Diagnosis
Enlarged lymph nodes and the underlying cause are diagnosed by anamnesis and also by a thorough physical examination including lymphatic tissue in the mouth and throat. If more serious diseases are suspected, further examinations are performed. The spleen and the liver are palpated and for a more precise diagnosis there are imaging procedures which can bring further clarity.
However, only a tissue sample from the suspected lymph node can provide certainty in the diagnosis of lymph node cancer. It is also important that the entire body is examined and subjected to imaging procedures. The tissue sample is taken in such a way that it is only a very minor procedure for the patient.
Usually there is only a minimal incision. Blood is also taken and then the bone marrow is examined, since bone marrow is also part of the lymphatic system. Depending on which disease the results indicate, tests are then carried out to determine the stage of the disease.
Therapy of lymph node swelling
The therapy depends entirely on the diagnosis. If it is only an infection, it will be treated according to the symptoms. The same applies to Pfeiffer’s glandular fever, which usually has no consequences, even if it takes a long time to heal.
Measles and rubella are also only treated symptomatically and the symptoms associated with this disease are thus alleviated. The numerous venereal diseases, which can also be the cause of lymph node swelling, are treated differently. Many of them have different bacteria as pathogens, which can be treated very effectively with a suitable antibiotic.
Almost always the swelling of the lymph nodes disappears with the disease. Unfortunately there are also sexually transmitted diseases like HIV, where there is no cure. Here it is important that the immune system is strengthened.
If the disease is detected at an early stage, the onset of the disease can be delayed for years with the help of therapy. In the case of tuberculosis there are special antituberculotics, which are special drugs with which a tuberculosis disease can be treated. Lyme disease (Lyme) is not so easy to treat, because often several organs are affected.
However, the prognosis in the early stages is very good, that the disease can be cured by antibiotics. Diphtheria is a very serious disease, which unfortunately often leads to death. Here too, the following applies: the earlier the disease is detected and treated, the better the chances are.
The treating physician gives the patient a so-called antidote, which directly fights the diphtheria toxin in the body. For inflamed palatine tonsils, the usual medications such as paracetamol and aspirin as well as ibuprofen, which one would also use for influenza, help. These also treat the fever, which is often accompanied by tonsillitis.
But in some cases, surgery is also necessary. Chemo- and radiotherapy are the preferred treatment for lymph gland cancer. Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of many processes in the body.
Besides the treatment of the underlying disease, home remedies for swollen lymph nodes can also be used. In the beginning it can help to massage the swollen lymph nodes lightly. This can be combined with the application of heat.
Massage should only be used as long as it does not cause pain.The use of castor oil, which is said to have decongestant properties, is described as a further home remedy for swollen lymph nodes. It can be applied to the affected areas and rubbed in. It also has anti-inflammatory active ingredients that can help with infections.
Furthermore, household remedies that are directed against the underlying disease help. One of the most common causes of lymphatic swelling is the common cold. Here it helps then to take vitamins and trace elements such as zinc increased to itself.
As a further important measure it must be paid attention to avoid harmful and healing-inhibiting substances. These include above all alcohol and tobacco smoke. Of course a long, restful sleep also helps. House means can only support. If the swelling of the lymph nodes does not go down again or if the symptoms become more severe, the cause should be clarified.
