Lymphadenopathy is the term used to describe swelling of the lymph nodes. This symptom is considered an indication of various diseases.
What is lymphadenopathy?
The term lymphadenopathy includes nonspecific lymph node diseases. In this case, swelling of the lymph nodes takes place. Normally, the lymph nodes, which are found almost everywhere in the human organism, do not exceed the size of one centimeter, which means that they can hardly be palpated. However, if this is the case, it is called lymphadenopathy or lymph node swelling. In most people, the swelling is caused by infections. Swollen lymph nodes usually appear in the context of flu-like infections or fever and are considered harmless. Sometimes, however, they also indicate serious diseases that require medical clarification. These include measles, rubella, inflamed tonsils, malaria, syphilis, toxoplasmosis or AIDS. In addition, lymphadenopathy can occur in the context of benign or malignant tumors. In this case, the lymph node swelling appears either only in certain regions of the body or on the entire body, such as in lymph node cancer.
Causes
The causes of lymphadenopathy are manifold. In most cases, relatively harmless diseases such as a viral infection are behind it, which can be a cold. However, there are also specific viral infections that are responsible for the symptom. These include glandular fever, rubella, measles, mumps, shingles, herpes, cytomegaly, Lassa fever or HIV infection. Likewise, certain bacterial infections can cause swelling of the lymph nodes, such as salmonellosis, tuberculosis or syphilis. Other conceivable causes include diseases such as malaria, fungal infections, toxoplasmosis, rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (butterfly lichen) or rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic diseases such as Niemann-Pick’s disease or Gaucher’s disease, congenital immunodeficiency, sickle cell anemia or thalassemia. The most serious triggers of lymphadenopathy include benign tumors and malignant cancers. Kawasaki syndrome and sarcoidosis are classified as benign lymphomas. Malignant diseases include leukemia, lymph node cancer such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or Hodgkin’s disease, and breast cancer in which the lymph nodes in the axillary region swell. In some patients, lymphadenopathy also results from taking certain medications.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Lymphadenopathy is noticeable by enlargement of the lymph nodes, some of which can be palpated. In some cases, the affected lymph nodes also respond by pressure pain. In most people, however, lymph nodes free of pressure pain are found in the angle of the jaw. This area is located under the earlobe at the base of the lower jaw. The same is true for the groin. If the skin can be moved without any problems and there is no pain or enlargement, there is no cause for concern. However, if the lymph nodes cannot be displaced against the skin and carpet pad or are interwoven with each other as lymph node packages, this is considered an indication of malignant disease. If the lymphadenopathy is triggered by a general disease, the patient also suffers from its symptoms. These may include fever, sore throat, runny nose, rashes on the skin, night sweats, or weight loss.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
If unexplained swelling of the lymph nodes does not subside after 14 days or continues to increase in size, a physician should be consulted. The same applies to swollen lymph nodes that cannot be moved or are painful. In addition to the family doctor, an ear, nose and throat specialist or an internist can also be consulted. The physician first looks at the patient’s medical history. He then performs a physical examination, during which he palpates and taps the affected body regions. In doing so, he gives priority to the swollen lymph nodes and checks their consistency, sensitivity to pain and ability to move. He also determines whether lymphadenopathy is also present in other parts of the body. General signs of infection or inflammation are also important.Further examination methods include a blood test, sonography (ultrasound examination) of the lymph nodes and the removal of a tissue sample (biopsy). Diagnostic imaging procedures such as X-ray examination, computer tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also play a role. The course of a lymphadenopathy depends on its triggering cause. If the underlying disease is harmless, such as a flu-like infection, the lymphadenopathy disappears when the infection clears up. However, if the cause is serious, such as a tumor, the swollen lymph nodes will persist.
Complications
In most cases, patients suffer from pressure pain on the lymph nodes due to lymphadenopathy. This pain can be very uncomfortable and thus significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected. Especially in the area of the jaw and the mouth, lymphadenopathy can lead to unpleasant discomfort and significantly limit the daily life of the affected person. The skin may also possibly be affected, so that it also hurts when it is pulled or moved. Lymphadenopathy can be a serious condition that definitely needs to be examined and treated by a doctor. Patients may suffer from colds or sore throats, and it is not uncommon for them to show rashes on the skin. There may also be weight loss or sweating at night. Treatment of lymphadenopathy is usually based on the causes of this complaint and aims to reduce symptoms. In most cases, antibiotics are used. Complications usually do not occur, so the symptoms can be well controlled. There is usually a positive course of the disease and the life expectancy of the affected person is not reduced by lymphadenopathy.
When should one go to the doctor?
Swelling of the lymph nodes does not necessarily need to be investigated. Medical advice is needed if the swelling persists for more than 14 days or even increases in size. Painful or non-sliding lymph nodes should also be presented to a physician. Warning signs such as fever, skin rashes or weight loss indicate that there is a serious cause for the symptoms. A doctor must be consulted if the symptoms become more severe or if a serious underlying disease is suspected as the cause. For example, people suffering from a bacterial, viral or rheumatic disease should involve the doctor if the lymph nodes swell. Lymphadenopathy must also be examined by a doctor if it occurs repeatedly. The affected persons should consult their family doctor or an internist. The actual therapy is performed by a lymphologist, often in conjunction with various specialists for the particular symptoms. Treatment is usually associated with several follow-up visits to ensure that the lymphatic system is healthy and that no further symptoms occur.
Treatment and therapy
The way in which lymphadenopathy is treated depends on the particular trigger. For example, in the case of local infections or inflammations such as a cold or sore throat, no special therapeutic measures are needed because swelling of the lymph nodes occurs after the illness has ended. In the case of bacterial infections, the administration of antibiotics may be necessary. If, on the other hand, a viral infection such as mononucleosis or measles is present, the focus is on treating the symptoms. Severe viral diseases such as AIDS (HIV) are treated with antivirals. These have the property of preventing the viruses from reproducing. If the patient suffers from lymph node cancer, he or she receives a combination treatment of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The patient himself has only a few possibilities to do something against lymphadenopathy. Thus, he usually has to wait until the lymph node swelling subsides.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of lymphadenopathy depends on the causative disease. Lymph node swelling is not an independent health disorder. Rather, it is a symptom of an underlying disease that must be diagnosed and treated. In most cases, there is an infection, which is easily treatable with today’s medical options. In some of them, a decrease in symptoms can be observed after some time even without medical treatment.This is tied to the general state of health of the affected person as well as the use of self-help measures. Basically, however, for a favorable prognosis, cooperation with a physician should take place. The lymphadenopathy alone is not sufficient to know which treatment steps are necessary. If a congenital disorder is present, lifelong therapy is often indicated. In addition, a chronic disease may be the cause of lymph node swelling. In this case, a steady increase of health irregularities is to be expected. If the affected person suffers from cancer, the course of the disease may be unfavorable, which may lead to premature death. An extensive medical examination must take place before the prognosis is made, so that an individualized treatment plan can be developed. Even in patients who have achieved freedom from symptoms, symptoms may regress during life.
Prevention
Preventing lymphadenopathy is difficult. Simple means of prevention against triggering inflammation or infections such as a flu-like infection include taking vitamins, taking alternating showers, toughening up, or getting plenty of fresh air. In some cases, proven home remedies are also considered helpful. For early detection of tumors, regular cancer screening is recommended.
Aftercare
In most cases, lymphadenopathy is associated with severe discomfort and complications that can significantly reduce the quality of life of the affected person. Therefore, the patient should see a doctor at the first symptoms and signs of the disease, so that there are no further complications and also no further worsening of the symptoms. Since the disease weakens the organism in many ways, those affected should avoid physical exertion as far as possible and take it easy. Depending on the condition, gentle sports such as yoga can help to keep moving and to prevent
avert damage caused by taking it easy for too long and ensure elasticity. If symptoms are not treated, the disease can also cause irreversible damage to internal organs. In many cases, however, lymphadenopathy can be treated well if early diagnosis takes place. Then the life expectancy of the affected person is usually not reduced by the disease.
What you can do yourself
Overall, the options for self-help with lymphadenopathy are limited. However, whether prevention is possible, which can be done on your own, depends on the particular cause of the lymph node swelling. Unfortunately, there are no self-help options during the disease. However, if it is an infection, the lymphadenopathy usually heals on its own. However, if the swelling persists, a doctor should be consulted urgently to rule out a possibly serious disease. For some diseases that can lead to lymphadenopathy, everyone can prevent lymphadenopathy themselves. This is especially true for infectious diseases, which can be prevented by a strong immune system. This can be achieved by a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise in the fresh air. In addition, alcohol, smoking, and drug and medication abuse should also be avoided. Furthermore, care should be taken to avoid all possibilities of infection. However, lymphadenopathy can also be triggered by other causes besides infections. In such cases, prevention or self-help is not always possible. This is true, among other things, in the case of underlying congenital or hereditary diseases. However, if environmental stresses such as dusts or asbestos fibers are a possible cause of lymphadenopathy, every effort should be made to exclude the triggering factors. This can be ensured, among other things, by strict adherence to appropriate occupational safety measures.
