A lymph node swelling or lymphadenopathy is, as the name already suggests, a pathological swelling of the lymph nodes in the human body. In this case, the cervical lymph nodes are often affected as part of a sore throat.
What is lymph node swelling?
Schematic diagram showing the anatomy and structure of lymph nodes. Click to enlarge. Lymph nodes serve as a filtering system for what is known as tissue water, which is also known as lymphatic fluid in technical terms. Similar to the blood system, the lymphatic system runs through the entire body. The function of the lymph nodes is to strengthen the immune system and is therefore strongly responsible for the defense against pathogens. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that the lymphocytes, i.e. the lymphatic cells, belong to the same cell category as the white blood cells. It is important to know that lymph nodes are found everywhere on and in the body. The best known are found on the neck, in the organs and in the armpit or groin regions. In a healthy state, the lymph nodes are about one centimeter in size. Swelling of the lymph nodes often occurs with infections and inflammations. They also often appear with swelling in malignant and benign tumors.
Causes
Usually, lymph node swellings are harmless and occur only in the course of a simple inflammatory disease that passes after a few days. These include bacterial and viral infections, such as a flu-like infection or a simple cold. In some cases, however, lymph node swelling can also be caused by serious illnesses. These more serious conditions include benign but also malignant tumors, such as lymph node cancer and malignant lymphoma.
Diseases with this symptom
- Common cold
- Measles
- Angina tonsillaris
- Diphtheria
- Cat scratch disease
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Cytomegaly
- HIV infection
- AIDS
- Syphilis
- Chlamydia
- Mumps
- Pfeiffer’s glandular fever
- Rubella
- Tuberculosis
- Actinomycosis
- Lyme disease
- Sarcoidosis
Diagnosis and course
When swollen lymph nodes are detected, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the underlying disease. The physician clarifies the general health of the patient, takes a history and asks about concomitant complaints. In addition, the physician checks whether lymph nodes are swollen in various parts of the body. Whether there is splenic enlargement, which occurs with some lymph node diseases, is determined by palpation in the left upper abdomen. Depending on the suspected cause of the disease, ultrasound examinations, blood tests and biopsies (by taking lymph node tissue) are performed, as well as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans. When inflamed, lymph nodes have a firmer consistency and cause pain. Malignant lymph nodes are often hard, are difficult to move, and are not painful.
Complications
Lymph node swelling (lymphadenopathy) that persists for a long period of time is often treated surgically. Tissue structures may be damaged in the process. Bruising, bleeding, and postoperative hemorrhage are also possible. Temporary paralysis, numbness and other deficits may occur. Wound healing disorders as well as scarring and inflammation cannot be ruled out in connection with the surgical treatment of lymph node swelling. In varying degrees of severity, allergic reactions may occur. Functional or aesthetic impairments are relatively rare. If the lymph node swelling persists over a longer period of time, it often leads to overheating and reddening of the skin and ultimately to a purulent abscess. Lymphangitis occurs when the swollen lymph nodes become infected and inflamed. If the bacteria enter the bloodstream, a life-threatening general infection can occur, associated with high fever and chills. In the worst case, a fatal sepsis (blood poisoning) occurs. It is also known that frequently recurring symptoms can lead to the formation of lymphedema due to the destruction of the lymphatic vessels.If there is painless swelling of the lymph nodes, possibly accompanied by a drop in performance, fever and weight loss as well as night sweats, a tumorous disease of the lymph cells should also be considered. The possibility of Hodgkin’s lymphoma cannot be ruled out.
When should you see a doctor?
A doctor examines lymph node swelling in the neck with palpation. Lymph node swellings occur in different places in the body. They are not always a cause for concern. Lymph node swelling can occur because of an acute cold. Cold and throat infections often cause swelling of the lymph nodes near the neck. Inflamed tooth roots or abscesses in the jaw can also lead to swollen lymph glands. As the acute illness subsides, they should go down again. However, if this does not happen in the foreseeable future, the attending physician should determine the cause. For the physician, the location of the swollen lymph nodes is a clue as to which area of the body may be experiencing problems. Many lymph node swellings are caused by an infection in the organism. These swellings do not always require a visit to the doctor, as long as they go away when the underlying disease subsides. However, if this does not happen, the patient should consult a doctor to be on the safe side. The first port of call is usually the family doctor. As long as the lymph nodes feel soft, they hurt and can be moved, a visit to the doctor is not absolutely necessary. A visit to the doctor is advisable if the symptoms of the disease worsen or last for an unusually long time. However, if the lymph nodes are hardened, can hardly be moved and remain without pain, the affected person should think of a malignant disease. In this case, immediate consultation with a specialist in internal diseases is advisable. Comprehensive examinations are necessary.
Treatment and therapy
Determination of the cause of lymph node swelling is begun with a general medical history. This includes history, complaints and a detailed examination of the swollen lymph nodes. The general practitioner will ask questions about possible infections, such as colds, tonsillitis or flu-like infections. Furthermore, he will try to determine how many and which lymph nodes are swollen and when they first appeared. Possible other previous illnesses and medications taken will also have to be examined. After that, the doctor will usually palpate the swollen lymph nodes carefully and check them for appearance and painfulness. Especially a deviating consistency (normally the lymph nodes are rather mobile, elastic and soft), can give further information about a possible cause of the lymph node swelling. Furthermore, other lymph node areas should also be examined, as the lymph nodes of the organs may also be affected (e.g. lymph gland diseases of the spleen). In addition, the abdominal cavity is palpated, fever and various blood values are measured. Further examination options, which can then define the exact cause are: X-ray examinations, computer and magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound examination and tissue sampling. Once the cause is then found, the appropriate individualized treatment can be initiated. Since most lymph node swellings are rather harmless in nature, i.e. occur in the context of infections, no treatment is necessary, since the enlarged lymph nodes will go down again on their own. Possibly in the case of a bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics is useful, but should definitely be discussed with the doctor beforehand. The same applies to lymph node swellings in the context of Pfeiffer’s glandular fever and measles. Here, too, the medication should be determined with the physician (so-called virustatics). If the lymph nodes are swollen due to a tumor, clinical treatment with radiation and chemotherapy is essential for survival anyway.
Follow-up
In terms of susceptibility to infection, follow-up care is often the same as preventive measures. Even with lymph node swelling, the primary goal is to sustainably strengthen the body’s immune system so that the organism can adequately respond to the attack of bacteria and viruses. Sufficient sleep and protection in cold weather are very important in this context. To strengthen the immune system, sauna sessions are a good way to harden the body. A balanced diet and exercise in the fresh air are also important factors in strengthening general well-being.Nicotine and alcohol promote susceptibility to infection and should therefore be reduced or avoided altogether. Anyone who is prone to upper respiratory tract infections should ensure optimal moistening of the pharynx as part of follow-up care. The lubricity of the pharyngeal mucosa achieved in this way thus offers the bacteria that trigger infections in this area particularly little surface for attack.
Outlook and prognosis
In most cases, swelling of the lymph nodes also results in enlargement of the spleen and pain. After surgery, paralysis and numbness may occur briefly. These usually disappear after a few days. Since scars can also develop during treatment, disorders or inflammations can develop there. Therefore, the patient often has to take antibiotics to avoid these. If there is inflammation due to lymph node swelling, bacteria can get into the blood. Due to the lymph node swelling, most patients also suffer from a general feeling of illness, fever and weight loss, so that underweight may also occur. The swelling is usually treated causally, so that the treatment of the underlying disease is in the foreground. In most cases, this results in a positive course of the disease if treatment is started early.
What you can do yourself
Ear infections, tonsillitis or colds usually make themselves felt with pain and swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are elementary components of the human immune system and are located throughout the body. They are particularly easy to feel on the neck, under the armpits, behind the ears and on the back of the head. Lymphatic channels connect the lymph nodes and filter out germs and other foreign substances from the lymph fluid. Simple home remedies can help with lymph node swelling caused by a cold. Massages can stimulate normal function and bring about better removal of pathogens. This involves placing fingers on the affected lymph nodes and making gentle, circular movements. The massage can be repeated several times a day. Warm compresses help to reduce swelling by stimulating blood circulation. It is enough to place a washcloth soaked in warm water on the affected area for five to ten minutes. This can also be repeated several times a day. Massaging with castor oil has a similar effect, because the oil has a decongestant and anti-inflammatory effect. Garlic has antibiotic properties. Crushing one or two cloves and eating them with lemon juice can make lymph nodes decongest. Garlic effectively supports the healing process. Externally, garlic oil helps against lymph node swelling. Besides colds, serious diseases such as cancer can also hide behind the swelling. If the lymph nodes are swollen for several weeks, a doctor must be consulted.
