Table of contents:
- Tips to prevent swollen lymph nodes
- 1. Maintain health so as not to catch the flu
- 2. Maintain body hygiene
- 3. Maintain cleanliness of teeth and mouth
- 4. Be careful in consuming certain drugs
Lymph nodes have an important role in the immune system. The function of this gland is to protect the body from various disease attacks. However, sometimes the lymph nodes can become infected and become swollen. So, is there a way to prevent the lymph nodes from swelling?
Tips to prevent swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are located in a number of areas of the body, including the neck, under the chin, groin, and armpits.
When a gland is swollen, it means that the gland is working hard to activate white blood cells to fight infection.
Swelling is generally caused by pathogens (germs) in the form of bacteria, viruses, or fungi.
Therefore, the best way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to try to protect yourself from infection in the following ways:
1. Maintain health so as not to catch the flu
The simplest way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to reduce your risk of catching the flu. This disease cannot be underestimated, because the virus that causes it can also infect the lymph nodes.
Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water, especially after interacting with flu sufferers. Also, eat foods rich in vitamins and minerals, do aerobic exercise, and protect yourself with the flu shot.
2. Maintain body hygiene
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi live and reproduce all around you.
By keeping yourself and the environment clean, you have made efforts to prevent the multiplication of these microbes so that the risk of disease is also reduced.
Here are steps to maintain personal hygiene that help prevent swollen lymph nodes:
- Shower every day
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Always clean your hands before touching the eye or mouth area
- Wash your hands with running water and soap after going to the bathroom and before eating and preparing food
- Change clothes immediately after finishing your activity
- Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
3. Maintain cleanliness of teeth and mouth
Sometimes, the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease can infect the lymph nodes.
As a result, the lymph nodes in the neck or behind the ear can become swollen. Therefore, keeping your teeth and mouth clean will protect your teeth and gums from damage.
This will help prevent the spread of the germs that cause swollen lymph nodes. The steps include:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use toothpaste containing fluoride and brush your teeth in a circular motion.
- Clean the tongue with a special cleanser.
- Clean the crevices with dental floss.
- Gargle with an antiseptic solution.
- Gargle after every meal.
4. Be careful in consuming certain drugs
In some cases, the lymph nodes can become swollen due to the side effects of taking medication.
Launching research in a journal American Family Physician, types of drugs that can cause lymph swelling include:
- Allopurinol to treat gout
- Atenolol, captopril, and hydralazine for treating hypertension
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and primidone to treat seizures
- Penicillin and trimethoprim as antibiotics
- Pyrimethamine and quinidine to treat malaria
- Sulindac to treat joint pain and gout
Watch for signs that appear after taking these drugs. If afterward the lymph nodes are swollen, consult a doctor to prevent the condition from getting worse.
Swollen lymph nodes are generally harmless.
However, this condition is a sign that your body is having an infection. Leaving it unattended may slow down the recovery process.
Before the infection attacks the lymph nodes and causes them to swell, you can prevent this in a number of simple ways.
Keep your body clean, protect yourself from infection, and obey your doctor's instructions when you need to take medication.
