How to relieve inflammation in the groin. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women

The lymphatic system is the body's "watchdog". The outflow of fluid from tissues and foci of inflammation occurs through lymphatic vessels, along which collector nodes are located. In the event of the appearance of inflammatory mediators and infectious agents, the lymph nodes are the first to respond to the presence of a pathological process, depending on the location. In diseases of the head and neck, superficial nodes under the lower jaw and chin react. Breast pathologies are accompanied by an increase in axillary glands. And in the groin the lymph node hurts when damaged lower limb and pelvic organs.

Why can the inguinal lymph nodes hurt?

The lymphatic system is a complex of vessels, nodes and plexuses that performs a protective (immune), filtration and drainage function in the human body. Lymph nodes, located in different areas of the body, are a barrier through which lymph and tissue fluid drain from organs. Pathological processes throughout the body are accompanied by an acute inflammatory reaction of the nodes - lymphadenitis.

Acute lymphadenitis, associated with isolated damage to the lymph node or a reaction to a distant process, comes in two forms:

• Catarrhal (serous) associated with aseptic (without infection) reactive inflammation or the initial stage of infection. Characteristic signs: an organ of dense consistency, painful on palpation, increases in size, adheres to nearby tissues and is inactive.
• Purulent - associated with purulent melting of lymph node tissue during a specific or nonspecific infectious process. It is characterized by an increase in the patient’s body temperature and pain in the groin area. On palpation, central softening of the dense structure is noted.

Pain is a pathological symptom that is one of the signs of the inflammatory process, along with an increase in size (due to swelling), dysfunction, increased blood flow and elevated temperature. The appearance of an unpleasant sensation during inflammation is associated with the influence of biologically active substances (mediators) and stretching of the lymph node capsule with irritation of the nerve endings.

Inguinal lymph nodes are located in the area of ​​the inguinal ligament and are represented by a group of superficial and deep formations (the total number differs in all people, on average - 20-40 nodules up to 5 mm in size). These structures are regional for:

• Pelvic organs: bladder, ureters, uterus and appendages (in women), prostate and seminal vesicles (in men).
• Lower limb.
• Buttock areas.
• Crotch.
• The lower part of the side wall of the abdomen.

In addition, lymph nodes in the groin of men provide drainage of fluid from the penis and scrotal structures.

Soreness lymph nodes in the groin area is a response to acute pathology of the pelvic organs or lower limb. Often localized pain is the only symptom of the pathology when the clinical manifestations are insufficient.

Causes of enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin

Acute and chronic inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes are a nonspecific marker of pathology of muscle and bone tissue, diseases of the internal and external genital organs. In addition to lymphadenitis, in medicine there is a concept - lymphadenopathy - a syndrome in which the lymph nodes increase in size, however, without signs of acute inflammation.

The main causes of inguinal lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy are presented in table form.

Other causes include cat scratch disease or felinosis - infection, which occurs as a result of the pathogen entering the human blood from under the infected claws of an animal. Characteristic symptoms: pain, redness and itching in the area of ​​the regional lymph node without signs in the wound area.

Important! The appearance of painful dark lymph nodes in the groin area (due to internal hemorrhage) with pronounced swelling of the surrounding tissues - probable symptom plague or anthrax

Features of the development of inguinal lymphadenitis in men and women

Anatomy difference reproductive organs pelvis and perineum determines the difference in the clinical course and the reasons why the pathological process occurs in the inguinal lymph nodes.

Features of the development of lymphadenitis in men and women are presented in the table.

Important! The appearance of enlarged lymph nodes in a woman’s groin is also observed when hygiene rules are not followed when depilating the bikini area

What is dangerous about painful inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin?

Elephantiasis - possible complication chronic lymphadenitis (photo: www.otekam.net)

The symptom of lymphadenitis is of diagnostic value when nonspecific signs of inflammation appear ( elevated temperature, weakness, increase in the number of leukocytes in the blood). However, the anatomical location of the lymph nodes in the groin poses a risk of complications if medical care is not provided in a timely manner.

Probable dangerous consequences lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy:

• Cellulitis of the thigh is a diffuse purulent process that occurs after the capsule melts and the process spreads through the intermuscular spaces. Treatment of this pathology consists of wide surgical access with drainage placement.
• Infertility - chronic inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes in men reduces the normal outflow of lymph from the testicles, with the gradual development of fibrosis (replacement of functional connective tissue) in the latter.
• Sepsis and septic shock- the close proximity of lymphatic structures to the main vessels of the thigh is accompanied by the risk of purulent melting of the vascular wall and the entry of infected masses into the bloodstream.
• Lymphedema or “elephantiasis” is the development of massive swelling of the lower extremities, which is caused by obstructed lymph drainage.

Where to go if you have pain in the inguinal lymph nodes

The presence of acute lymphadenitis requires adequate therapy aimed not only at eliminating the symptom of pain, but also eliminating the underlying cause. Therefore, patients who have pain in the lymph nodes of the groin area are recommended to visit the following specialists:

• To the surgeon if there are signs of wound suppuration, the appearance of ulcers on the lower extremities, buttocks or the lower part of the side wall of the abdomen.
• Urologist: men with additional symptoms from the urinary or reproductive system.
• Gynecologist: women who experience menstrual dysfunction or pathological discharge from the genitals.
• To the oncologist: if the inguinal lymph nodes are significantly enlarged (diameter more than 2 cm), do not hurt and are not accompanied by additional specific symptoms.

Volume diagnostic methods determined by the attending physician and most often includes a clinical examination, ultrasound diagnostic methods (USD) or computed tomography(CT) of the lower limb and pelvis.

Important! If a tumor process is suspected or the clinical situation is uncertain, a lymph node biopsy is performed - a procedure for collecting part of the material for laboratory testing.

A lymph node is an organ of the lymphatic system that functions as a biological filter, participating in the cleansing of lymph.
Lymphadenitis or inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur due to bacterial and infectious diseases.
Inflamed groups of lymph nodes indicate a disease that requires treatment. When an infection occurs, the lymph nodes are the first to respond.

Lymphadenitis causes

Lymph nodes in the groin in women are responsible for the areas of the legs and pelvis. They get damaged quite often. Infection with staphylococci usually occurs. Lymph nodes have the property of becoming inflamed exactly where there is a focus of inflammation. When an enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin occurs, it is almost 100% certain that the lesion was formed due to fungal infections of the groin folds and feet, or sexually transmitted diseases. It is possible that long-term non-healing leg ulcers, lymphomas and gynecological effects are also involved. It is best for doctors such as surgeons, gynecologists, urologists and dermatologists to analyze the symptoms.

In women, an increase in the size of lymph nodes in the groin in women is often considered a consequence of infectious diseases. Even when the lymph nodes are slightly enlarged, this is already evidence that you need to see a doctor. This may be a signal that there is a dangerous disease.
Some of the most popular reasons:
- venereal diseases
- subcutaneous and purulent skin diseases
- damage to the reproductive system.
Considered much more dangerous is enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin, which is caused by hematological or cancer. However, this can occur due to influenza, acute respiratory infections, or standard hypothermia.

Lymphadenitis symptoms

Mobile swelling of the lymph nodes in the form of so-called balls differs from the motionless ones, which are characteristic of oncological pathology.
As for the inflammatory process itself, it manifests itself:
- pain when moving
- burning
- itching
- increase in temperature
- redness
Systemic diseases are characterized by multiple enlargement of nodes, which are characterized by:
- change in blood characteristics
- loss of appetite
- hyperemia
- weight loss
- malaise
- weakness.
For example, secondary syphilis is characterized by a generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes. If the lymph nodes are painless, enlarged and single, this may be a sign of syphilis, tuberculosis, tumor or metastases.
Pathogenic microbes, falling into the “immune traps” of the lymph nodes, are destroyed by activated white blood cells. But, in some cases, there are a lot of microbes and the protective cells cannot cope with their functions. In these cases, protective cells try to multiply, which is why the skin over the lymph nodes turns red, the lymph nodes become inflamed, enlarged and cause pain.

Lymphadenitis treatment

Local therapy for lymphadenitis brings only temporary relief. Its competent treatment consists in curing the underlying disease, which was the root cause of the enlargement of the glands.

The general level of health of the human body is directly related to the state of its lymphatic system. Thus, when it malfunctions and is disrupted, the degree of natural defense decreases, so a person becomes completely unarmed in the face of an endless number of pathogenic microorganisms in the surrounding space.

One of obvious signs Problems in the functioning of the lymphatic system are inflammation of the lymph nodes in any part of the body. A pathological process in the groin can also occur in the fair sex, and may indicate a direct negative effect on the nodes or the development of a serious disease.

In order to prevent the development of this disease, or cope with it, it is very important to understand its true causes, symptoms, and how best to properly treat inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women at home.

A lymph node is a peripheral organ of the human lymphatic system, which is an oval or round formation, its size ranges from 0.5 to 2 cm.

It performs the functions of cleansing lymph and producing protective cells that fight tumors and infections in the human body.

The inguinal lymph nodes are located in the area of ​​the inguinal folds (femoral triangle) and are responsible for transporting lymph to the iliac lymph nodes, which are located in the abdominal cavity.

Enlarged lymph nodes are called lymphadenitis. The disease may be acute or chronic form, one node, a group of nodes, or several groups of nodes at once can become inflamed - this is typical in cases systemic diseases person.

Lymphadenitis in the inguinal lymph nodes in women may indicate an inflammatory process, infection in the patient’s legs or pelvic organs.

The lymph node acts as a filter that should cleanse the lymph. In turn, the infection penetrates the lymph nodes through the lymph vessels. If an infection enters the human body, the lymph nodes are the first to react to it.

They take the blow, preventing the infection from penetrating deeper into the body. One of the main types of inflammation of the lymph nodes is inguinal lymphadenitis. What are the main causes of the disease, how to diagnose and cure it?

Inflammation is a reaction of the lymph nodes to a harmful accumulation of cells that are infected with pathogens. These cells penetrate into the nodes through the lymph vessels from the site of infection.

Inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes is caused by:

Pain and swelling of the lymph node that suddenly appears is clear evidence that the cause of the disease is mechanical damage or infection.

If the lymph node becomes inflamed slowly, then you need to look for a more serious, deeper source.

Enlarged lymph nodes can also be caused by sexually transmitted diseases, such as:

• trichomoniasis;
• syphilis;
• gonorrhea;
• papillomaviruses;
• genital herpes;
• mycoplasmosis;
• ureaplasmosis;
• chlamydia.

Inguinal lymphadenitis is also possible with cystitis, urethritis, vesiculitis, balanoposthitis.

What are the symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin area in women?

The inguinal lymph nodes are close to the surface of the skin, so they can be felt. At physical exercise and walking in the inflamed area, an unpleasant feeling of discomfort and aching pain may occur.

In addition to changes in size, pain during movement and palpation, the following symptoms are observed:

• lymph node compaction;
• skin redness;
• burning, itching, peeling of the skin;
• increased body temperature of the patient;
• intoxication of the body develops in the event of accumulation of pus in the lymph nodes and progression of inguinal lymphadenitis. This condition is accompanied by a sharp increase in body temperature, general weakness, chills, muscle and headache. A blood test shows a high ESR content and pronounced leukocytosis.

Lymphadenitis is accompanied by a feeling of fatigue, weakness, loss of weight and appetite, loss of strength, and headache. Malaise clearly indicates the occurrence of a chronic or acute inflammatory process in the human body.

An enlarged lymph node in the groin area does not always cause pain. If it becomes motionless and hard, this may be a signal of the formation of a malignant tumor.

The most difficult thing to diagnose is chronic lymphadenitis, since its symptoms may be mild, and because of this, some diseases may progress to an advanced stage.

Diagnosing inguinal lymphadenitis is usually necessary through a medical examination. Often complicating the detection of the disease is the fact that the lymph nodes in the groin are not always easy to palpate.

Therefore, additional laboratory test or diagnosis using instrumental methods. It is important to accurately diagnose lymphadenitis, since its symptoms are similar to those of an inguinal hernia.

Methods for diagnosing lymphadenitis:

If a person is concerned about the condition of his lymph nodes, he should contact his local physician, who can refer the patient to other specialized specialists - an infectious disease specialist, a urologist, a gynecologist.

Many of us understand perfectly well that the key to successful treatment of any disease is a timely visit to a doctor. The same applies to the treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes.

If you notice the first symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes, you must contact a specialist, and he, in turn, will conduct an examination and, based on the acquired data, prescribe the necessary treatment.

Effective treatment of inguinal lymphadenitis largely depends on identifying the true cause of inflammation and enlarged lymph nodes.

Lymphadenitis of the inguinal nodes rarely develops as a separate independent disease; on the contrary, in most cases this disease is preceded by infectious inflammatory foci in the body: carbuncles, boils, abscesses and others.

So, how to treat inguinal lymphadenitis? Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin area in women is treated conservatively or surgically. On initial stages development of the inflammatory process, the patient may be prescribed:

Surgical intervention to treat lymphadenitis is considered only if pus forms and gradually accumulates in the lymph nodes. To ensure the drainage of pus from the inflamed lymph nodes, the surgeon resorts to drainage.

General therapy in the treatment of inguinal lymphadenitis involves eliminating any symptoms of inflammation. To do this, you need to follow these simple recommendations:

• a patient with lymphadenitis is prescribed bed rest;
• diet: eat only light foods, dietary products, avoid foods that are too fatty and high in calories;
• The main drugs in treatment are antibiotics, since the most common reason the development of lymphadenitis is an infection. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be used until the exact cause of the disease is determined.

Today there are many treatment methods folk remedies inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin in women. Below are the most effective of them:

If pain in the lymph nodes has no apparent cause and does not go away after a few days, do not delay your visit to the clinic, since inflammation of the lymph nodes may indicate serious problems with health.

Before starting treatment traditional methods, you should consult a medical specialist. It is also necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination, since only in this case is it possible to carry out the correct treatment.

Lymphadenitis is not a separate disease, but a direct reaction of the body to another disease. It is extremely dangerous to self-medicate in the presence of tumors, while it is vitally important to carry out urgent surgical intervention.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin are most often caused by an infectious or inflammatory process. Quite often, this symptom is a sign of a disease that is sexually transmitted. Inguinal lymphadenitis requires careful medical examination and treatment only under the supervision of a physician. Unauthorized use of medications or drugs traditional medicine unacceptable, as this can provoke the development of serious complications.

Etiology

Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin can be caused by both pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic factors. Inflammation and, as a consequence, enlargement of the lymph nodes never occurs on their own. As a rule, this process is a consequence of the development of the underlying disease. The formation of such a process includes the following:

It should also be noted that the inguinal lymph nodes may enlarge due to a pathological process, which may be more common in men or women. So, enlarged lymph nodes in the groin in women can be a symptom clinical picture the following pathological processes:

• oncological processes of the reproductive system;
• complications after childbirth.

Enlargement of the inguinal lymph nodes in men may be due to the following etiological factors:

• tumors;
• on the buttocks.

In addition, it should be noted that the development of such a pathological process is quite possible due to or if a person’s immune system is too weakened.

Symptoms

At the initial stage of development of lymphadenitis, symptoms are almost completely absent. A person may only notice a slight enlargement of the lymph nodes in the groin. This may not cause concern or any discomfort. As the underlying pathological process develops, the lymph nodes will enlarge, which will complicate the person’s movement. At this stage, the clinical picture may be supplemented by the following symptoms:

• feeling of discomfort in the groin;
• movement provokes unpleasant sensations;
• feeling of heat and tension in the groin;
• decreased or complete absence of sexual desire;
• redness of the skin is observed in the affected areas;
• local increase in body temperature.

If a purulent process begins in the enlarged lymph nodes, then the clinical picture is supplemented by the following symptoms:

• in places where the lymph nodes are enlarged, fistulas form on the skin, through which green pus comes out;
• , perhaps with ;
• almost complete lack of appetite;
• pronounced tissue swelling;
• sharp pain on palpation;
• the lymph node is motionless.

This condition of the patient indicates an organism. You should urgently apply for medical care.

If the cause of the development of such a pathological process is an STD, then the clinical picture may be supplemented by the following symptoms:

• rashes in the groin area, which may be accompanied by itching and;
• that do not bring relief;
• feeling of discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse;
• decreased sexual desire or its complete absence.

In this case, you should urgently contact and not self-medicate. Unauthorized use of medications can lead not only to complications, but also to a blurred clinical picture, which complicates further diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnostics

Initially, a physical examination is mandatory, with palpation of enlarged inguinal lymph nodes and clarification of the general history. If before the examination the patient took any medications to eliminate symptoms, you should definitely tell the doctor about this and show the packaging of the drug.

To accurately diagnose and identify the etiology of enlarged inguinal lymph nodes, the doctor prescribes laboratory and instrumental examination methods. A standard program may include the following:

• general and biochemical analysis blood;
• general urine analysis;
• blood sampling for analysis for specific antibodies to pathogens;
• bacteriological culture of the lymph node contents;
• biopsy of the inguinal lymph node;
• PET - prescribed in cases where there is a suspicion of the development of an oncological process;
• STD test;
• immunological studies;
• Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs.

The doctor can prescribe treatment only after identifying the etiology of the disease and making an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

Enlarged lymph nodes in the groin in women or men require, in any case, timely and comprehensive treatment. In general, separate therapy for lymphadenitis is not carried out, since this symptom disappears on its own when the underlying cause is completely cured. Therefore, basic therapy will depend on the underlying disease.

Separately, it should be said about the purulent process in the enlarged lymph nodes. In this case, the main drug therapy will necessarily include the following drugs:

• antibacterial;
• antihistamines;
• anti-inflammatory.

In more severe cases there is surgical intervention. In this case, the doctor opens the site of the lesion, cleans it of pus, washes the wound with an antiseptic solution and applies loose sutures. They should be applied loosely so that the remaining purulent exudate comes out. At the final stage of treatment, the procedure for treating the wound with an antiseptic is repeated and the wound is finally sutured.

Enlarged lymph nodes are not a separate disease, so you cannot eliminate the symptoms on your own. Such measures can improve the patient’s condition, but only for a certain time. Therefore, at the first signs of a clinical picture, you should seek medical help and not self-medicate.

Inflamed lymph nodes in the groin in women are observed in various reasons. In medical terms, this condition is called peripheral lymphadenopathy. The disease is characterized by the growth of one or more lymph nodes. IN separate groups doctors identify an increase in inguinal, thoracic, abdominal and retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Various diseases can lead to inguinal lymphadenopathy, so enlarged nodes are not a specific sign.

In the presence of peripheral lymphadenitis and lesions of at least one group of individual localizations, a diagnosis of generalized lymphadenopathy is made. Dividing pathology into peripheral and generalized allows doctors to correctly diagnose the disease. In children, inflammation of the lymph nodes is observed against the background of body growth.

Lymph nodes in the groin - when do they enlarge?

We can talk about the growth of a node when the size of the formation is more than 2 cm, while physiologically the value does not exceed 1 cm. With pathological changes, the lymphoid tissue loses its elasticity, becomes dense and hard. Normally, such lesions cannot be felt, but when inflamed they are painful.

Qualified doctor by nature pathological changes can determine which disease causes reactive inflammation of lymphoid tissue (lymphadenopathy). For example, with a fungal infection in women (candidiasis), the inguinal lymph nodes are dense, over time they become painful and less mobile. This nature of the pathology indicates a benign course.

With lymphogranulomatosis, several lymphoid formations combine into a conglomerate. On palpation, the nodes become hard and rocky. Such compactions are clearly visible on an x-ray.

For bacterial and viral infections Local lymphadenopathy is observed on the right or left. After taking the prescribed medications, the nodes return to normal. The danger is represented by generalized lymphadenopathy, which develops in serious diseases: Infectious mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus, autoimmune pathologies, lymphosarcoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).

Thus, inflamed lymph nodes are observed against the background of genitourinary system infections, autoimmune, allergic and a number of other diseases internal organs. Short-term lymphadenitis is not always a sign of pathology, since in children it can occur during intensive growth of the body.

Why do lymph nodes become inflamed in women?

The condition can be not only a manifestation of infection; there are many reasons:

• pathology of the reproductive sphere;
• venereal diseases;
• skin diseases and furunculosis.

A thorough diagnosis is carried out to identify etiological factor lymphadenitis. Any scratch can cause inguinal lymphadenopathy, but it needs to be detected. Of course, doctors rule out sexually transmitted diseases. Only in their absence can one think about other concomitant pathologies.