In the human body, the role of a biological filter is assigned to such organs of the lymphatic system as lymph nodes. They are small formations (the size of peas or beans) that contain white blood cells. Such organs protect the human body from various bacteria and viruses.
If the lymph node hurts, then this indicates that a focus of infection is located next to it. It should also be noted that such unpleasant sensations are often associated with the inflammatory process.
Causes of pain
The lymph node hurts and constantly aches ... What can this be connected with? Lymphadenitis, or the so-called inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes, is not an independent disease, but only a fairly common symptom of an infectious disease or other pathological conditions.
If the lymph node on the neck under the jaw hurts, then this indicates that there are some serious violations in the human body.
In addition to white blood cells, the lymph nodes contain a yellowish, clear liquid called lymph. According to experts, it washes all cells of tissues and organs, taking out dead cells, bacteria, viruses and toxins that enter the body with food, water and air into the lymphatic capillaries . She transmits useful substances from blood to cells. As a result, tissue fluid is continuously updated, and cells receive nutrition.
So, together with lymph, pathogenic bacteria and other harmful microorganisms enter the lymph nodes. The latter delay the infection and prevent it from spreading throughout the body. After this, the destruction of all viruses and pathogenic bacteria, as well as degenerated cancer cells, occurs.
When the human body cannot independently get rid of foreign cells, lymphocytes actively multiply. Thanks to this, they can deal with the infection faster and better. As a result of this phenomenon, the lymph nodes enlarge and begin to hurt.
Symptoms of the disease
If the lymph node hurts, then along with the discomfort in the neck, the patient may experience the following symptoms:
- increase in body temperature;
- general weakness;
- headache;
- soreness when swallowing and palpation;
- chills.
In addition to the listed symptoms, the skin may redden in the area of the cervical lymph node and severe pain appears. Such symptoms indicate the onset of a purulent process.
It should also be noted that a slight increase in the size of the lymph node indicates that it works more actively than others. As a rule, this condition can be triggered by a beginning disease.
Types of Cervical Lymphadenitis
Why is the lymph node on the neck inflamed and hurts? Such organs on the neck cannot be ill and inflamed by themselves. Their soreness and increase indicates the presence of pathology.
After a bacterium or other harmful microorganism enters the lymph node , the lymphocytes begin to actively resist and destroy the pathogenic flora. Quite often, this process of destruction provokes the onset of pain and other concomitant symptoms.
Inflammation in the lymph nodes in the neck is divided into three types:
- With pain of low intensity. In normal condition, it is not felt, but is manifested by palpation. In this case, a clear increase in the lymph node is not noted. It is pierced under the skin, but does not protrude above the surface of the skin. In this condition, the patient does not have elevated body temperature, headache and weakness, although slight soreness in the throat may be present.
- Pain occurs not only on palpation, but also in the normal position. In this case, the lymph node hurts constantly and is noticeably enlarged. Its size can be seen with the naked eye. The node is well palpated and protrudes above the skin. Related symptoms of such inflammation are weakness, headache, fever, and sore throat.
- With purulent inflammation of the lymph node, it hurts very badly, plus, as already mentioned, the ailment is accompanied by redness of the skin. The patient also has a high body temperature, sometimes fever, chills, general malaise, weakness and severe headache.
What to do if the lymph node hurts? To identify the causes of this condition and its treatment, you should immediately contact a doctor.
The lymph node on the right hurts
If pain occurs on the neck on the right, then this indicates an inflammatory process in the throat. Also, a similar pathology may be associated with an increase or inflammation of the right lobe of the thyroid gland or inflammation of the right tonsil.
It cannot be said that pain in the right cervical lymph node can occur due to any infection that spreads from the teeth, tongue, oral cavity or soft tissues of the face.
With such sensations, in no case can you warm the place of inflammation, apply compresses to it and generally engage in self-medication.
Lymph node on the left hurts
If the pain occurs on the neck on the left, then this may be due to the same reasons as described above. However, the fact that such unpleasant sensations often arise due to damage to the organs of the retroperitoneal space and the abdominal cavity should be added here.
Inflammation of the left submandibular lymph node indicates infectious diseases such as cytomegalovirus, infectious mononucleosis, or toxoplasmosis. Most often, such diseases are characteristic of children.
If the child has a lymph node in the neck, then you should immediately contact a pediatrician. The doctor must identify the cause of the disease. To do this, he prescribes a biochemical and general blood test, as well as a general urinalysis. In some cases, for making the correct diagnosis, the child is recommended to undergo an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity organs or the lymph node itself.
Severe pain in the lymph node in the neck
Severe and severe soreness of the lymph node indicates the neglect of a disease or an acute inflammatory process that is occurring in the body at a given time.
It should also be noted that this condition often occurs when:
- an allergic reaction to insect bites;
- an allergic reaction to medications;
- negative reaction of human immunity to vaccination.
Such reactions are characterized by a clear increase in the lymph node and its pronounced soreness. In addition, such conditions can be accompanied by swelling of the face, chills, fever and fever.
If the lymph nodes on the neck are very sore, then it is forbidden to wait until the person’s condition returns to normal. You should immediately contact a doctor.
Treatment methods
Now you know what happens in the human body if the lymph node hurts. How to treat such a pathological condition?
Trying to eliminate pain in the lymph nodes alone is undesirable. To do this, contact a specialist. Treatment of an inflamed lymph node is prescribed individually, depending on the stage and type of disease.
If unpleasant sensations bother you not only during palpation of the neck, but also in the normal state, then during this period you should stop any physical activity and keep a more relaxed daily routine.
Most often, pain in the lymph nodes occurs as a result of the inflammatory process. To effectively eliminate it, medication is necessary.
As a rule, with such diseases, doctors recommend taking anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, as well as various antibiotics. However, treatment for inflamed nodes is prescribed only after a complete medical examination of the patient is performed. After all, the cause of pain in the neck can be anything.
Alternative methods of treatment
As for alternative medicine, with inflamed lymph node, it makes sense to use alternative recipes only as an adjunct therapy. Home remedies in no case should replace the main drug treatment.
For pain in the lymph nodes during colds and flu, you can take tincture of echinacea in the amount of 10-15 drops four times a day. This tool relieves inflammation and improves immunity.
Also, vitamin C intake can be an effective treatment for the disease in question. This is due to the fact that this element contributes to the production of white blood cells in the human body.
As for physiotherapy, with pain in the lymph nodes, patients are most often recommended to undergo UHF therapy.
With advanced diseases, surgery is performed. During the operation, a puncture of the lymph node occurs or its complete removal.
To summarize
Even minor pain in the lymph node requires an urgent consultation with a doctor. If the disease is launched, this can lead to serious consequences.
According to experts, pain in the cervical lymph nodes in all cases is an alarming signal and speak of serious malfunctions in the body. Without inflammation or infection, discomfort does not occur. Therefore, careful attention to the state of your own body and overall health will allow you to avoid radical therapy and significantly reduce the risk of complications of the disease in the future.