Vishnevsky ointment. It should be applied in a thin layer to the inflamed LU (preferably at night).
Important! In no case do not expose the lymph nodes to heat (using warming compresses or a heating pad), do not grease them with iodine and do not rub. All of this can end very badly.
Prevention
The main preventive measure to prevent inflammation of the lymph nodes is to adjust the diet, namely:
- Vegetables and fruits should always be present on the table. Use more vitamin C (daily intake - up to 1000 mg).
- Products such as garlic and onions increase white blood cell count and are natural antibiotics. Eat them every day.