Enlarged lymph nodes – causes, symptoms, treatment [EXPLAINED]

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Lymph nodes are a very important element of the hematopoietic system in terms of lymphocytopoiesis, shaping the immune system and the so-called filtration-phagocytic activities. They form a system dispersed throughout the body, connected by lymphatic vessels. What is the function of the lymph nodes in the human body? What are the causes of lymphadenopathy? Read more about lymph nodes.

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are located all over the body, most of them in the armpits, on the neck, in the groin area, behind the ears and under the lower jaw. Lymph nodes collect the lymph that comes down from different parts of our body. During this process, the lymph captures hazardous substances, including bacteria. Lymphadenopathy, or lymphadenopathy, occurs when the lymph encounters pathogens on its way.

Then the whole process is stopped and the body that wants to defend itself against them leads to the enlargement of the lymph nodes. The cells responsible for the body’s defensive response (lymphocytes and macrophages) multiply to get rid of the pathogen. Enlarged lymph nodes indicate an ongoing medical condition in the body.

Learn more about macrophages and read: Macrophages are the key to treating endometriosis

Functions of the lymph nodes

Lymph nodes can be protective in the body (they filter and produce antibodies), but they can also be a site for cancer to spread (metastasize). Their enlargement may be local and general. Lymph nodes are found all over the human body, starting from the neck, armpits, under the lower jaw, and ending in the groin.

They are surrounded by a connective tissue bag, under which the marginal sinus is located. Lymph nodes consist of a convex and a concave part, i.e. recess. They may differ from each other in terms of structure and size. In general, the lymph nodes are difficult to feel with the fingers and do not cause pain, but in the course of an infection, they can be felt in the neck, groin and armpits.

1. Also read: How to strengthen the body to better protect it against infections?

Types of lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are located in different parts of the body. There are peripheral nodes (neck, submandibular, supraclavicular, neck, inguinal, elbow, inguinal, femoral) that are visible and easy to examine, and deep nodes – difficult to examine. The latter require special tests by computed tomography, ultrasound, X-ray and lymphography.

Due to their structure, we distinguish reactive lymph nodes that can be moved under the skin, but it causes pain and redness of the skin. Most often, soft lymph nodes occur during an infection or after illnesses. The inflammation should go away after about 2-3 weeks.

In the human body, non-reactive lymph nodes are much more dangerous, which can be even more than 2 cm in diameter, are not painful, but often occur in a group and form conglomerates. Therefore, unlike soft ones, they cannot be moved under the skin. This type of knot can even suggest a tumor. They last longer than 3 weeks.

1. Also read: Ultrasound – one of the most important diagnostic tests

Enlarged lymph nodes and viral and bacterial diseases

One of the most common causes of enlarged lymph nodes are infections, which we divide into: viral ie: chicken pox; measles; rubella; sudden erythema; AIDS, cytomegaly, infectious mononucleosis; viral hepatitis or measles and bacterialincluding: angina; tuberculosis; inflammation of tonsils; bacterial pharyngitis; salmonella; cat scratch disease; scarlet fever and staphylococcal infection.

Interestingly, one of the reasons for the enlargement of the lymph nodes may be the so-called periodontal diseases that lead to the enlargement of the chin and submandibular lymph nodes, also known as the anterior cervical nodes. Lymphadenopathy may also have a background fungal (blastomycosis and histoplasmosis) and parasitic (head lice).

Lymphadenopathy should be consulted with your family doctor. Consultation under the National Health Fund can be held online via the halodoctor.pl portal. During the visit, the doctors will collect an interview and order any additional tests.

1. Also read: Viral hepatitis – a disease that causes long-term health problems

Enlarged lymph nodes and autoimmune diseases

Lymphadenopathy is also often associated with autoimmune diseases, which means that our immune cells attack their own body. Autoimmune diseases include, for example, Hashimoto’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis. The general causes of lymphadenopathy include post-vaccination complaints (after vaccines, e.g. against rubella, smallpox or measles).

Enlarged lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer and other diseases such as sarcoidosis, where immune cells overproduce and pool around the lymph nodes; Kawasaki syndrome, where peripheral vasculitis is necrotic and the lymph nodes are enlarged around the neck; a rare chronic granulomatous disease associated with high susceptibility to fungal and bacterial infections and the development of granulomas.

Knots can increase in volume if the body is allergic or sensitive to certain medications. Among them we mention, for example, drugs for gout, antiepileptic drugs or antibiotics from the group of sulfonamides. This group also includes agents such as trimethoprim, carbamazepine, dapsone and gold salts.

1. Read more on The Kawasaki Team

Enlarged lymph nodes and storage diseases

Enlarged lymph nodes may also indicate a group of storage diseases, which are a congenital metabolic defect, and their presence indicates insufficient activity of various enzymes. Storage diseases appear several months after birth. These include, for example, Gaucher or Nimann-Pick disease. Then the lymph nodes are most often enlarged in the armpits and may also include an enlarged liver or spleen and developmental delay.

1. See more on: Enlarged Liver – Causes, Diagnosis, Diagnosis and Treatment

Enlarged lymph nodes and histiocytosis

Another cause of enlarged lymph nodes is histiocytosis. It is defined as a disease in which cells of the immune system are overproduced, they concentrate in tissues and organs, causing their damage or failure over time. This disease is accompanied by lymphadenopathy; tooth loss (premature); shortness of breath; weight loss; memory impairment; skin rash on the torso; enlarged liver or spleen.

1. Also read: Memory and intellect disorders

Enlarged lymph nodes in children – symptoms and treatment

In children, the lymph nodes increase in size to a greater extent. This is because the lymphatic system of children is formed up to the age of 12, so even a minor cold causes the nodes to be significantly enlarged. However, this should not be underestimated and in any case consult a doctor. The most common cause of enlarged lymph nodes in children is infections. During the test, they may show characteristic properties that require additional diagnostics.

The doctor should pay particular attention to a small patient when enlarged lymph nodes change their location, are hard, painless or, on the contrary, they are soggy and mobile. Children may also develop the so-called nodal bundles and small wounds from which purulent discharge oozes. After visiting the GP, the child should be referred for treatment to an appropriate specialist – surgeon, oncologist or hematologist.

To confirm the immediate cause of enlarged lymph nodes in a child, it is worth doing additional diagnostic tests. The complete blood count is of particular importance as it can be used to assess the appearance of blood cells. A summary of your child’s symptoms and blood test results will help determine the initial cause of the lymphadenopathy. From the morphology, the doctor can read: the hemoglobin content of the red blood cells; the amount of platelets and the amount of leukocytes and red blood cells.

During an infection in a child, the number of white blood cells that are responsible for protection against microorganisms most often changes. Their number varies depending on the inflammatory process or infection. There are situations where the number of leukocytes is too low in relation to the specified norms for sex and age. The cause of this condition in a child is usually viral infections.

1. Learn more about: Preventive examinations – men, children and adolescents

Are you seeing disturbing symptoms? Analyze them yourself in the medical questionnaire and decide whether to go to the doctor.

Enlarged lymph nodes and cancer

Enlarged lymph nodes may suggest cancer of the haematopoietic system, lymphatic system, and bone marrow, including leukemia, myeloma, or lymphoma. Enlarged lymph nodes are often accompanied by temperature, night sweats, weight loss. There is also a possibility of neoplastic metastasis from the primary site of development or the initial stage of the primary tumor in the area of ​​the lymph nodes. To ensure that enlarged lymph nodes do not indicate cancer, be sure to perform cytology (FNAB) and histopathological examinations.

The diagnosis of enlarged lymph nodes also includes ultrasound. Lymph nodes ultrasound is a diagnostic method that allows you to see changes that are not palpable in the lymph node examination. Take advantage of the offers of private POLMED branches.

1. Also read: Extremely insidious cancer. It does not give symptoms for a long time

Treatment of enlarged lymph nodes

There are natural ways to treat enlarged lymph nodes. As part of the treatment, it is recommended to use compresses made of fresh herbs and plants. Horsetail, plantain, butterbur leaves and marigold leaves have excellent healing properties.

It is worth making compresses for lymph nodes based on calendula, plantain stalk and butterbur. The ingredients should be washed, dried and then thoroughly crushed to form a paste. Next, put the prepared mixture on the gauze and apply such a compress to the sore and enlarged lymph nodes. Additionally, you can rub the sore area with St. John’s wort oil.

Horsetail decks are also a good solution. To prepare a compress, it is necessary to put 4 tablespoons of horsetail on the strainer and place it over the steaming water (for about eight minutes). The herb should become moist under the influence of steam. The mixture prepared in this way should be placed on gauze and then applied to enlarged lymph nodes. To prevent the compress from losing its heat, you can also wrap it with a towel.

Marjoram oil can be used to treat lymph nodes naturally. Pour the dried marjoram into a 2-liter bottle, then fill it full with olive oil and set aside in a sunny place for two weeks. After this period, pour the prepared mixture into dark glass bottles, carefully impressing the contents through the cloth. Sore lymph nodes should be lubricated 3-XNUMX times a day.

Lovers of hot drinks can try herbal teas. The most effective herb used to cleanse the lymphatic system is Przytulia (Galium aparine). Its properties reduce swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes. In addition, a hug allows you to remove excess mucus from the body and strengthens the circulatory system. Sage teas and calamus rhizome teas are also effective.

An interesting solution is also the treatment of Fr. Sebastian Kneipp. He recommended compresses made of brewed horsetail (necessarily warm). For enlarged lymph nodes in the neck – compresses dipped in an infusion of young oak bark, and for enlarged inguinal nodes – compresses made of a hay flower. In addition, in children and adults, Fr. Sebastian Kneipp recommended drinking 1 cup of tea every day, brewed with 1/2 teaspoon of oak bark.

It is worth remembering that the above-proposed home methods are not always effective, and in the case of enlarged lymph nodes, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to exclude serious diseases. Postponing consultation with a specialist may lead to irreversible and chronic ailments that may threaten our health.

1. Is it worth treating yourself with herbs? Read: Herbal medicine – for whom and how to do it?

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