Lymphadenitis in children

Lymphadenitis in children is a disease that manifests itself in inflammation of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system, they are among the first to react to inflammatory processes in the body, increasing in size. The course of the disease in childhood often proceeds differently than in adults. The disease is classified by the site of the lesion: cervical, inguinal, submandibular, and by the nature of the disease: specific and nonspecific.

Non-specific lymphadenitis in children is observed more often and is characterized by specific foci of inflammation, the causative agents are bacteria of purulent infection, usually staphylococci or streptococci. It is for the reason that local inflammatory processes can provoke the development of lymphadenitis that self-treatment of acne, boils, festering wounds, etc. is not recommended.

Specific lymphadenitis usually occurs against the background of such serious diseases as syphilis or tuberculosis, etc. In this case, treatment should be aimed at the underlying disease. With specific lymphadenitis, you can only reduce the symptoms with compresses and antiviral drugs, treatment of only the lymph nodes in this case will not give an effective result, the process can become chronic with further replacement of lymphoid tissue. But adults are more susceptible to specific lymphadenitis than children.

Lymphadenitis in children can be caused by 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 angina, tonsillitis, flu, etc. Inflammation rarely occurs as a result of pneumonia. Such diseases usually provoke inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes, sometimes the cervical, popliteal or axillary lymph nodes are affected. Inguinal lymphadenitis in children is quite rare.

The disease is expressed in a more severe form in children than in adults. When the lymph nodes are inflamed, the child's temperature rises, appetite disappears, apathy and lethargy are observed. In infants, all signs of intoxication appear. When the cervical lymph nodes are inflamed, swelling, redness, and difficulty moving the head may appear.

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Causes lymphadenitis in a child

A common cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes are infectious diseases: sore throat, flu, tonsillitis, scarlet fever, diphtheria. Caries and various inflammations of the oral cavity can contribute to the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes.

The defeat of the lymph nodes often goes unnoticed, because all attention is focused on the underlying disease. If the body's defenses are weakened, lymphadenitis becomes purulent. Chronic lymphadenitis develops after acute lymphadenitis, when the body has not completely overcome the infection, and a sluggish and long inflammatory process occurs in the lymph nodes. This usually happens when the underlying cause that provoked the inflammation of the lymphatic system is not completely eliminated (sick teeth, runny nose, etc.). Usually the patient's condition is within normal limits, nothing bothers him. A purulent process in the chronic form of lymphadenitis is extremely rare.

The chronic form is also observed in the tuberculosis process in the body. Lymph nodes can also be enlarged in blood diseases or tumors. Specialists have established a number of reasons that can lead to enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes in children:

• cat scratches. The reason is quite common, considering that most people have pets. Animal saliva contains bacteria that enter the bloodstream when scratched or bitten. Some time after the bite, an enlarged lymph node is observed.
• cold. In children with a weakened immune system who often get sick, enlarged lymph nodes are a fairly common occurrence.
• infectious diseases. In this case, the lymph node that is located near the source of infection is subject to inflammation. Cervical lymphadenitis appears as a result of diseases of the throat and ears. Inflammation in the groin area indicates problems in the genitourinary system of the child.

In young children, lymph nodes often enlarge during teething. Usually, this does not cause any discomfort or pain to the child. This is caused by the baby's imperfect immune system and should not cause concern for parents. In young children, lymph nodes are relatively large, since the formation of immunity is just beginning, and the responsibility for this lies precisely with the lymphoid tissue.

But inflamed and painful lymph nodes in small children can indicate such diseases as tuberculosis, blood cancer, HIV infection. Enlarged lymph nodes for a long time can be due to mononucleosis. For all diseases, additional diagnostics (blood test, puncture, etc.) must be carried out. If you notice enlarged lymph nodes in a child, it would be better to consult a therapist to exclude more serious diseases. As is known, all diseases detected at an early stage are easier to treat, and in the case of our children, excessive precautions will not be superfluous.

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Symptoms lymphadenitis in a child

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

Acute lymphadenitis in children manifests itself with severe pain at the site of the lesion, enlarged lymph nodes (can be palpated with fingers), increased temperature, the patient feels awkward when moving his head, feels weak. When palpated, the lymph nodes are mobile, painful, dense. Timely effective treatment of the underlying disease that 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, loss of appetite. The inflamed lymph node is slightly mobile, adhesions with adjacent tissues occur, redness is observed over the affected area, a softened area forms in the center, where pus accumulates. Over time, pus breaks out, and the inflammation becomes chronic.

Typically, enlarged lymph nodes can be felt in front of and behind the ears, under the lower jaw, on the sides of the neck, under the arms, above the collarbone, on the sides of the chest, on the elbows, and in the groin area.

If one lymph node is enlarged and not accompanied by further growth or temperature increase, this does not indicate any disease. This may mean that this particular lymph node is working a little more actively than the others. This enlargement is caused by a previous infection and over time the lymph node will acquire its normal size.

The chronic form is characterized by compaction and enlargement of the lymph nodes, decreased mobility. Chronic lymphadenitis in children develops as a result of the subsidence of acute inflammation or is provoked by inactive bacteria. In the chronic form, the general condition is within normal limits, enlarged lymph nodes, when palpated, do not hurt and are clearly defined. A long-term chronic process leads to the destruction of the lymph node, with gradual replacement by connective tissue. Periods of exacerbation begin at times, during which a fistula is formed, over time it closes, and then can form in another place.

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Cervical lymphadenitis in children

Cervical lymphadenitis occurs most often in children. The cause of this is various infectious diseases (purulent tonsillitis, flu, pneumonia, etc.).

The lymph node becomes inflamed due to an infection carried by the bloodstream from the primary site of inflammation, i.e. it is provoked by purulent bacteria (streptococci, staphylococci).

There are acute and chronic forms of the disease. In the chronic form, the lymph nodes will become inflamed with each cold. This is usually due to low immunity. 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 the early stage of the disease, small tumors and lumps appear on the neck, pressing on them can cause pain. Later, headache, weakness, fever, and intoxication occur. The size of the inflamed lymph node depends on the nature of the disease (one or more lymph nodes may be involved in the inflammation). Then the lymph node loses its contours, increases in size, and the skin becomes red. Acute cervical lymphadenitis resembles a furuncle.

In this case, fever begins, the temperature rises above 380. Pulsating pain is felt in the inflamed lymph node. In this case, you need to seek immediate medical help. If the purulent focus is not opened in time, the pus will enter the adjacent tissues, which can cause sepsis (blood poisoning).

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Lymphadenitis on the neck in children

Lymph nodes in the neck of a child are easy to identify on your own. The lymph nodes are shaped like balls that move when pressed. Usually, the size of the lymph nodes is about the size of a pea, less often larger swellings are observed. When touched, the child feels severe pain.

Short-term inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes sometimes occurs after a child has had an upper respiratory tract infection.

Before treating lymphadenitis in children, first of all, the cause that caused the inflammation is determined. Then all attention is directed to the destruction of the primary disease. To relieve swelling, deltason, prednisolone, medrol are prescribed. All these drugs are freely sold in pharmacies, no prescription is required for them.

The duration of the disease is reduced by UHF therapy. In advanced cases, the doctor may consider it necessary to prescribe a course of antibiotics. Purulent foci are removed surgically.

If you find inflamed lymph nodes on your child's neck, you should go to the clinic as soon as possible. After passing the necessary tests, effective treatment will be prescribed. Inflammation of the lymph nodes on the neck is removed in parallel with the treatment of the underlying disease that caused lymphadenitis. It is important to remember that you cannot use warming compresses for lymphadenitis, especially for the cervical form. High temperature in the affected area contributes to the spread of infection, in which case healthy adjacent tissue is affected faster. Also in this case, there is a risk of infection getting into the brain. Rubbing the affected area should also be extremely careful, it is better to agree on all treatment methods with your doctor.

Submandibular lymphadenitis in children

Submandibular lymphadenitis in children manifests itself in inflammation of the lymph nodes located under the lower jaw. The patient feels pain that increases over time, swelling appears (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, and gum inflammation.

With this form of lymphadenitis, it is necessary to maintain strict oral hygiene (since this is where the source of infection may be). To reduce swelling and pain, you can apply a cool compress to the sore spot. If a purulent process has begun, you cannot do without surgical intervention, which involves cutting the node and cleaning it from the accumulated pus. In this case, taking antibiotics is mandatory. Antibiotic-based treatment is often used, but with a purulent process, such treatment is ineffective. Antibiotics will help relieve the main symptoms, but will not relieve inflammation. Often after such treatment, the disease returns, only in a more severe form. Therefore, surgery is the only way to date 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, and general weakness is observed.

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

Basically, inguinal lymphadenitis develops as a result of syphilis, with malignant tumors in the testicles, rectum, in women, lymphadenitis in the groin area may indicate ovarian cysts, various types of fungal diseases. In childhood, inguinal lymphadenitis is quite rare. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in a child can occur as a result of leg damage (abrasions, cuts, broken knees, etc.). If after all the wounds have healed successfully, and the lymph nodes have not returned to normal, the child must be shown to a doctor.

Acute lymphadenitis in children

Children have a more sensitive lymphatic system than adults, so they are more susceptible to lymphadenitis, especially in acute form. Lymphadenitis in children occurs as a result of some infectious disease. The disease manifests itself in general weakness, high temperature, swelling in the area of inflammation (both one and several lymph nodes can be involved in the inflammation process). At the beginning of the disease, the nodes are mobile, without adhesions with adjacent tissues, practically painless.

The progression of the disease leads to low mobility of the nodes, severe swelling, pain in the affected area, it is difficult for the patient to move. Inflammation of the tissues around the node begins, the pain intensifies, purulent inflammation joins. In this case, fever, headaches, rapid heartbeat begin, the temperature rises to a critical level. The neglected process of acute lymphadenitis can lead to very serious consequences.

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Purulent lymphadenitis in children

Purulent lymphadenitis in children is primarily caused by improper treatment of acute lymphadenitis. This process can also be caused by unfavorable conditions: hypothermia, severe illnesses, weak immune system, stress, etc.

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

If the lymph node is not located deep, then severe swelling and redness of the skin in this area is observed.

In case of purulent lesion, surgical intervention is necessary, only in this case it is possible to prevent further spread of infection to neighboring tissues and organs. An abscess that is not opened in time can lead to blood poisoning. During the operation, the affected lymph node is opened and cleaned of accumulated pus. Also after the operation, a course of antibiotics is necessary, which will alleviate the symptoms and help prevent possible complications.

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 temperature, with purulent lymphadenitis there may be signs of intoxication (weakness, nausea), with a chronic course of the disease in most cases there are no symptoms, the lymph nodes are enlarged, there is an adhesion process. With a simple form of the disease in children, the inflammation does not spread beyond the affected lymph node. In more severe cases (acute or purulent lymphadenitis), the inflammation process spreads to adjacent tissues. Incomplete or initially incorrect treatment leads to serious consequences (thrombi, purulent processes, fistulas). 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 pulsation, the temperature rises. Inflamed lymph nodes fuse with surrounding tissues, becoming almost immobile.

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

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Lymphadenitis behind the ear in children

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

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

Inflammation can be caused by earlobe piercing, piercing or facial tattoos. An enlarged lymph node behind the ear is carefully examined to rule out possible diseases such as cancerous tumors and tuberculosis.

After treating the cause of the inflammation, in acute or chronic lymphadenitis, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy procedures so that the lymphatic fluid is absorbed faster. Advanced process of behind-the-ear lymphadenitis can lead to hearing loss.

Diagnostics lymphadenitis in a child

Diagnosis of a disease such as lymphadenitis can sometimes be extremely difficult, especially in chronic forms. It is quite difficult to determine the nature of the lymph node lesion based only on symptoms, so a morphological study is performed, especially if tumors have appeared. Such a study is performed using a diagnostic puncture or biopsy. Currently, diagnostic puncture of the lymph node has practically replaced biopsy (which has a number of disadvantages). A biopsy is prescribed only when it is difficult to determine the diagnosis based on the puncture results.

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

Recently, diagnostics of affected lymph nodes is carried out using the method of radiocontrast, direct and indirect lymphography, scanning, etc.

Acute purulent lymphadenitis has similar symptoms to a neck cyst. In this case, a diagnostic puncture is taken.

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Treatment lymphadenitis in a child

Acute non-specific 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, taking antiviral drugs. All attention is paid to treating the main source of inflammation, antibiotics may be taken. If a purulent lesion has begun, surgery is performed, after which treatment is carried out according to the same principle as the treatment of purulent wounds.

In chronic non-specific lymphadenitis, the main treatment is aimed at the disease that caused the inflammation of the lymph nodes.

The use of traditional medicine methods can be agreed with your doctor. It is necessary to use traditional medicine methods in a comprehensive manner, in combination with traditional drugs, then the effectiveness will be an order of magnitude higher.

When choosing folk remedies, you need to choose one collection for internal use and two external remedies in the form of compresses.

Garlic is well known for its antibacterial properties. Traditional medicine offers a tincture that destroys the infection well: pour 100 g of garlic (about 2 heads) with five glasses of warm boiled water, leave for 3 days, stirring twice a day (morning and evening). Take the garlic tincture three times a day 1.5 - 2 hours after meals, 1 teaspoon.

Blueberries have good anti-inflammatory and tonic properties. A healing drink is prepared from them, for this you need to pour fresh berries (you can use frozen ones) with warm water (for 1 part berries 5 parts water), crush and insist for 2 hours. You can add honey or sugar. Take a glass, as much as you want.

For chronic lymphadenitis, a tincture of knotweed or field horsetail is recommended. Pour 300 ml of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of dry grass, leave for 20 minutes, then strain and take 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals. The same principle for preparing and taking horsetail tincture. The course of treatment is 2 months, taking the tinctures alternately, knotweed one week, horsetail the second week, etc. Such tinctures have good blood-purifying properties.

Mint leaves are good for external compresses. For the compress, knead the leaves until juice forms and apply to the affected lymph nodes for about 2 hours, you can fix the compress with a plaster or bandage. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day. This compress can be done in combination with a dandelion compress: crush fresh leaves until juice forms and soak gauze with it, make a compress similar to a mint one.

A mistletoe compress helps well: 1 tablespoon of dry leaves is poured with 300 ml of water and simmered in a water bath for 20 minutes. Gauze (bandage) is soaked in warm infusion and applied to the affected area for 2 hours, covered with oilcloth (parchment) and fixed with a plaster or bandage

You can prepare an ointment for external use. To prepare it, you need to simmer visceral fat, you can use pork fat (200 g) and dry figwort herb (1 tbsp) in a water bath for four hours. The hot ointment needs to be filtered and allowed to cool. The ointment needs to be applied 3 times a day. It is better to store such an ointment in a glass container in the refrigerator.

How to treat lymphadenitis in children?

When treating lymphadenitis in children, first of all, it is necessary to eliminate the cause of the disease. As a rule, physiotherapy and application of compresses with ointments are used for local treatment. Along with this, vitamin and general tonic agents are prescribed. Children under 7 years of age with acute lymphadenitis are sent for inpatient treatment. In the purulent form, an operation is performed to open the lymph node and cleanse it of accumulated pus. In this case, anti-intoxication drugs 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 can determine the type of lymphadenitis and prescribe effective treatment.

Before the ambulance arrives, parents can only slightly ease the baby's condition with a cool compress; in no case should they warm up the inflamed lymph nodes, 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. An increased level of leukocytes indicates an infection in the body. In the early stages of the disease, treatment is usually prescribed at home.

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

After the doctor has determined the exact diagnosis, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Quite often, the cause of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes is tonsillitis or flu. After effective treatment of the underlying disease, the lymph nodes do not require special treatment, and they gradually return to normal.

When treating 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 almost any disease without the use of drugs.

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

Cervical lymphadenitis in children is a rather serious disease, which in advanced form leads to sepsis (blood poisoning) and the formation of blood clots. That is why you should not delay in contacting a 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 submandibular form, it is necessary to strictly maintain oral hygiene with a special product - Burow's solution (sold in pharmacies). Cool compresses on the affected areas using this product are also useful. Purulent lymphadenitis in children requires mandatory antibiotics. As with other forms of lymphadenitis, with a purulent process, surgical intervention is necessary. Based on medical practice, several lymph nodes are often inflamed. In this case, a more serious operation is performed, during which an incision is made in the submandibular region, a special tube is inserted and cleaning is performed, then the wound is closed with clamps. Most often, the second method is used to treat submandibular lymphadenitis; treatment with antibiotics can be ineffective. Antibiotics help reduce the manifestation of symptoms, but do not cure completely. Quite often, a relapse is observed after treatment with antibiotics, only in a more severe form. Therefore, surgery is currently the only way to treat submandibular lymphadenitis with purulent foci.

Prevention

Prevention of lymphadenitis in children is aimed at timely treatment of diseases, in which 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 avoid this completely, it is necessary to promptly treat damaged areas of the skin 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 visiting the dentist, treat caries in a timely manner, since it is the advanced carious process that can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes.

Acute lymphadenitis in children manifests itself with signs of intoxication (headache, fever, temperature). Infants are especially hard hit by the disease, with age the symptoms become less pronounced.

Frequent colds are associated with weak immune systems. Therefore, to maintain immunity, it is necessary to periodically give the child a course of vitamin and mineral supplements, iodine-containing drugs. Hardening, physical exercises also help to increase immunity.

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Forecast

Timely and effective treatment of lymphadenitis prevents the spread of infection. Chronic lymphadenitis in children, occurring without pronounced symptoms, leads to irreversible processes: a scar is formed at the site of the affected lymph node, and the lymphoid tissue is replaced by connective tissue. Lymph outflow may be disrupted. All this significantly reduces the body's defenses, it is unable to fight infections, and chronic diseases occur.

Lymphadenitis in children is quite common, it is associated with an imperfect or weakened immune system, which leads to frequent colds, against the background of which inflammation occurs in the lymph nodes. Lymphadenitis is also provoked by wounds and scratches, through which an infection can enter the blood. That is why it is necessary to immediately treat the affected areas with antiseptics: hydrogen peroxide, iodine, brilliant green - these drugs should always be at hand for parents. Deep cuts, scratches, need to be protected with special antibacterial plasters.

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