Unilateral swelling of lymph nodes | Physiotherapy for children with swelling of lymph nodes

Unilateral swelling of lymph nodes

Unilateral lymph node swelling in children is usually a sign of a normal defensive reaction of the body. If an infection is currently present, it may be responsible for the unilateral swelling of the lymph nodes. This occurs more frequently in children, particularly in the neck.

The lymph nodes are then often sensitive to pressure and can move under the skin. Local injuries, for example scratches on hands or feet, can also lead to unilateral lymph node swelling. Some diseases also cause inflammation of the lymph nodes, which also causes them to swell.

Since children’s immune systems are not yet properly developed, they are generally more susceptible to disease, so that lymph node swelling is not uncommon compared to adults. It is important that parents observe the lymph nodes and, if in doubt, go to the doctor to have the cause clarified. In most cases this is harmless, but serious diseases can also be responsible for lymph node swelling. With normal infections, the swelling should subside after 3-4 weeks at the latest.

Painless swelling of lymph nodes

Care should be taken in the case of painless swelling of the lymph nodes for no apparent reason, which does not disappear after a few days. It is not always necessary that there is a serious illness behind it, but a pediatrician should still assess the situation. One of the causes of painful lymph node swelling is If the child suffers from a painless swelling of the lymph nodes, it is always advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible so that an appropriate therapy can be initiated quickly if necessary.

• Tuberculosis, whereby the lymph nodes in the neck and clavicle area swell significantly and the skin is also partially reddened
• Parasitic disease can also cause painless swelling of the lymph nodes and in the worst case can lead to toxoplasmosis, which is largely asymptomatic and characterized by swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and throat area.
• Especially in children, a painless swelling of the lymph nodes can also indicate lymphoma (malignant change). This is known in specialist circles as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Individual enlarged pain-insensitive lymph nodes are the first sign of this insidiously developing disease.