The cervical lymph node has enlarged in an adult. What to do if the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged? Why the lymph nodes in the neck become inflamed - reasons

From unexpected inflammation lymph nodes no one is insured. These organs are an integral part immune system a person, and their defeat indicates that an infection is raging in the body. What to do if the lymph node in the neck on one side is enlarged? Most often, colds are blamed for this, but the problem can be more serious.

When an inflammation of the lymph nodes develops on the neck of an adult on one side, you should not unconditionally attribute the disease to a simple cold. Swollen and easily palpable lymph nodes in the neck are clear sign lymphadenitis against the background of complicated infection. But when the nodes increase on only one side, it can be not only infectious diseases. One of the most terrible diagnoses in this case may be a malignant tumor. Needless to say, the consequences of such defeats lymphatic system can be deplorable!

Causes of the pathological process

The characteristic pathology is usually provoked by colds. For infections of the upper respiratory tract periodic enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes is observed quite often. Moreover, almost every spicy respiratory infection complemented by swelling of the nodules in this place. And the stronger the inflammation, the more noticeable this symptom and the more unpleasant it makes itself felt. However, after some time, the state of these organs, as a rule, returns to normal.

There are other factors that provoke this phenomenon. When the lymph node in the neck is enlarged on one side, the following diseases and problems can be suspected:

• severe fungal and bacterial infections, viral lesions;
• immune diseases, HIV infection;
• pathology thyroid gland;
• oncopathology;
• consequences of scratching animals (cats, rats).

It is also worth noting specific causes depending on the location in the neck. When an adult has an enlarged lymph node behind the ear, in addition to various infectious lesions the reason may be caries and other diseases of the oral cavity. In addition, an enlarged parotid node can accompany various otitis media. Lymph nodes in this area are much less likely to become inflamed during the development of malignant neoplasms.

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If the lymph node under the jaw on the left or right is enlarged, the cause may lie in respiratory tract infections and auricle. However, very often such inflammation occurs as a result of deep caries and diseases oral cavity.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes can be completely cured only by eliminating the root cause. This means that after visiting specialists such as an infectious disease specialist, surgeon or oncologist, you will have to begin appropriate treatment.

However, before the underlying trigger can be removed, certain measures can be taken to reduce inflammation and painful sensations. This is where home methods to combat swollen lymph nodes come to the rescue:

• drink echinacea tincture (10 drops per 100 ml of water) three times a day - this helps, in particular, with enlarged nodes during a cold;
• Ichthyol ointment may be useful - rub the product into the inflamed area;
• compresses based on camphor oil will help slow down the inflammatory process;
• eat more foods high in vitamin C;
• In order not to provoke inflammation or aggravate it, try not to use cosmetics and creams in the affected area.

It is worth noting that the use of any home method should first be discussed with your doctor. In addition, some products can cause an allergic reaction, so take into account the characteristics of your body in general and the skin in particular.

When to urgently seek medical help?

Even if the sudden onset of inflammation does not cause you global discomfort, in certain situations you cannot hesitate. Lymph nodes are a barrier to infections, which means that the health of our body depends entirely on their condition. If, along with inflammation of the “guards”, you have headaches, elevated temperature, pain when swallowing, damage to the tonsils, enlarged thyroid gland and pain in the neck, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

A visit to the doctor should not be postponed in the following cases:

• if, in addition to the cervical nodes, you have enlarged other nodes;
• if you are sure that the cause of inflammation is not a cold;
• if the node on one side is greatly enlarged in comparison with the other side;
• if the symptoms of infection have disappeared, but the lymph nodes remain inflamed for 2 weeks or longer.

Lymph nodes are part of the immune system and produce cells that help fight infections. These are a kind of biological filters that trap various infections and prevent them from penetrating the entire body.

The appearance of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck is a fairly common occurrence, most often found in children. Scientifically it is called cervical lymphadenitis.

The inflammation is localized in the cervical lymph nodes, and it is very dangerous because these same lymph nodes are located quite close to the brain. This means that if the cervical portion of the lymphatic system does not cope with the infection, then the risk of its penetration into the brain tissue will increase significantly.

If the cervical lymph nodes are inflamed, you should urgently consult a specialist. To diagnose and provide effective drug treatment in a timely manner.

What are lymph nodes needed for?

An enlarged lymph node is a signal from the immune system, which means that it is no longer able to protect the body itself from an infection that has penetrated into it or a frolic autoimmune inflammation. The most lymph nodes are located on the human neck, these are:

• submandibular,
• chin;
• anterior and posterior cervical;
• anterior and posterior ears;
• submandibular;
• retropharyngeal;
• occipital

Depending on which group or which lymph node is enlarged, the cause of the inflammation can also be suspected. The functions of the lymph nodes are:

• participation in biochemical processes - metabolic;
• formation of immune cells – immunopoietic;
• stimulation of cell proliferation in some organs – stimulating;
• preventing the penetration of foreign substances into the body - barrier.
• formation of blood cells - lymphocytes - hematopoietic;

Normally, peripheral lymph nodes, including cervical ones, are defined as single rounded formations with a diameter of 3 to 8 mm (submandibular - up to 1 cm, inguinal - up to 1.5 cm), soft, mobile, not soldered to each other and others tissues, painless.

With an increase, the formation loses its elasticity and becomes somewhat painful due to irritation of the nerve receptors of the surrounding tissues.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck

Why do the lymph nodes in the neck become inflamed? There can be quite a lot of reasons for this. Typically, cervical lymphadenitis is not an independent disease, but is a complication inflammatory process other localization (more often - organs located in close proximity to the lymph node).

In some cases, lymphadenitis occurs primarily: the infectious agent penetrates the lymphatic network through mechanically damaged skin or mucous membrane.

The main causes of inflammation of the lymph node in the neck:

Less commonly, enlarged lymph nodes may indicate disorders in the body due to:

• thyroid diseases;
• metabolic disorders;
• alcoholism;
• allergic reactions;
• connective tissue diseases.

In most cases, lymphadenitis is formed when pathogenic microorganisms enter the body. These often include staphylococci and streptococci. If the body is slightly damaged, there may be no response from the lymphatic system.

Symptoms of cervical lymphadenitis

When the lymph nodes are inflamed, the following symptoms are observed:

1. Significant increase in size of cervical lymph nodes;
2. Subjective local symptoms (lymph nodes in the neck hurt, pain increases significantly during swallowing, as well as when palpating the affected area);
3. General symptoms (general malaise, fever, constant feeling fatigue, weakness).

It is important to understand that lymph nodes consist of lymphatic tissue. It is in the lymph nodes that there are a large number of protective cells that help fight bacterial and cancer cells. Lymph nodes are important for immunity; with their help, the body actively fights viruses and microbes.

What to do if the lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed

The lymph node in the neck is inflamed, what should I do? Initially, you need to visit a medical facility; diagnosing this disease is not particularly difficult for a qualified specialist. The diagnosis is based on studying the patient's medical history, interviewing him, examination results and studying complaints.

To clarify the diagnosis, the following studies are prescribed:

• radiography of soft tissues of the neck and submandibular area;
• biopsy of the affected lymph node;
• magnetic resonance and computed tomography;
• lymph node excision with histological analysis.

Since lymphadenitis has serious consequences for the human body, treatment should begin immediately after diagnosis.

How to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes

Inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes is predominantly a secondary condition, therefore, first of all, it is necessary to cure the underlying disease, and removing the infection and increasing immunity will help get rid of lymphadenitis.

Most often, inflamed lymph nodes in the neck area are treated with conservative methods. The patient is advised to remain in bed. You cannot walk for a long time, be exposed to the wind or extreme heat, play sports, or actively walk around the rooms. Antibiotics are recommended, selected taking into account the sensitivity of the infectious pathogen, mental and physical rest. Also, along with various medications, it becomes mandatory to take multivitamins, immunostimulating drugs and foods high in vitamin C.

In case of purulent forms of lymphadenitis, the resulting foci are opened, drained, and enhanced antibacterial therapy. Such patients are usually treated in a hospital under the supervision of qualified professionals.

Complications

Under no circumstances should the disease be treated at home. This is due to the fact that the cervical lymph nodes are located close to the brain and the ascending pathological process threatens to reach the brain and lead to.

Also, advanced lymphadenitis threatens infection in the blood, which means blood poisoning can occur and the infection can spread throughout the body. In this case, the patient’s life is in mortal danger.

Prevention

What to do after recovery to avoid inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck? Since lymphadenitis refers to a disease that can develop for many reasons, it can be understood that as such, advice and recommendations for the complete prevention of this disease do not exist.

To prevent the occurrence of cervical lymphadenitis, try:

• maintain a healthy immune system;
• do not cause acute infectious diseases;
• exclude the possibility of exposure to drafts or hypothermia;
• it is correct to temper regularly;
• prevent the occurrence of microtraumas, as well as infection of wounds;
• Maintain personal hygiene and use a gauze bandage during the epidemiological season.

If the lymph node is still inflamed and causes inconvenience, then the first thing to do is consult a doctor. Especially when there is a suspicion of purulent lymphadenitis. The specialist will conduct a diagnosis and tell you what to do.

Many scientists compare the lymphatic system in the human body to a kind of filter. It is designed to neutralize a variety of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. With increasing quantity pests, the filter becomes “clogged” - the lymphatic system loses its ability to fight aggression and inflammation of the lymph nodes begins, which is accompanied by an increase in their size. There are quite a few lymph nodes on our body, and a fairly large number of them are located in the neck. Today we will talk about the reasons for enlarged lymph nodes in the neck in an adult and the treatment of this phenomenon.

Enlarged lymph nodes cause discomfort to a person and are often accompanied by painful sensations. In some cases, the size of the affected node reaches the size of a walnut. It is unlikely that this condition can be ignored; it needs to be treated.

This phenomenon can be caused by a number of factors. And, as practice shows, most often an increase in lymph nodes in the neck is a consequence of infectious lesions of the respiratory tract, represented by:

Sore throat;
- flu;
- rhinitis;
- sinusitis;
- laryngitis;
- tracheitis.

Usually, with the listed ailments, the submandibular lymph nodes suffer. In addition, these diseases manifest themselves with quite specific symptoms that are familiar to every person.

Sometimes the cause of enlarged lymph nodes lies behind an infectious lesion of the oral cavity. In this case, the location of the lesion may lie in different tissues. Among the ailments that cause inflammation of the lymph nodes are:

Caries;
- gingivitis;
- glossitis;
- stomatitis;
- periodontitis, etc.

Another reason is that the nodes on the neck are enlarged due to an infectious lesion that attacks the entire body. So, a similar condition can be caused by:

Children's illnesses - mumps, measles, rubella, etc., which are rare in adults, but, nevertheless, possible;

Infectious mononucleosis;

AIDS, etc.

Among other things, enlarged lymph nodes can also be associated with other diseases, for example, tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, etc.). In some cases, it is enlarged lymph nodes that become the first manifestation oncological diseases(cancer).

Similar symptoms can also be observed with a general decrease in immune function, but in this case the lymph nodes usually do not enlarge critically and do not cause significant discomfort to the patient.

Sometimes an enlarged lymph node is a symptom allergic reaction. Basically, such areas increase in size if the allergy lasts for a long time, forcing the body to spend energy trying to fight the allergen.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck in adults can also be explained by ear diseases, disorders of the thyroid gland, unhealthy lifestyle (alcohol consumption, etc.).

How are enlarged lymph nodes treated for adults??

Readers of “Popular About Health” who are faced with enlargement, pain and discomfort in the lymph nodes should under no circumstances warm up such areas, apply compresses to them or try to cope with the problem on their own. This is dangerous to health and can lead to the formation of an abscess. Therefore, it is better to immediately consult a doctor to identify the causes of the increase and select adequate therapy.

Thus, with the development of respiratory tract diseases, the inflamed lymph nodes go away on their own after the patient’s condition returns to normal. Only symptomatic therapy is carried out, aimed at combating the underlying disease (the use of antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive medications, cold remedies, antiseptics, etc.).

The occurrence of dental problems is a reason to contact a dentist and undergo appropriate therapy. It is necessary to treat caries, eliminate inflammatory processes (it is possible to use local remedies - antiseptics, antibiotics, antifungal drugs) and use medications for the regeneration of mucous membranes as prescribed by a doctor.

Treatment of childhood infectious diseases (measles, rubella, mumps) that occur in adulthood should be carried out under medical supervision, since these diseases quite often cause complications. However, they mainly use only symptomatic therapy to alleviate the patient’s condition and remove toxins from the body.

Of course, more serious illnesses, for example, AIDS, autoimmune lesions, cancer, etc., require targeted complex therapy.

If enlarged lymph nodes are not treated promptly and adequately, they may fester. In such a situation, the patient is worried strong pain in the affected area, increased body temperature and worsening general condition. With the development of a purulent process, it is necessary to carry out surgical intervention To eliminate pus, antibacterial drugs and other medications are also used.

Enlarged lymph nodes in a person’s neck can be a rather alarming symptom that should not be ignored.

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system that performs a filtering role. Necessary to prevent the spread of infection throughout the body. Arranged in groups in such a way as to become a barrier to spread
microbes through the lymphatic vessels.

Lymph nodes in the neck and head are considered in clinical practice as one general group. This is due to the fact that they are all closely connected to each other by lymphatic vessels and collect lymph from neighboring areas.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck and head occurs when there is an infectious focus in these areas. Various microorganisms entering the lymph node cause inflammation. This process is lymphadenitis. Depending on the nature of the pathogen, lymphadenitis can be specific (syphilis, tuberculosis, brucellosis, etc.), nonspecific, acute, etc.

Inflammation is manifested by pain and enlarged lymph nodes. But the reasons for enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are not limited to inflammation. Sarcoidosis, tumors of the lymphatic system, metastatic lesions, a general decrease in immunity, and injuries to the nodes themselves can also lead to an increase in their size.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is a very common pathology in adults and children, so every person needs to know what to do, who to contact and how to treat the lymph nodes in the neck.

Classification of lymph nodes of the neck and head

Lymph nodes in the neck and head are divided into the following groups, depending on their location:

1. Facial (cheek, nasolabial, zygomatic) are rarely involved in inflammation processes, the outflow from them goes to the parotid and mental lymph nodes.
2. Parotid superficial and deep.
3. Postauricular (or mastoid).
4. Submandibular.
5. Chin.
6. Lingual.
7. Anterior cervical superficial (anterior jugular), deep (thyroid, paratracheal, pretracheal).
8. The lateral (or posterior) cervical ones can also be superficial and deep (upper, lower).
9. Supraclavicular.
10. Accessory (or retropharyngeal).

Lymph drainage zones

The occipital and postauricular lymph nodes filter lymph received from the occipital, parietal regions and the auricle. Lymph comes to the parotid lymph nodes from the forehead, temples, external auditory canal, eardrum, as well as from the eyelid area. The submandibular and mental muscles receive lymph from the bone structures of the face, teeth, oropharynx, soft tissues of the face, chin and upper lip. The lingual nodes collect lymph from the tongue, which then flows into the submandibular nodes. These are all the lymph nodes of the head, from them the lymph moves to the lymph nodes of the neck.

Cervical lymph nodes filter lymph coming from the lymph nodes of the head, from the cavities of the nose, mouth, pharynx, middle ear, larynx, trachea and thyroid gland.

Depending on which lymph node is involved in the process, one can judge where the source of inflammation is. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can be a sign not only of infection or oncology in one of these organs, but also problems with the chest and abdominal cavity(rare).

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

1. Diseases of the ENT organs, such as:

• Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa or runny nose).
• Tonsillitis or tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils of the pharynx and palate).
• Otitis (inflammation of the external or middle ear).

1. Diseases of the oral cavity also cause inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck:

• Caries.
• Flux (periostitis - inflammation of the periosteum due to the penetration of infection from the carious cavity into the gum tissue and bone).
• Glossitis (inflammation of the tongue, can be either an independent disease or a symptom of others).
• Gingivitis (damage to the soft tissues of the gums).
• Periodontitis.
• Noma (rare severe, gangrenous inflammation of facial tissues, leading to their destruction and death of the patient).
• Stomatitis (inflammation of the oral mucosa).

1. Diseases of the neck organs:

• Laryngitis, tracheitis, laryngotracheitis.
• Inflammatory and oncological processes in the thyroid gland.

1. Focal infections of the skin of the head and neck: boils, carbuncles, abscesses, suppurating atheromas and hematomas. For example, enlarged lymph nodes on the back of the neck most often indicate a focus of infection on the skin of the back of the head and neck.
2. If the lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged, then the cause may be systemic infectious diseases:

• Infectious mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus infection).
• Brucellosis (most often affects people who work with large and small livestock and the skins of these animals).
• Pulmonary tuberculosis.
• HIV infection at the stage of transition to AIDS.
• Measles.
• Rubella.
• Mumps.

1. Systemic non-infectious diseases:

• Sarcoidosis.
• Lymphomas.
• General decrease in immunity.

1. Injuries and damage to the nodes themselves.

Symptoms

Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are divided into:

• Symptoms of general intoxication – heat body, irritability, weakness, fatigue, headache, decreased performance.
• Local inflammation– enlargement of the node, pain when palpating, pain when moving the neck and head, redness of the skin over the node.
• Symptoms specific to each specific disease.

So, for example, ear inflammation and dental infections, in addition to general intoxication symptoms and enlarged nodes, dental and ear pain, and with angina there is pain when swallowing. As a rule, if the lymph node in the neck is enlarged on one side, then we are talking about a focal infection, and it is located on this side.

If the lymph nodes in the neck hurt or there are symptoms of general intoxication, then you need to go to the hospital. Only a doctor, after questioning and examination, can determine why the lymph nodes are inflamed.

Diagnosis of lymphadenitis

Diagnostic measures begin with a detailed interview of the patient, examination of enlarged nodes, and search for possible foci of infection.

It is necessary to examine the scalp, face, and neck for boils, carbuncles, and infected wounds. The oral cavity and pharynx are examined, palpation of all groups of lymph nodes of the head and neck is necessary. The lymph nodes are always felt on both sides simultaneously, so that comparison can be made. The skin of the entire body is also examined for the presence of a rash, which may indicate rubella, chicken pox or measles.

In addition to the survey and inspection, it is necessary to perform:

• General blood analysis, with a detailed leukocyte formula. In a blood test, it is possible to detect an increase in leukocytes during inflammation, the appearance of monocytes during infectious mononucleosis. A decrease in the number of leukocytes below the norm, the growth of lymphocytes, the appearance of immature cell forms can be with lymphomas, lymphogranulomatosis, leukemia.
• X-ray of organs chest , is also a mandatory point of examination, especially if the nodes are not painful and general intoxication symptoms are observed, as this may be pulmonary tuberculosis or intrathoracic lymph nodes.
• Ultrasound of lymph nodes prescribed for suspected sarcoidosis, purulent inflammation.
• Ultrasound of the abdominal organs- if probable metastatic lesion cervical nodes and lymphomas.
• CT and MRI of the neck are prescribed for diseases of the thyroid gland, malignant processes of the head and neck, lesions of deep lymph nodes.
• For infectious processes in the nasal cavity and pharynx, take culture for microflora.
• Puncture of lymph nodes and in difficult diagnostic cases.

There are between 400 and 1000 lymph nodes in the human body. Why so many? The fact is that these formations perform a very important role - they protect the body from the spread of harmful and foreign substances. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck are a signal from our body that some pathogen has penetrated inside and the immune system is actively fighting it.

What is a lymph node?

A lymph node is a peripheral organ of the immune system that collects lymph from a specific area of ​​the body. Lymph nodes are localized along the lymphatic vessels and, by contracting, they promote the flow of lymph from the periphery to the center. This is a round formation ranging in size from a few millimeters to 5 centimeters.

The main function of these lymphatic formations is a biological filter; it also performs hematopoietic (formation of blood cells), immunocompetent (production of antibodies, maturation of cells of the immune system) function.

Here harmful substances are attacked by cells of the immune system and destroyed, so that the infection does not spread further. If such a load on the lymph node is large, then it increases in size, becomes painful, and in some cases even suppuration of the lymph node is possible.

After the elimination of the inflammatory process, the node again acquires normal size. But sometimes it remains enlarged (residual effects of inflammation of the node).

Therefore, often on the neck after undergoing colds You can feel slightly enlarged, dense, but non-painful formations.

Lymph nodes of the neck

click to enlarge

The normal location of lymph nodes in the neck corresponds to the anatomical regions of this part of the body. There are superficial and deep lymphatic formations.

Of clinical interest is the enlargement of superficial nodes, since deep ones cannot be felt and seen (their enlargement is diagnosed using examination methods such as MRI, CT, radiography, etc.).

Groups of cervical superficial lymph nodes:

• mental - collect lymph from the bottom of the mouth, the top of the tongue, the middle part of the lower lip;
• submandibular – collect lymph from the soft tissues of the face;
• anterior cervical - collect lymph from the anterior part of the neck, tonsils and pharynx;
• lateral cervical - collect lymph from the lower part of the auricle and the area located under the ear;
• parotid - collect lymph from the skin and soft tissues of the ear and temporal area;
• occipital - collects lymph from the soft tissues of the occipital, temporal and parietal regions.

Knowledge anatomical features The location of the lymph nodes in the neck will help you and the doctor quickly determine where exactly it is necessary to look for the cause of lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph node). For example, the cause of lymphadenopathy of the anterior cervical lymph nodes may be a sore throat or a carious tooth.

Causes of lymphadenopathy

All causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck can be divided into infectious and non-infectious.

The most common reasons lymphadenopathy:

Any enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck should not be ignored. After all, this could be a symptom of ARVI, or it could also be a manifestation of a serious cancer disease. Therefore, if you find enlarged lymph nodes in your neck, be sure to consult a doctor who will prescribe the full range of tests necessary to exclude a malignant process and establish the true cause of lymphadenopathy.

Which lymph nodes can be considered normal?

When assessing the condition of these formations, the doctor conducts a study based on several characteristics:

• size;
• pain on palpation;
• mobility;
• consistency;
• adhesion to each other and surrounding tissues;
• the nature of the surface of the formation;
• changes in the nature of the skin over the nodes.

Cervical lymph nodes can be considered normal if they do not exceed the size of a bean or a hazelnut (most often they cannot be felt at all), the formations are not painful on palpation, are mobile, have an elastic consistency, a smooth surface, clear contours, are not fused to each other or with surrounding tissues. At the same time, the nature of the skin above the “biological barriers” remains unchanged.

Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes in the neck

In medicine, two syndromes are distinguished, which are characterized by an increase in nodules in the neck:

1. Lymphadenopathy.

This is an inflammation of the lymph node, which is caused by microorganisms that penetrate directly into the nodule ( open wound) or are brought here with a current of lymph. Often there is a complication - suppuration, which requires surgical removal purulent focus.

The main characteristics of lymphadenitis: the node is enlarged to varying degrees, mobile, not fused to the tissues, dense consistency, the skin over it is hot and red. With lymphadenitis, the lymph nodes in the neck are sure to hurt.

Lymphadenopathy

This condition, which is characterized by increased size of the nodules of the lymphatic system, is a working preliminary diagnosis that requires further research to determine whether lymphadenopathy has an infectious etiology or is a manifestation of a more serious disease (for example, lymphoma).

The characteristics of nodules in lymphadenopathy can be very different (depending on the underlying disease). They are often not painful, dense, sometimes have a stone consistency, welded together and with surrounding tissues (conglomerate), the skin is not changed.

If the enlargement of the lymph nodes in your neck is of this nature, then you should definitely consult a specialist to rule out a malignant tumor.

Diagnostic program

If a lymph node in the neck is inflamed, then you do not need to wait until everything goes away on its own; you need to seek medical help. The doctor will determine the cause and prescribe adequate treatment.

Diagnostic methods:

• general examination of the patient and identification of conditions that could provoke lymphadenopathy (angina, infectious diseases, etc.);
• careful history taking;
• a set of laboratory tests (blood, urine, detection of infections);
• Ultrasound of enlarged nodes, abdominal organs;
• radiography of the OGK;
• biopsy of the node and its histological examination;
• examination of red bone marrow (sternal puncture);
• MRI, CT to look for other pathologies
  .

Principles of treatment

The principles of treating inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck come down to eliminating the root cause. If this is a general infectious disease, then adequate therapy is necessary, and the lymph nodes will disappear on their own.

If you have been diagnosed with lymphadenitis, treatment may include:

• painkillers;
• antibiotics and antiviral drugs;
• anti-inflammatory drugs, both internally and locally in the form of compresses, ointments, etc.;
• other medications, depending on the cause;
• cold compresses on the inflamed area;
• surgical removal of a purulent focus.

If the cause of lymphadenopathy is a blood disease, then the hematologist will offer you the necessary treatment, which usually consists of chemotherapy and radiation.

Just don’t panic: most often the cause of such a phenomenon as an enlarged nodule on the neck is banal rhinitis, pharyngitis, herpes and the like. But to establish the cause, it is better to go to the doctor and then sleep peacefully. Only a specialist can accurately assess all the signs and understand whether your disease is life-threatening or not.