Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are one of the consequences of a cold or acute viral infection that affects the respiratory tract. Because of this, the lymph nodes in the neck become inflamed and enlarged.

Let's look at the reasons for enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and methods of treating them.

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Causes enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Any respiratory bacterial infection of the upper respiratory tract is accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes enlarge for a short period of time, but can cause a lot of trouble. The enlargement of the lymph nodes varies from a small, barely noticeable size, like a pea, to significant sizes that cannot be hidden - lymph nodes the size of an egg.

When palpating, that is, when touching the enlarged lymph node, pain is felt. If the lymph nodes are not very enlarged, then pain is not felt. Note that the more intense the infectious process, the more painful and larger the lymph nodes.

Enlarged lymph nodes are a dangerous disease. Thus, petrified lymph nodes can turn into malignant tumors. You can independently assess the degree of danger posed by lymph nodes. If during the disease there is a high temperature, headache and constant tingling in the area of the lymph nodes on the neck, then you must immediately seek medical help. Another sign of dangerous lymph nodes is pain when swallowing. The higher the temperature and the more unpleasant sensations when palpating the neck, the more likely it is that the lymph nodes are dangerous to your health.

The causes of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are always caused by an infectious bacterial disease. To know exactly how to treat enlarged lymph nodes, it is necessary to understand the reasons for their appearance and inflammation.

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck:

• Human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV infection ).
• Cancerous diseases (metastases to the lymph nodes, lymphogranulomatosis ).
• Diseases of connective tissues.
• Alcohol abuse or chronic alcoholism.
• Problems with the immune system.
• Thyroid diseases.
• Angina or acute pharyngitis.
• Fungal, bacterial, parasitic, viral infections, infectious diseases ( infectious mononucleosis ).

Also, the causes of enlarged lymph nodes include ear inflammation, various dental infections, inflammation of the oral cavity and larynx. Inflamed lymph nodes on the neck may indicate diseases of organs close to the neck and venereal diseases. In addition, lymph nodes can become inflamed due to cat or rat scratches.

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Symptoms enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Lymph nodes are particles of lymphatic tissue that are located in a pocket of connective tissue, these are peculiar filters with lymphatic fluid. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body and the entire lymphatic system. The lymph nodes contain protective cells that capture and destroy cancer and bacterial cells.

The lymph nodes are very important for the immune system, as they are responsible for fighting germs, viruses and other harmful substances that enter the body.

Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes in the neck:

• High temperature.
• Small bumps appear on the neck.
• The lymph nodes become swollen, making it difficult to swallow and speak.

Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck usually occur due to extensive or local inflammation. But there are cases when enlarged lymph nodes are directly related to cancer. Swollen, inflamed lymph nodes are called lymphadenopathy.

If you have had a cold or diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract, the lymph nodes in the neck may enlarge for a while and then return to normal. It is very dangerous if the lymph node is inflamed only on one side. All this can be signs of serious infectious and non-infectious diseases. Disease of the lymph nodes and their enlargement in the neck can contribute to the enlargement and swelling of the tonsils, salivary glands, parotid glands, thyroid gland and lacrimal glands. If you have such symptoms, you should immediately seek medical help.

Enlarged lymph nodes on the back of the neck

Swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck indicate inflammatory processes in the body. Thus, swelling on the back of the neck may be associated with a cold, sore throat, tuberculosis or acute pharyngitis. In addition, swollen lymph nodes on the back of the neck may indicate rubella, toxoplasmosis and other viral infections.

The main symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes on the back of the neck:

• Soft swellings can be felt on the neck, which may be painful or not bothersome at all.
• Enlarged lymph nodes in the back of the head may indicate a cancerous disease that has affected the lymph nodes in the neck.
• The main symptom that accompanies enlarged lymph nodes in the neck is a cold.

It is impossible to avoid inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, since it is impossible to protect the body from all microbes, bacteria and infections. But preventive measures will significantly reduce the risk of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the back of the neck.

Do not neglect treatment of viral infections and bacterial diseases. Be sure to see a doctor if redness appears on the neck.

Observe basic hygiene rules: wash your hands, eat healthy food, and avoid contact with people who carry diseases.

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Diagnostics enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Diagnosis of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck begins with finding out the cause. Any process in the body that causes tissue swelling or edema is inflammation. When the lymph nodes are inflamed, they increase in size. It is very easy to diagnose the inflammatory process, thanks to the enlarged lymph nodes. But sometimes, enlarged lymph nodes are not associated with inflammatory processes. Therefore, it is necessary to diagnose enlarged lymph nodes taking into account other signs that may be the cause of this symptom.

With pronounced or advanced enlargement of the lymph nodes, patients complain of persistent pain in the affected area. Note that if the process of enlargement of the lymph node occurs very quickly and violently, then the cause of the disease can be diagnosed. As a rule, this is a wound into which microbes or an infection have entered and through the lymphatic channels reached the lymph nodes in the neck. If we are talking about acute inflammation of the lymph node, then the reaction manifests itself throughout the body:

• High temperature.
• Decreased appetite.
• Chills.
• General weakness and fatigue.
• Headache.

If we are talking about chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes, the above symptoms and pain may be absent. Enlarged lymph nodes are also dangerous because they can provoke irreversible degeneration of the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes.

It is very difficult to diagnose such lymph nodes, as they are painless and almost not palpable. Therefore, in order to get an accurate diagnosis, you need to seek medical help. Only a doctor can reliably determine the cause of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and prescribe the necessary treatment.

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Treatment enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Treatment of lymph nodes in the neck begins with procedures and methods that will help relieve pain. It is also very important to determine the cause of inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck. An infectious disease specialist, surgeon, and oncologist will help you with this issue. In general, there are many questions associated with the treatment of lymph nodes in the neck. Before treating, it is necessary to find out why the lymph nodes are inflamed. These problems can be solved with various treatment methods.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are responsible for ear diseases, head diseases and diseases associated with the respiratory system. Enlargement can also be caused by dental infections.

• The best remedy that helps to fight an inflamed lymph node in the neck is considered to be Echinacea. Echinacea is a plant that has an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effect on the affected area. Echinacea infusion should be diluted with boiled water. The approximate ratio is 10 drops of tincture per 100 grams of water. The tincture should be taken 3 times a day. This treatment of enlarged lymph nodes is most often used for colds.
• Another way to cure lymph nodes on the neck is to make compresses and rubs. You will need camphor oil or ichthyol ointment. The oil is used for compresses, and the ointment must be gently rubbed into the affected area.
• Please note that if the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged, it is better to stop using creams and perfumes for a while. As this can provoke further inflammation.
• The easiest way to relieve pain in the lymph nodes is to take a terry towel, soak it in hot water, squeeze it well and apply it to the neck and to the enlarged lymph nodes. Keep the compress for no longer than 15 minutes.
• Daily intake of vitamin C can return enlarged lymph nodes to their usual appearance. Eat more vegetables and fruits, drink juices, especially orange.
• It is strictly forbidden to make an iodine grid. Since it can cause severe inflammation of an already enlarged lymph node.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are not a fatal diagnosis, but it is a disease that requires immediate treatment. Do not wait until the disease becomes irreversible, seek help from a doctor and take care of your health.