The lymphatic system (systema Lymphaticum) is involved in the immunological reactions that take place in the human body. It is she who performs a protective role, one of the first to come to the rescue when pathogens, such as bacteria, enter the life support organs. Large glands of the lymphatic system are distributed throughout the human body. These are the lymph nodes (nodi lymphatici). They participate in the formation of antibodies, take the first blow in case of an emerging disease, and put a barrier to the spread of infection. Especially many of these nodes are located in the upper part of the body. Sometimes it happens that during a medical examination it is discovered that the patient has a lymph node on the neck. What to do with this? This article provides useful tips for situations like this.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes - a protective signal of the body
Inflammation or swollen lymph nodes is called lymphadenitis and is usually referred to as symptoms that indicate the development of an infection or a disease of the entire lymphatic system. If the lymph node becomes inflamed and begins to cause inconvenience to the patient, this is the first signal that the body's protective barrier cannot cope with foreign cells on its own.
With self-diagnosis, inflamed nodi lymphatici are most often found in the neck, because these lymph nodes cause pain and discomfort. Depending on the nature of the course of the disease, the question of how to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck should be asked to various specialists: a surgeon, an infectious disease specialist or an oncologist.
Lymphatic system on guard of health
The following are the main symptoms, the appearance of which it is recommended to conduct additional laboratory tests regarding the lymph nodes:
- - general weakness of the patient;
- - regular headaches;
- - increased body temperature;
- - redness of the skin around the lymph node.
The symptoms described above are characteristic of the case when the lymph node on the neck is inflamed . What to do if not all of them are available? If only some of the symptoms listed above are manifested, then this may not be a sign of the disease. An enlarged lymph node may indicate that the load has increased, and it is working more intensively. But it’s better to consult with specialists.
Methods of treatment for inflammation of the lymph nodes
So, as a result of self-diagnosis or when examined by a specialist, it was found that the lymph node on the neck was inflamed. What to do in this case? Self-medication or the use of alternative methods, designed to generally strengthen the immune system, cannot eliminate these symptoms, but can cause the disease to become chronic or cause other complications, up to the threat of the patient’s life.
At the first stage, traditional medicine offers anti-inflammatory drugs, such as prednisone, deltason, and medron. Such drugs must be taken only as directed by the attending physician, they have contraindications and side effects. Do not use heating pads, compresses, etc. Heating increases lymph flow and can lead to the spread of inflammation throughout the body. In the presence of signs of a bacterial infection or purulent complications, a broad-spectrum antibiotic is prescribed. The sick are recommended bed rest, plentiful warm drink, vitamin preparations will be useful.
Lymph nodes are a barrier that protects our health. If the question arises: "The lymph node on the neck is inflamed, what should I do?" Of course, you should immediately tell your doctor about this. Be attentive to the signals of your body, and be healthy!