Lymph nodes are one of the first filter stations for resorbed tissue water, also called lymph. Each lymph node is responsible for a certain area of the body. The lymph nodes contain large amounts of immune cells that can recognize and fight pathogens.
Lymph nodes are therefore an important part of the human immune system. When lymph nodes become active, they swell. Typically, this happens when the lymph nodes come into contact with pathogens. Insect bites can also cause swelling of the lymph nodes. This is usually located near the original bite.
Causes
A swelling of the lymph nodes after an insect bite indicates a reaction of the immune system to the bite. Either the immune system reacts to a component of the insect venom or to a pathogen transmitted by the insect. Another possibility is that the bite has become inflamed over time. One reason for this can be, for example, repeated scratching of the bite. Often, however, it is only possible to determine that an inflammation has occurred, but not how it developed.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is mainly based on the typical disease history. The sting should usually have occurred shortly before the lymph node swelling. Since each lymph node of the body supplies a specific area, the exact location of the puncture and lymph node swelling is also important.
Lymph nodes responsible for the arms and upper body are mainly located in the armpits. The legs are mainly supplied by lymph nodes in the groin. The right side always supplies the right half of the body and vice versa. It may be necessary to rule out other causes of lymph node swelling. Particularly in the case of long-lasting swelling without a clear cause, it may be necessary to remove a lymph node for control purposes.
Other accompanying symptoms
In addition to the swelling of the lymph nodes and the discomfort caused by the insect bite, other symptoms can also occur. If it is an inflammation, symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain typically occur. If the immune system is already more strongly activated, fever may also occur.
This indicates a more severe inflammation and should be clarified by a doctor. Depending on the type of insect, the bite can also cause various other symptoms. These include varying degrees of pain from the bite or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Pain can be caused by the insect bite. Depending on the type of insect this can be normal. Unusually strong pain from the bite can also be a sign of inflammation.
This is especially true if the pain gets worse or does not get better. The swollen lymph node can also be painful. Slightly painful lymph nodes, which can be easily moved, are usually part of the body’s healthy immune response.
Often the affected lymph node hurts especially when pressure is applied to it, for example during palpation. Swelling can occur as part of an inflammatory reaction. Insect bites are also typically swollen.
This can be due to the insect venom, but also to inflammation. If the insect bite is the cause of the swelling, it is often a limited swelling that disappears over time. Strong swellings or swellings that increase with time can be signs of an inflammation.
A painful swelling of the lymph nodes is usually a sign of an immune reaction of the body. With most insect bites, a slight reddening of the bite is normal and not a cause for concern. A spreading or newly occurring redness, however, can be a sign of a developing inflammation.
This is especially true when a red stripe appears, which slowly spreads towards the chest. This can be a sign of so-called lymphangitis. This is an inflammation of the lymph vessels, which is often accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes. It should be treated by a physician. In colloquial language, lymphangitis is also often referred to as blood poisoning.
All articles in this series:
