Lymphadenitis
Definition
Lymphadenitis is the swelling of lymph nodes due to inflammatory processes, usually in the context of infections. The swelling of one or more lymph nodes is called lymphadenopathy. Often the terms lymphadenitis (in the narrower sense inflammation of the lymph nodes) and lymphadenopathy (in the narrower sense swelling of the lymph nodes) are used synonymously. Lymphadenitis can have numerous causes. Some have no far-reaching health relevance and the inflammation of the lymph nodes spontaneously recedes within a few days, while in others lymphadenitis can be an indication of a serious illness, so that a visit to the doctor with further diagnostics can be useful.
Anatomy and Pathophysiology
Lymph nodes are a part of the immune system. They serve to filter lymph fluid and contribute to the defence against pathogens. They also play a role in non-pathogen-related diseases.
Lymph nodes are normally 0.2 to a maximum of 2 cm in size and can be easily moved against the surrounding tissue and are not painful under pressure. Important lymph node regions are located in the head, neck, chest, abdomen and groin. If lymph nodes are activated as a result of exposure to a pathogen – of whatever kind – this usually leads to an enlargement of the lymph nodes, which can become noticeable as swelling.
A swelling of lymph nodes can therefore be an indication of an inflammation or a malignant disease. A swelling of lymph nodes is called lymphadenopathy. Lymphadenitis is more specific and refers to a swelling of lymph nodes as part of an inflammation.
Symptoms
Depending on the cause of the swelling of the lymph nodes, other symptoms may be added to this. For example, the swollen lymph node may be painful under pressure or the affected region may be overheated and reddened. Other possible accompanying symptoms are fever, chills and general malaise. Depending on the cause of the lymph node swelling, numerous other symptoms may also be present (see Causes).
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