Inflammation of the lymph nodes: causes and treatment

The lymphatic system is called the white river of life, because it is the regulatory system of the whole organism. Recent studies of the Institute of Clinical Lymphology in Novosibirsk have confirmed that 83% of toxins are located in the intercellular space. If the inflow and outflow of intercellular fluid is impaired, a pathological process occurs - inflammation of the lymph nodes, which is caused by stagnant metabolic processes in the cells.

The role of lymph nodes in the human body

According to studies of the Institute of Lymphology, the main functions of the lymphatic system are the delivery of hormones and nutrients to the cells and the detoxification of intercellular fluid: components of the lymph nodes neutralize harmful toxins. That is why doctors recommend drinking plenty of water and recommend physical activity.

The lymphatic system is designed to prevent toxic substances from entering the bloodstream, to protect cells. Lymph is a type of connective tissue that is permeated by capillaries, blood vessels and is a liquid. It moves to the lymph nodes, taking out pollution from the human body through the mucous membranes. The lymph nodes themselves contain phagocytes, which destroy foreign agents.

The most extensive accumulations of lymph nodes on the human body are located:

• Under the knees.
• In the groin.
• In the abdominal cavity.
• Armpits.
• In the neck.
• In the area of ​​the nasopharynx.
• Near the larynx, trachea and bronchi.

What does the increase in lymph nodes in the human body mean?

Swollen lymph nodes under the knees are a clear sign of arthritis. An infectious disease occurs due to blockage of the lymphatic outflow by fungi and various viral infections that develop at the level of the lymph nodes. Their swelling suggests that inflammation has begun, which leads to swelling and redness of the skin in the knee area.

When the nodes in the inguinal region become painful, we can talk about inflammation, the cause of which is a chlamydial infection, a herpes virus, a fungus of the genus Candida or gonorrhea. The lymphatic system is cleansed through the mucous membranes of the body, so the main symptom of this kind of infection is unpleasantly smelling discharge. Antibiotics, antifungal agents, ointments are used to combat the disease.

The largest accumulation of lymphoid glands in the human body is in the abdominal cavity. The intestines are covered with small villi, which both absorb beneficial substances and remove unnecessary ones through the lymph. Usually, according to the analysis of feces, the doctor determines the condition of the intestine: if there is a lot of mucus in it, the organ becomes inflamed.

Axillary lymph nodes are also often inflamed. If you know how their principle of work is arranged, then you will not want to use deodorants that block the lymphatic ducts. Physiological perspiration, thought out by nature itself, is blocked by deodorants for a day, two, and all toxic substances remain inside the person. This often explains the frequent occurrence of malignant tumors in the area of ​​the female mammary glands.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck

Enlarged cervical lymph nodes may indicate a cold, viruses in the respiratory tract.Due to inflammatory processes such as sinusitis, rhinitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, cervical lymphadenitis can develop - inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck. Symptoms of the disease include headache, weakness, difficulty swallowing, limited turns and tilts of the head. The patient's condition is aggravated by high temperature - up to 40 ° C.

The cause of the development of inflammation of the glands in the neck can be an acute respiratory staphylococcal or streptococcal infection, infectious dental diseases. Lymph nodes can become inflamed due to infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the reaction of the lymphatic system to the onset of cancer.

To determine the cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes and cure the underlying disease, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive examination in the clinic and adhere to all the recommendations of the attending physician.

Lesion of the lymph nodes in the area of ​​ENT organs

In the area of ​​the larynx there is a ring of lymphoid tissue that protects the body from the penetration of viruses through the nose and mouth. When tonsils are removed, infectious agents do not linger in the oral cavity and penetrate deeper, leading to the development of diseases such as laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia.

In the area of ​​the larynx, trachea, bronchus, lymphoid tissue grows more slowly than in the abdominal cavity. This is due to the fact that the inflammation of the lymph nodes located near the ENT organs occurs due to their infection through the respiratory tract, and the immune system tries to protect the body from respiratory infections to the maximum.

How to treat inflamed lymph nodes

Lymph nodes become inflamed for various reasons, so treatment should not be aimed at eliminating symptoms, but at stopping the disease that triggered its onset. To diagnose a major ailment, you must contact a medical institution.

Drug therapy

With inflammation of the lymph nodes, doctors prescribe the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Gels Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Nise are used. Under the influence of such drugs, the area of ​​redness decreases, swelling decreases, inflammation subsides, painful sensations stop, body temperature normalizes.

Inflamed lymph nodes are treated with Vishnevsky ointment (balsamic liniment), ichthyol cream. Thanks to such means, the glands become less densified, the pain is relieved. Positive dynamics are observed in the treatment of hormonal drugs: Prednisolone, Dexamethasone in tablets and injections. Antiviral agents in the form of ointments and tablets (Cycloferon, Arbidol, Kagocel) and immunostimulants are often prescribed.

Surgical intervention

When the lymph node has become inflamed, in no case can you warm the painful area, put compresses, undergo physiotherapy - such measures are fraught with the aggravation of the nature of the inflammatory process and the deterioration of the general condition. If purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes has begun, an urgent intervention by the surgeon is required.

Depending on the patient’s condition, surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia. After opening, the lymphoid glands drain, removing tissue that has undergone necrosis. Drain from tampons saturated with antiseptics is put into the wound. Within a week, the patient is given dressings. The cleared wound heals by secondary intention (without sutures).

The removed tissue is sent for histological examination. With a positive result of the analysis, the patient is observed by oncologists. Keep in mind that inflammation of the lymph nodes can develop due to cancer of the lungs, kidneys, stomach.

Folk remedies

With inflamed lymph nodes, alternative methods of treatment can be used, but only in tandem with conservative drug or surgical therapy. Mild forms of the disease can be cured with the following folk remedies:

• Licorice root - a means of stimulating the removal of sputum from the respiratory organs.It is indicated for inflammation of the bronchi, lungs and colds. Licorice root accelerates the removal of fluid from the intercellular space, this fluid is a sputum that is excreted through the bronchi, which contributes to their speedy cleansing of the infection and recovery. Usually, the medicine is prescribed for children and people with low blood pressure.
• Red clover. It is characterized by the same properties, but is recommended at normal and elevated pressure.
• Rosehip, oats, yarrow.
• Leaves of a young bush of black currant, raspberry leaves.

A mild form of inflammation of the lymph nodes can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs from several herbs: birch buds, oregano, St. John's wort, and echinacea. A collection spoon is poured with 200 ml of boiling water and allowed to infuse. This broth is drunk within one day.

In order to prevent serious violations in the functioning of the lymphatic system, preventive procedures should be carried out, and it is possible to completely change the lifestyle. It is necessary to stop drinking alcohol, smoking, do daily exercises, temper the body, eat moderately, treat infectious diseases on time and drink more fluids.