An inflamed lymph node in the neck is the main symptom of lymphadenitis. A number of factors can provoke the development of this disease. Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the reason that served as its catalyst.
Key features
As noted above, the main symptom of lymphadenitis is an enlarged lymph node in the neck. In addition, the inflammatory process is accompanied by a sensation of itching. The skin around the bump becomes dark red and hurts. An increase in temperature may be noted. Often only one of the listed symptoms is pronounced, the rest are weak or not at all. Pain sensations bother the patient quite rarely.
Causes
So, why one morning a person discovers that he has an enlarged lymph node in his neck? There can be many reasons for this, ranging from infection into the body and ending with cancer. We list the main ones:
- problems with the endocrine system;
- laryngeal cancer;
- tuberculosis;
- syphilis;
- arthritis, arthrosis;
- impaired metabolism;
- all kinds of allergic reactions;
- ARI, SARS, influenza and other respiratory diseases.
Thus, you can make sure that the inflamed lymph node on the neck can appear both due to completely harmless diseases, and because of diseases that threaten a person’s life. Therefore, when it appears, you must immediately consult a doctor.
Diagnostics
In order to make the correct diagnosis, the specialist will first resort to the method of palpation. If the examination does not give an unambiguous result, the doctor will prescribe such examinations as taking a histological analysis from the affected area, a biopsy of the enlarged lymph node, MRI, X-ray, and, finally, computed tomography.
Treatment
An inflamed lymph node on the neck, if not cured in time, can cause a lot of trouble to its owner. To avoid this, be sure to conduct therapy under the supervision of a doctor. Remember that self-medication and folk recipes can only do harm. This is due to the fact that with colds, a warming compress is appropriate and useful, and, for example, with a tumor, heating of the affected area of the neck will only aggravate the situation.
Pay close attention to your diet. Your diet should include as many fresh vegetables and fruits as possible, it is also recommended that you drink at least two liters of water per day. Vitamin-mineral complexes and green tea are very useful. If the inflamed lymph node in the neck is one of the symptoms of acute respiratory infections, the inflammatory process will help to remove the inflammatory process by rinsing the oral cavity with healing decoctions of herbs.
Prevention
Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck can be completely prevented. Doctors advise, first of all, to guard against viral infections. Try not to overwork, do not allow overcooling of the body, beware of drafts. During seasonal epidemics of influenza, be sure to wear a gauze bandage, do not neglect tempering procedures. All of these simple precautions will keep you healthy.