Inflammation of the lymph nodes – lymphadenitis is not uncommon. As a rule, swollen painful lymph nodes are a sign of the body’s active immune defence, for example in the case of a cold. An inflammation of the lymph node is usually a bacterial infection. Bacteria enter the lymphatic system via skin injuries or from filtered tissue fluid and can cause inflammation of the lymph node via the lymph vessels. Without treatment, lymphadenitis can become a disease with many complications.
Causes
A swelling of the lymph nodes occurs whenever the body’s immune system tries to fend off pathogens. If, however, there is also redness, warming and severe sensitivity to pain, the lymph node may also be inflamed. Causes for this are usually bacteria (streptococci or similar), which have found their way into the lymph nodes.
Virus or fungal infections can also cause lymphadenitis. This usually results in a local swelling of the lymph nodes. Systemic diseases (e.g. rheumatism) or malignant diseases can cause swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body.
Lymph nodes can also become inflamed in autoimmune diseases such as HIV. Last but not least, there are diseases in which the lymph node itself is the cause. Lymphomas or leukemias can manifest themselves by swelling of the lymph nodes. In this article you will find more information on this topic: Causes of lymph node swelling in children
What to do – cool or warm?
In the case of an acute inflammation, cold should always be used rather than heat. The heat stimulates the blood circulation and also the lymph flow, so that the inflammation can spread well in the organism. Depending on the cause of the lymph node inflammation, there may be deviations from this general rule. It is best to consult with the therapist or doctor.
Lymph node swelling in the neck – treatment/therapy
There is relatively often a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. This is caused by the proximity to the respiratory organs. In the case of infections, colds or even diseases of the oral cavity or teeth, the lymph nodes in the neck region are strained and may become inflamed.
The treatment of the underlying disease is the most important. Often the swelling then disappears by itself. In the case of acute inflammation, drug therapy to reduce inflammation is recommended.
If the lymph nodes are overloaded due to increased lymph production or due to operations, manual lymph drainage can be helpful. Here, the therapist applies certain gentle techniques, which are usually perceived as pleasant, to stimulate lymph transport. He then uses massage techniques to transport tissue fluid into the lymph nodes, which are now “empty” again.
In this way swellings can be reduced. In the case of acute inflammation, lymph drainage should be avoided to prevent the spread of germs. The same applies to malignant, possibly spreading diseases.
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