Increased lymph nodes under the arms: in women, in pregnancy, men, children

Lymph nodes depend on the state of the immune system, so if they increase, you need to be wary - this may be a symptom of the development of various diseases or the appearance of an infection in the body. Enlarged lymph nodes under the arms are one of the most dangerous signals, so you need to be especially careful about such a manifestation.

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Causes enlarged lymph nodes under the arms

In some cases, the lymph nodes under the arms may enlarge due to an allergy, which can even develop into anaphylaxis. In addition to this symptom, the patient may also experience vomiting with a runny nose, swelling of the face and hives.

In addition, the cause of inflammation may be the development of furunculosis, which, in turn, is considered a sign of hormonal imbalance. Changes in the size of the lymph nodes may also occur due to inflammation of the axillary hair follicles or as a result of the spread of the infectious process from the mammary gland.

The most dangerous cause of enlargement is oncological pathologies - this is cancer of the lymph nodes or breast.

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Pathogenesis

Lymph nodes located in the armpit area can enlarge due to the development of disease processes in the neck, chest, upper limbs, and mammary gland. This happens because their main function is protective - lymph nodes act as a biological barrier that prevents the penetration of infections.

Lymphocytes and antibodies are produced inside them. They prevent various foreign elements (bacteria, as well as viruses with toxins) from entering the blood. In addition, they help destroy tumor cells. Lymph from organs and tissues enters them through the afferent vessels – it is purified here. At the same time, part of the lymph is deposited in the lymph nodes, and the fluid is redistributed between the bloodstream and the lymph.

Through the efferent vessels from the lymph node to the area of inflammation, lymphocytes are delivered, which help destroy foreign proteins.

An enlarged axillary lymph node indicates that its activity has increased – it fights the infection and other pathogens that have entered the body. Lymph nodes help remove them from the lymph, reacting to any element foreign to the body.

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Symptoms enlarged lymph nodes under the arms

The development of the disorder can be identified by the presence of the following symptoms:

• At first, there is redness of the skin over the area where the lymph node is located;
• discomfort is felt when palpating this area;
• in case of a strong inflammatory process, this area becomes painful;
• the temperature rises;
• working with your hands causes a feeling of sudden weakness;
• nausea appears;
• Palpation of the lymph nodes allows you to feel their pulsation.

Symptoms of the inflammatory process in the axillary lymph nodes are most noticeable in the case of the development of the purulent form. At first, the temperature increases slightly, and then the fever begins and chills appear. The main danger of such a process is that purulent foci can also appear in other organs.

Enlarged lymph nodes under the arms in women

For women, inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes followed by their enlargement is a very dangerous symptom – it may be the first sign of the development of breast cancer.

Enlarged lymph nodes under the arms with mastopathy

Approximately 10% of women suffering from mastopathy experience enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit area. This is accompanied by pain of varying intensity.

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Enlarged lymph nodes under the arms during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's immune system becomes less active - this is necessary to protect the fetus from aggressive influences. But because of this, the immune system weakens, which allows bacteria and viruses to penetrate the body more easily, causing inflammation and colds. Therefore, during pregnancy, lymphadenitis usually occurs as a complication of a cold or infection.

But the development of this problem can be caused not only by infection - during pregnancy, the woman's body undergoes a restructuring: her hormonal background changes, weak reactions to the protein of the fetus and placenta entering the circulatory system occur, and the mammary glands develop. In some cases, this is the reason for the enlargement of the lymph nodes in the armpit area. Mostly, these changes disappear after a few days.

In addition, a slight increase in lymph nodes is possible in the case of increased sensitivity of a woman to cosmetics (such as deodorants, hair dye, as well as depilatory creams, etc.) or household chemicals, because the body of a pregnant woman may give an inadequate reaction to previously familiar products.

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Swollen lymph nodes under the arms before menstruation

Most women experience a phenomenon called PMS, which is caused by hormones (progesterone and estrogen). The effect of these substances on a woman's body during this period is as follows:

• The breasts swell, causing the lobules to enlarge and become sensitive. The axillary lymph nodes hurt because this is the area where the duct that connects them to the clavicular region is located. As the lobules of the mammary glands expand, the pressure on this duct and nerve endings increases - this is why pain occurs, which is mainly aching in nature (it is not very noticeable, but still brings some discomfort). In some cases, it appears only when moving the arms (when raising them up), but sometimes it can be felt constantly. Often, the severity of pain depends on the age of the woman, increasing as the menopause approaches;
• Exacerbation of chronic pathologies, and they may not necessarily be gynecological - sometimes diseases of other organs also have an impact. Since during PMS there is a decrease in immunity, as a result of which the number of pathogenic microbes in the body increases - this is why the axillary lymph nodes can increase, because the defense system is forced to work more intensively;
• A disorder of the lymphatic drainage process, which is caused by tissue edema and fluid retention in the space between cells (including in the mammary glands). As a result, the axillary lymph nodes swell and begin to hurt. In this case, they can be palpated independently.

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Enlarged lymph nodes under the arms in children

Axillary lymph nodes in children can enlarge due to the development of various diseases, and also as a result of severe damage to the skin on the arms and shoulders.

Most often, the inflammatory process develops as a result of the so-called "cat scratch syndrome". The medical name is "benign lymphoreticulosis". The disease proceeds as follows: some time after the cat scratched the child, the lymph node closest to the scratch site begins to become inflamed, which takes on the infection that has entered the body.

In this case, you should immediately treat the scratch with iodine or brilliant green, and then carefully monitor the child’s well-being.

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Complications and consequences

A complication of this disease may be the spread of inflammation to neighboring organs and tissues, as a result of which the infection begins to spread further throughout the body, which may lead to intoxication. The consequence of this may be blood poisoning, and in addition, inflammation of the veins, as well as a disorder of lymph drainage. A scar remains at the site of the damaged lymph node after this, and the process is irreversible.

Also, suppuration may begin in the inflamed lymph node, which is an even more life-threatening process for the patient. Suppuration can move to nearby tissues, and since the infection moves through the body very quickly through the lymphatic system, even a fatal outcome is possible.

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Diagnostics enlarged lymph nodes under the arms

Enlarged axillary lymph nodes can be diagnosed visually, and also by palpation. Usually, diagnostics in this case are made in this way.

During the diagnostic process, urine and blood tests should be taken, and in addition, blood tests for HIV and syphilis should be taken. The patient should also take serological tests. If a malignant tumor is suspected, a puncture is taken from the lymph node, and then a histological examination is performed. If tuberculosis is suspected, sputum analysis is performed and a Mantoux test is taken.

During the examination, instrumental diagnostics are also required - ultrasound, to assess the condition of the superficial groups of lymph nodes. If there is a suspicion of tuberculosis, the patient is given an X-ray.

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Treatment enlarged lymph nodes under the arms

Treatment for this disease is aimed at quickly stopping the inflammatory process that causes the axillary lymph nodes to enlarge. Only after the infection has been eliminated do the lymph nodes acquire their natural size. Thus, when inflammation of the lymph nodes develops, the cause of this process should be eliminated as quickly as possible.

It is also recommended to minimize the load on the inflamed lymph nodes in the early stages of the disease.

Medicines

For rapid resorption of the tumor, you can use chloroethyl (spray). This procedure should be combined with applying compresses with troxevasin, vaseline, and heparin emulsion.

In case of a bacterial infection that causes enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes, antibacterial drugs should be used in the form of injections (i/m) or tablets. The duration of the treatment course in this case depends on the severity of the disease. Antiviral drugs - cogacel, rimantadine, etc.; antibiotics - amoxiclav or amoxicillin, and in case of a more severe degree of inflammation - ethionamide, etc.

In this case, auxiliary means are vitamins and immunomodulators.

Vitamins

Vitamin C should be taken as an additional treatment.

It is found in large quantities in cabbage and citrus fruits.

This substance allows you to speed up biochemical reactions occurring in the body. Vitamin C should be consumed 3 times a day (at a dose of 250 mg). The daily dosage should not exceed 1000 mg.

Physiotherapy treatment

The effectiveness of treatment can be increased with the help of physiotherapy - electrophoresis procedures, as well as ultrasound, and in addition, the use of ointments and compresses that help stop inflammatory processes.

Folk remedies

There are several folk methods of treating this disease.

Echinacea preparations are commonly used as non-specific immunomodulatory agents. Studies using oral administration of Echinacea have shown that dry powder or alcoholic extract of E. purpurea root can stimulate splenic T-cell proliferation and NK cell cytotoxicity. [ 18 ] To do this, take 0.5 teaspoon of Echinacea, diluted in a quarter glass of plain water.

A herbal anti-inflammatory mixture is also quite effective – a mixture (in equal proportions) of wormwood, calendula, elderberry, lavender, and currant leaves. You need 2 spoons of this mixture – pour boiling water (1 l) over them and leave to infuse in a thermos overnight. Then strain it and drink throughout the day (it is recommended to prepare the tincture in the evening). The treatment course usually lasts about 1.5-2 months.

Freshly squeezed aloe juice should be mixed with honey and red wine (equal proportions), and then infused for a week. The finished tincture should be consumed 30 minutes before meals, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Calendula, which helps remove pathogenic microorganisms from the lymph. You should pour hot water over the dried flowers of this plant, then cover the container with a lid and leave for 1 hour. You need to drink the tincture about 4 times a day (before meals). The treatment course lasts a maximum of 7-10 days.

If enlarged lymph nodes are painful, you can use compresses made from various ingredients (mistletoe, mint, or walnut leaves), which should be prepared immediately before treating the inflamed area. They should be left on the skin for at least 2 hours, and to get a better effect, you can cover the compress with polyethylene and fix it with a plaster or bandage.

Mint can be applied to the site of inflammation in its pure form. Walnut leaves should be infused in vodka for 3 days (ratio: 150 g of vodka or alcohol and 3 tablespoons of leaves). Mistletoe leaves should be infused in hot water or boiled in a water bath.

Calendula flowers with tansy - their mixture should be crushed, mixed, and then filled with water (filtered or boiled is recommended), cover the container and keep for 4 hours in a dark place. After that, strain and drink before meals (20 minutes), at least 3 times a day.

Freshly squeezed beetroot juice should be separated from the foam and then kept in the refrigerator for 5 hours. Drink the juice before meals, 0.5 cups at a time, for 1 week. To improve the taste, you can add carrot juice to the drink.

You can also pour a liter of filtered water over 2 heads of garlic and leave for 3 days. The tincture should be taken 3 times a day (in dessert spoons, 1 at a time).

Medicines such as dimexide and ichthyol ointment as part of a complex treatment help reduce the feeling of discomfort, especially with severe pain due to an enlarged axillary lymph node.

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Surgical treatment

If there is no timely treatment, a purulent process may begin in the inflamed lymph node. In this case, surgical intervention is required to remove the accumulated pus. During the procedure, the patient is given a drain to drain the pus through it. It is removed after a week.

Prevention

To prevent enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes, you should follow some rules. Among the recommendations of a general nature:

• maintain personal hygiene - this will help avoid the development of inflammation;
• regulate sweating - in addition to genetic predisposition, this indicator is also affected by excess weight and consumption of large amounts of spices;
• undergo regular medical examinations and promptly seek help from specialists if illnesses occur - early diagnosis contributes to more effective and rapid treatment;
• do not self-medicate - trying to open or squeeze out the contents of enlarged lymph nodes or carry out warming procedures can be fraught with the development of various complications and the transition of the disease to a chronic form;
• Underarm care products must be used correctly, and their quality must be monitored. Do not apply antiperspirant to hot skin, use low-quality or expired deodorants - to avoid irritation, swelling or the development of allergies;
• Depilation should be carried out carefully, and do not use other people's products or razors - this can lead to infection;
• monitor your health, avoiding seasonal infectious or viral diseases that can cause complications;
• maintain the immune system in good condition;
• maintain a daily routine and regime;
• Do not abuse alcohol and smoking.

These recommendations will help reduce the risk of developing the disease and facilitate prompt initiation of therapy.

If you are at risk of developing certain diseases that are accompanied by enlarged axillary lymph nodes, you should follow the following special recommendations:

• prevention of breast cancer development – constantly conduct self-examination and regularly visit a gynecologist, therapist, and mammologist;
• prevent the development of boils - treat cuts, scratches, etc. with disinfectants.

Forecast

Enlarged lymph nodes under the arms, if quickly detected and treated correctly and in a timely manner, will have a favorable prognosis. At an early stage of development, it is quite easy to prevent the spread of infection from its source - this will require local therapy, as well as the use of anti-inflammatory drugs.

This disease should not be treated inattentively, as it is very serious and can lead to complications or develop into a more severe pathology (for example, a malignant tumor), which can even be fatal.

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