Lymphadenitis in children

Lymphadenitis in children is a disease that is expressed in the inflammation of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system, they are one of the first to react to inflammatory processes in the body, while increasing in size. The course of the disease in childhood, often proceeds differently than in the adult. The disease is classified according to the lesion: cervical, inguinal, submaxillary, and by the nature of the disease: specific and nonspecific.

Nonspecific lymphadenitis in children is observed more often and is characterized by specific foci of inflammation, the pathogens are the bacteria of a purulent infection, usually staphylococci or streptococci. It is for the reason that inflammatory processes of a local nature can provoke the development of lymphadenitis, it is not recommended to treat the acne, furuncles, festering wounds, etc., independently.

Specific lymphadenitis usually occurs against a background of severe diseases such as syphilis or tuberculosis, and the like. In this case, treatment should be directed to the underlying disease. With specific lymphadenitis, symptoms can only be reduced with the help of compresses and antiviral drugs, the treatment of only lymph nodes in this case will not yield an effective result, the process can go on into a chronic form with further replacement of lymphoid tissue. But specific lymphadenitis is more likely to affect adults than children.

Lymphadenitis in children can provoke a number of diseases, usually all of them are related to inflammatory processes in some organ, especially in the upper respiratory tract, with diseases such as tonsillitis, tonsillitis, influenza, etc. Infection occurs rarely as a result of pneumonia. Such diseases cause inflammation of the usually submandibular lymph nodes, sometimes the cervical, popliteal or axillary lymph nodes are affected. Rarely inguinal lymphadenitis occurs in children.

The disease in children is expressed in a more severe form than in adults. With inflammation of the lymph nodes in the child, the temperature rises, appetite disappears, apathy, lethargy. Babies have all the signs of intoxication. With inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes may appear swelling, redness, difficulty in moving your head.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

Causes Lymphadenitis in children

A common cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes are diseases of an infectious nature: tonsillitis, influenza, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, diphtheria. Inflammatory process in the lymph nodes can contribute to caries and various inflammations of the mouth.

The defeat of the lymph nodes, quite often goes unnoticed, because all attention is focused on the underlying disease. If the defenses of the body are weakened, lymphadenitis becomes purulent. The development of chronic lymphadenitis occurs after acute, in the case when the body has not completely coped with the infection, and in lymph nodes there is a flaccid and long inflammatory process. Usually this happens when the underlying cause, which provoked the inflammation of the lymphatic system, was not completely eliminated (sick teeth, runny nose, etc.). Usually the patient's condition is within the normal range, nothing disturbs him. Purulent process with chronic form of lymphadenitis is extremely rare.

Chronic form is also observed in the tuberculous process in the body. Lymph nodes can also be increased in case of blood diseases or tumors. Specialists have established a number of reasons that can lead to an increase and inflammation of the lymph nodes in children:

• scratches of cats. The reason is quite common, given that most have pets. In the saliva of animals, there are bacteria that enter the blood with scratches or bites. After some time after a bite, an increase in the lymph node is observed.
• cold. In children with a weakened immune system, which often fall ill - enlarged lymph nodes - a fairly common phenomenon.
• infectious diseases. Inflammation in this case is exposed to the lymph node, which is located near the source of the infection. Cervical lymphadenitis appears due to diseases of the throat, ears. Inflammation in the inguinal zone indicates problems in the genitourinary system in the child.

In young children, lymph nodes often increase with teething. Usually this does not cause the child any inconveniences and painful sensations. This is not caused by the immune system of the baby and should not cause concern to the parents. In children at an early age, lymph nodes are relatively large, as the formation of immunity is only beginning, and the responsibility for this lies precisely on the lymphoid tissue.

But inflamed and painful lymph nodes in small children can talk about such diseases as tuberculosis, blood cancer, HIV infection. Enlarged long time lymphonoduses can be with mononucleosis. For all diseases it is necessary to carry out additional diagnostics (blood test, puncture, etc.). If you notice an enlarged lymph node in a child, it is better to consult a therapist, to exclude more serious diseases. As you know, all diseases detected at an early stage are easier to treat, and in the case of our children, excessive precaution will not be superfluous.

[7], [8], [9]

Symptoms Lymphadenitis in children

There are two forms of the course of the disease, depending on the nature: acute and chronic.

Acute lymphadenitis in children manifests itself with severe pain in the place of lesion, enlargement of the lymph nodes (it is possible to feel with fingers), fever, the patient feels uncomfortable while moving his head, feels weak. When probing, the lymph nodes are mobile, painful, dense. Timely effective treatment of the underlying disease, which provoked lymphadenitis, prevents the formation of purulent foci in the affected lymph nodes. With weakened immunity or inadequate treatment, the inflammatory process becomes purulent. The patient's condition deteriorates sharply, accompanied by high fever, chills, headache, and lack of appetite. An inflamed lymph node is inactive, there is an adhesive process with adjacent tissues, redness is observed over the affected area, a softened area is formed in the center where a build-up of pus occurs. Over time, pus breaks out, and inflammation takes on a chronic form.

Usually enlarged lymph nodes are probed before and behind the auricles, under the lower jaw, along the sides of the neck, under the arms, over the clavicle, along the sides of the chest, on the elbows, in the inguinal zone.

With the increase of one lymph node, which is not accompanied by its further growth, the increase in temperature does not refer to any disease. This may mean that this particular lymph node is slightly more active than others. This increase is caused by the infection, and eventually the lymph node will acquire its usual size.

Chronic form is characterized by densification and enlarged lymph nodes, decreased mobility. Chronic lymphadenitis in children develops due to the abatement of acute inflammation or is provoked by inactive bacteria. In chronic form, the general condition is within the normal range, enlarged lymph nodes, when palpated, do not ache and are clearly defined. A prolonged chronic process leads to destruction of the lymph node, with a gradual replacement with a connective tissue. At times, the periods of exacerbation begin at which a fistula is formed, eventually it closes, and then it can form in another place.

[10], [11], [12], [13], [14]

Cervical lymphadenitis in children

Cervical lymphadenitis in children occurs most often. The cause of this are various infectious diseases (purulent angina, influenza, pneumonia, etc.).

The lymph node is inflamed because of infection with the bloodstream from the primary inflammation focus, i.e. Provoked by purulent bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci).

Distinguish acute, chronic form of the disease. With chronic form, lymph nodes will become inflamed with every cold disease. Usually low immunity contributes to this. Chronic cervical lymphadenitis develops as a result of chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis.

Acute cervical lymphadenitis is characterized by purulent processes. In each case, lymphadenitis has characteristic symptoms.

At an early stage of the disease, small tumors appear on the neck, seals, pressing on them can cause pain. Later, there is headache, weakness, fever, intoxication. The size of the inflamed lymph node depends on the nature of the course of the disease (one or several lymph nodes may participate in the inflammation). Next, the lymph node loses its contours, increases more, the skin becomes red. Acute cervical lymphadenitis resembles a furuncle.

In this case, fever begins, the temperature rises above 380. In the inflamed lymph node there are pulsating pains. In this case, you need to seek medical help without delay. If the purulent focus is not opened in time, pus will enter the adjacent tissues, which can cause sepsis (infection of the blood).

[15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21]

Lymphadenitis in the neck in children

Lymphadenitis on the neck of a child is easy to determine by yourself. Lymphonoduses have the form of balls, which shift when pressed. Usually the size of the lymph nodes is about the same as the pea, and more voluminous swelling is observed less often. When touched, the child feels severe pain.

Short inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes sometimes occurs after the child has had an infectious disease of the upper respiratory tract.

Before treating lymphadenitis in children, first of all, the cause, which entailed inflammation, becomes clear. Further all attention is directed to the destruction of the primary disease. To remove swelling appoint deltason, prednisolone, medrol. All these drugs are freely sold in the pharmacy, a prescription is not required for them.

The duration of the disease is reduced due to UHF therapy. When the process is running, the doctor may consider it necessary to prescribe a course of antibiotics. Purulent foci are removed surgically.

If there are inflammation of the lymph nodes in the child's neck, you should contact the clinic as soon as possible. After passing the necessary tests, an effective treatment will be prescribed. Inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck is removed in parallel with the treatment of the underlying disease, which caused lymphadenitis. It must be remembered that warming compresses should not be used for lymphadenitis, especially with cervical form. The high temperature in the affected area promotes the spread of the infection, in this case the healthy adjacent tissue is affected more quickly. Also in this case, there is a risk of infection in the brain. To rub the affected area should also be extremely cautious, it is better to coordinate all the methods of treatment with your doctor.

Submandibular lymphadenitis in children

Submandibular lymphadenitis in children is manifested in the inflammation of the lymph nodes located under the lower jaw. In this case, the patient feels pain that increases with time, there is swelling (sometimes quite strong), the oral cavity becomes inflamed. The temperature can rise to 380C.

Treatment, as with other forms, is aimed at the primary source of inflammation. Submandibular lymphadenitis may indicate chronic tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), caries, inflammation of the gums.

With this form of lymphadenitis, strict hygiene of the oral cavity should be observed (since there may be a source of infection). To reduce swelling, pain can be applied a cool compress to the sore spot. If the purulent process has begun, there can not be no surgical intervention, in which the node is cut and cleaned of accumulated pus. In this case, taking antibiotics is mandatory. Quite often, antibiotic-based treatment is used, but with purulent treatment such treatment is ineffective. Antibiotics will help alleviate the main symptoms, but will not relieve the inflammation. Often after such treatment, the disease returns, only in a stronger form. Therefore, surgery is the only way to treat purulent submandibular lymphadenitis in children and adults.

Inguinal lymphadenitis in children

Inguinal lymphadenitis in children manifests itself in the form of enlarged, painful lymph nodes in the groin area. As with other forms of lymphadenitis, the temperature rises, the skin over the affected lymph node becomes red, a general weakness is observed.

In some cases, inflammation spreads to all the lymph nodes. A purulent process in the lymph nodes leads to an abscess, when the blood vessels are damaged and as a result, bleeding occurs. In this case, you should immediately seek medical help.

In general, inguinal lymphadenitis develops as a result of syphilis, in malignant tumors in the testes, in the rectum, in women, lymphadenitis in the inguinal zone may indicate cystic ovaries, various kinds of fungal diseases. In childhood, inguinal lymphadenitis is a rare occurrence. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in a child can occur as a result of damage to the legs (abrasions, cuts, broken knees, etc.). In case if after all the wounds have safely healed, and the lymph nodes have not returned to normal, the child should be shown to the doctor.

Acute lymphadenitis in children

In children, the lymphatic system is more susceptible than in adults, so they are more susceptible to lymphadenitis, especially in acute form. Lymphadenitis in children occurs due to an infectious disease. The disease manifests itself in general weakness, high temperature, swelling in the area of inflammation (inflammation may involve one lymph node, and several). At the beginning of the disease, the nodes are mobile, without adhesions with adjacent tissues, almost painless.

Progression of the disease leads to lack of mobility of the nodes, severe puffiness, pain in the affected area, the patient is difficult to move. Around the node begins inflammation of the tissues, the pain increases, purulent inflammation joins. In this case, fever, headaches, heart palpitations begin, the temperature rises to a critical level. The triggered process of acute lymphadenitis can lead to very serious consequences.

[22], [23], [24], [25]

Purulent lymphadenitis in children

Purulent lymphadenitis in children, first of all, is provoked by improper treatment with acute form of lymphadenitis. Also this process can be caused by unfavorable conditions: hypothermia, severe diseases, weak immune system, stresses, etc.

Purulent lymphadenitis is characterized by strong pulsating pain in the area of inflammation, fever above 38 degrees, poor appetite, general weakness is observed. Signs of intoxication are most often found in young children.

If the lymph node is not deep, then there is a strong puffiness, redness of the skin in this place.

With a purulent lesion, one can not do without surgical intervention, only in this case it is possible to prevent the further spread of the infection to neighboring tissues and organs. Not at the right time, an abscess can lead to infection of the blood. When the operation is opened, the affected lymph node is cleared from accumulated pus. Also after the operation, a course of antibiotics is needed that will alleviate the symptoms and help prevent a possible complication.

Axillary lymphadenitis in children

Axillary lymphadenitis in children manifests itself depending on the form of the disease: acute lymphadenitis is accompanied by enlarged lymph nodes, severe pain, high fever, with purulent lymphadenitis signs of intoxication (weakness, nausea) are possible, in the chronic course of the disease in most cases there is no symptomatology, lymph nodes are enlarged, process. With a simple form of the disease in children, the focus of inflammation does not spread beyond the affected lymph node. In more severe cases (acute or purulent lymphadenitis), the inflammation process extends to adjacent tissues. Not complete or initially wrong treatment leads to severe consequences (thrombi, purulent processes, fistula). The purulent process develops as a result of ineffective treatment of the acute form. With a purulent form, the skin over the affected lymph node becomes red, tight, when pressed, the patient feels severe pain, sometimes with a ripple, the temperature rises. Inflamed lymph nodes are soldered to surrounding tissues, become practically immobile.

Inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes occurs as a result of infectious diseases. The infection can get with the lymph that comes from the neck, shoulder girdle, chest. The cause can serve even a neglected carious process or chronic inflammation of the tonsils.

[26], [27], [28], [29], [30]

Lymphadenitis behind the ear in children

Bursal lymphadenitis in children is provoked by diseases of the auricle, inner ear and other adjacent tissues.

Various pustular processes (scratching, scratching, acne) can cause infection. Lymphadenitis behind the ear is a fairly common phenomenon that speaks of an inflammatory process in the body or on the skin. Sometimes, with the further spread of infection, the submaxillary or occipital lymph nodes are involved in the process. Enlarged long time lymphonoduses can indicate chronic inflammation, weakened immunity.

Inflammation can result in a puncture of the ear lobes, piercings or tattoos on the face. The enlarged lymph node behind the ear is carefully examined to exclude possible diseases, such as cancer, tuberculosis.

After treatment of the cause of inflammation, with acute or chronic lymphadenitis, a physician can prescribe physiotherapy procedures so that the lymphatic fluid dissolves more quickly. Running the process of BTE can lead to hearing loss.

Diagnostics Lymphadenitis in children

Diagnosis of such a disease as lymphadenitis, sometimes it is extremely difficult, especially in chronic forms. Determine the nature of lesions of lymph nodes only on the symptoms is quite difficult, so a morphological study is carried out, especially if tumors have appeared. Such an examination is performed using a diagnostic puncture or a biopsy. Now the diagnostic puncture of the lymph node has almost replaced the biopsy (which has a number of disadvantages). Assign a biopsy only when the results of a puncture determine the diagnosis is difficult.

When a single node is affected, an operation is performed to remove it with further histological examination. Such an operation is not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic. When the focus of inflammation is opened, a small piece of the lymph node wall is always taken for histological examination to determine or determine the diagnosis.

Recently, the diagnosis of affected lymph nodes is carried out using the method of radiopaque, direct and indirect lymphography, scanning pr.

Acute purulent lymphadenitis has a similar symptomatology with a cyst of the neck. In this case, a diagnostic puncture is taken.

[31], [32], [33], [34], [35], [36], [37]

Treatment Lymphadenitis in children

Acute nonspecific lymphadenitis in children is treated depending on the stage of the inflammatory process. At the initial stage, conservative treatment is carried out: rest, UHF therapy, antiviral medication. All attention is paid to the treatment of the main focus of inflammation, it is possible to take antibiotics. If a purulent lesion begins, surgery is performed, after which treatment is carried out on the same principle as treatment of purulent wounds.

In chronic nonspecific lymphadenitis, the main treatment is directed to the disease, which provoked inflammation of the lymph nodes.

The use of alternative medicine methods can be coordinated with your doctor. To use methods of alternative medicine it is necessary in a complex, in a combination to traditional preparations, then efficiency will be on the order above.

When choosing alternative treatments, you need to stop at one collection for oral administration and two external agents in the form of compresses.

Garlic is well known for its antibacterial properties. Alternative medicine offers a tincture that destroys the infection well: 100 grams of garlic (about 2 heads) pour five cups of warm boiled water, insist 3 days, while you need to mix twice a day (morning and evening). Take garlic tincture three times a day 1,5-2 hours after eating 1 teaspoonful.

Blueberry berries have good anti-inflammatory, as well as fortifying properties. Of these, a medicinal drink is prepared, fresh berries (you can use frozen ones) should be poured with warm water (1 part of berries with 5 parts of water), crush and insist for 2 hours. You can add honey or sugar. Take a glass, as much as you want.

In chronic lymphadenitis, a tincture of sponge or horsetail is recommended. Pour 300 ml of boiling water 1 tbsp. Spoon dry grass, insist 20 minutes, then filter and take 3 times a day, 30 minutes before eating. The same principle of preparation and reception of horsetail tincture. The course of treatment is 2 months, take the tinctures alternately, one week sporich, the second week horsetail, etc. Such tinctures have good blood purifying properties.

For mild leaves, mint leaves are good. For the compress, knead the leaves until the formation of juice and apply to the affected lymph nodes for about 2 hours, you can fix the compress with a band-aid or bandage. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day. Such a compress can be done in combination with a dandelion pack: pour out fresh leaves, until the juice forms, and soak gauze, make a compress similar to mint.

Compress from mistletoe works well: 1 tbsp. A spoonful of dried leaves is poured into 300 ml of water and languished in a water bath for 20 minutes. Warm infusion impregnate gauze (bandage) and impose for 2 hours on the affected area, covered with oilcloth (parchment) and fixed with a band-aid or bandage

You can prepare an ointment for external use. For cooking, you need to protect the interior fat for four hours in a water bath, you can have a pork (200 grams) and a dry herb (1 tablespoon). Hot ointment must be filtered and allowed to cool. Apply the ointment 3 times a day. Store this ointment better in a glass container in the refrigerator.

How to treat lymphadenitis in children?

In the treatment of lymphadenitis in children, first of all, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the disease. As a rule, for local treatment use physiotherapy and applying compresses with ointments. Along with this, vitamin, fortifying agents are prescribed. Children under 7 years with acute lymphadenitis are referred to inpatient treatment. With a purulent form, an operation is performed to open the lymph node and cleanse it of accumulated pus. In this case, drugs from intoxication and antibacterial agents are prescribed.

Lymphadenitis in children is treated a little differently than in adults. In this case, you should always seek medical help. Incorrect treatment can cause very serious consequences, only a doctor will be able to determine the type of lymphadenitis and prescribe an effective treatment.

Before the arrival of an ambulance, parents can only lighten the condition of the baby with a cool compress, in no case can the heated lymph nodes warm up, as this can provoke undesirable consequences.

Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis in children

Treatment of cervical lymphadenitis is carried out depending on the stage of the disease. First of all, the doctor examines the patient and prescribes a blood test. Elevated levels of white blood cells indicate an infection in the body. In the early stages of the disease usually treatment is prescribed at home.

Before treatment of an inflamed lymph node it is necessary to find out the cause that provoked the inflammatory process.

After the doctor determines the exact diagnosis, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Quite often, the cause of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes is sore throat or flu. After effective treatment of the underlying disease, lymph nodes do not need special treatment, and they gradually come to normal.

In the treatment of cervical lymphadenitis, attention is paid to strengthening the immune system, for this purpose, a course of vitamin preparations is prescribed. Strong immunity is able to cope with virtually any disease without the use of drugs.

The operation is performed only if the purulent process has begun and treatment with antiviral drugs is ineffective. The operation involves the opening of the affected lymph node (or several nodes) and cleansing from accumulated pus.

Cervical lymphadenitis in children is a fairly serious disease, which, with a neglected form, leads to sepsis (blood infection) and the formation of blood clots. That's why, do not pull with an appeal to the doctor. At the initial stage, treatment consists of taking antibiotics and does not require surgical intervention.

Treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis in children

As with other forms of lymphadenitis, treatment is aimed at eliminating the source of infection in the body. With the submaxillary form, it is necessary to strictly observe oral hygiene with a special drug - Burov's liquid (sold in pharmacies). Also cool cool lotions on the affected area using this tool. Purulent lymphadenitis in children requires mandatory intake of antibiotics. As in other forms of lymphadenitis, a purulent process requires surgical intervention. Based on medical practice, several lymph nodes are often inflamed. In this case, a more serious operation is performed, under which a section of the submaxillary region is made, a special tube is inserted and the cleaning is carried out, then the wound closes with the help of the clamps. Most often, the second method is used to treat submandibular lymphadenitis, treatment with antibiotics is ineffective. Antibiotics help reduce the manifestation of symptoms, but do not heal completely. Quite often after treatment with antibiotics, a relapse occurs, only in a more severe form. Therefore, the operation to date is the only way to treat submandibular lymphadenitis with purulent foci.

Prevention

Prevention of lymphadenitis in children is directed to timely treatment of diseases, in this case, the spread of infection will be stopped. It is necessary to avoid infection, injuries, wounds, abrasions and scratches as much as possible. But since it is impossible to completely avoid this, it is necessary to handle the damaged skin areas in a timely manner with special antiseptic agents, this will help to avoid infection through the wound.

Particular attention should be paid to the oral cavity - do not delay with a visit to the dentist, in time to treat tooth decay, since it is the started carious process that can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Acute lymphadenitis in children is indicated by signs of intoxication (headache, fever, temperature). Particularly difficult to tolerate infants, with age, the symptoms become less pronounced.

Frequent catarrhal diseases are associated with weak protective forces of the body. Therefore, to maintain immunity, it is necessary to periodically give the child a drink of a course of vitamin-mineral supplements, iodine-containing drugs. Hardening, physical exercises also contribute to increasing immunity.

[38], [39], [40], [41], [42], [43], [44], [45], [46]

Forecast

Timely and effective treatment of lymphadenitis prevents the spread of infection. Chronic lymphadenitis in children, occurring without pronounced signs, leads to irreversible processes: a scar is formed on the site of the affected lymph node, and lymphoid tissue is replaced by a connective. There may be a violation of the outflow of lymph. All this significantly reduces the defenses of the body, it is not able to fight infections, there are chronic diseases.

Lymphadenitis in children occurs quite often, this is due to an imperfect or weakened immune system that leads to frequent colds, against which inflammation in the lymph nodes arises. Lymphadenitis also provokes wounds and scratches through which infection can enter the bloodstream. That is why it is necessary immediately to treat the affected areas with antiseptic means: hydrogen peroxide, iodine, zelenka - these preparations should always be at hand at the parents' disposal. Deep cuts, scratches, need to be protected with special antibacterial patches.

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