Lymphadenopathy: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is lymphadenopathy (swelling of the lymph nodes)?

Lymphadenopathy is a condition that occurs when there are small, round lumps of tissue scattered throughout your body, called lymph nodes.

There are about 600 lymph nodes scattered in your body. However, the number of glands that can be felt or felt under the skin with bare hands is only a few.

Some of the lymph nodes that can be felt are located in the following areas.

At the bottom of the jaw.
Behind the earlobe.
In the armpit (under the upper arm).
One side of the neck.
One groin.
Above the collarbone.

Lymph nodes vary in size. Starting from as small as the tip of a needle to the size of a ripe red bean.

This gland is part of the immune system (immune system), especially the lymphatic system. The reason is, this gland contains white blood cells and antibodies. This means that the lymph nodes play a very important role in fighting infection and disease.

When your body has an infection or disease, it will produce more immune cells. The increase in the number of immune cells in the lymph gland is what causes lymphadenopathy.

Therefore, swollen lymph nodes most likely indicate an infection or disease.

Lymphadenopathy can appear in one or more areas of your body.

Lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes are enlargements that can be felt (> 1 cm) in one or more lymph nodes. This enlargement is categorized as:

Localized: When there is only one area of the body
General: When present in 2 or more areas of the body

How common is lymph node swelling?

Swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy are quite common. Lymphadenopathy can occur in people of any age.

However, women are more prone to experiencing this problem.

Usually, the swollen lymph nodes will shrink on their own after the infection or disease that caused the swelling is treated. This healing can take about a week after the infection clears up.

Although swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy are fairly common cases, this does not mean that they are not dangerous at all.

In some cases, swollen or enlarged lymph nodes may be a sign of Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

So, you should still check with your doctor or clinic to get the best lymphadenopathy diagnosis and treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of lymphadenopathy?

When the lymph nodes begin to enlarge, usually the first symptoms that you can feel include:

Pain when pressing on the swollen gland.
Swollen glands can feel warm.
Swollen gland areas become more sensitive, for example in your neck area, it becomes uncomfortable when moved.
The swollen glands are very large, usually appearing to bulge the size of a pea or more.

After you experience the initial symptoms of lymphadenopathy, you may experience a range of other symptoms. Symptoms of lymphadenopathy that appear later will usually depend on the disease or infection that caused it.

In general, the symptoms that will appear when you experience swollen or enlarged lymph nodes include:

Cough
Limp body
Cold
Shivering and sweating, especially at night
Sore throat
Fever
Red, warm and swollen skin

There may still be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you experience the following symptoms of lymphadenopathy:

The swollen glands do not go away, they even spread for 2-4 weeks.
Swollen glands feel spongy or flexible.
The fever doesn't go away.
Continued sweating at night.
Losing weight even though you are not on a special diet.
Sore throat that doesn't go away.
The gland feels very hard and continues to enlarge rapidly, this could be a tumor or lymph cancer.

Seek emergency assistance immediately if:

Swollen lymph nodes that bleed.
Swollen glands in the neck affect breathing or swallowing.

If you have any signs or symptoms of lymphadenopathy above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. The reason is, each person's body is different.

Also, the swollen part of the gland may be so deep inside your body that it is invisible and cannot be felt under the skin.

Always discuss with your doctor to manage your health condition.

Cause

What causes lymphadenopathy?

Lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes can be caused by various things. Ranging from minor infections to chronic diseases such as lymph cancer can be the cause of enlarged lymph nodes.

The following are things that can trigger or worsen lymphadenopathy.

1. Ear infection

Pay attention to which part of the gland is swollen. Usually, swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy in the head and neck area indicates an ear infection.

Ear infections themselves can be caused by allergies or infections of the upper respiratory tract. Children get ear infections more often than adults. However, this type of infection can indeed affect anyone.

2. Viral infection

There are many types of viruses that can attack the body and cause lymphadenopathy. Usually the location of the swollen lymph nodes will determine where the viral infection occurs.

The following are the types of viruses that can cause lymphadenopathy.

Varicella-zoster, which is the virus that causes chicken pox and shingles.
Rubella, which is a virus that causes measles.
HIV, which is an infectious virus that causes AIDS.
Herpes simplex, which is the virus that causes oral herpes, genital herpes, and herpes encephalitis.
Flu, which is a virus that causes influenza.

3. Bacterial infection

Some types of bacteria that enter your body can cause infection. Certain bacterial infections can cause symptoms, namely lymphadenopathy. The following is a list of the types of bacteria.

Streptococcus or strep, which is a bacteria that causes strep throat or swelling of the tonsils.
Staphylococcus or staph, which are bacteria that cause food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome (TSS), or mastitis.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis, namely bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB or TBC).

4. HIV / AIDS infection

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that causes AIDS. This virus sometimes does not show any symptoms in the sufferer, so you may be diagnosed too late.

In fact, late detecting this disease can be fatal.

That is why, if you experience lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness, muscle aches and headaches, see a doctor immediately.

5. Tooth infection

Infection of the gum and tooth area can produce symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes. Tooth infection is usually caused by a tooth abscess, which is a buildup of pus due to bacteria.

6. Mononucleosis

Lymphadenopathy in the neck and armpits can indicate mononucleosis, which is a disease caused by a virus.

The virus that is transmitted through saliva makes sufferers sore throat, fever, weakness, itching, jaundice, nosebleeds, to shortness of breath.

7. Skin infections

Various types of skin diseases can also create lymphadenopathy. Especially if you experience other symptoms, such as a rash, redness, burning or burning, and itching.

The following are some of the types of skin diseases that may be characterized by lymphadenopathy:

Eczema, especially in infants and children.
Contact dermatitis.
Skin abscess (purulent skin) due to bacterial infection.
Head lice lodged on the scalp.

8. Sore throat

Strep throat is a fairly common type of disease. The causes can be various. Viral infections, bacterial infections, allergies, throat irritation, swelling of the tonsils, or certain injuries (trauma) to the neck and throat can all cause your lymph nodes to become enlarged.

9. Immune system disorders

Disruptions to your immune system can make you weaker and more susceptible to disease. The reason is, the system in charge of defending itself from the threat of disease has been weakened or disturbed.

Well, usually immune system disorders often attack people who have autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatism (rheumatoid arthritis) and lupus. Symptoms include lymphadenopathy and body weakness.

10. Cancer

Be careful not to underestimate disorders like swelling of your lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy can be the beginning of cancer.

When in your body there are cancer cells that have lodged, then these cancer cells move home through the lymph vessels. This displacement is what then causes lymphadenopathy.

After moving and spreading to other parts of the body, cancer cells can stay and grow to attack cells in that part of the body.

Some types of cancer that show symptoms of swollen lymph glands include skin cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, stomach cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Lymph cancer and other types of cancer can still be controlled at an early stage. That is why it is important for you to detect lymph cancer or other cancers as early as possible.

11. Sexually transmitted diseases

Some types of sexually transmitted diseases can cause symptoms of swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy. These include syphilis (lion king), gonorrhea, and chlamydia. Especially if the lymphadenopathy is in the groin area.

Triggers

What puts me at risk for swollen lymph nodes?

There are many risk factors for lymphadenopathy, including:

Interaction with cats
Uncooked food
Flea bites
Glandular tuberculosis
Blood transfusion or transplant
High-risk sexual behavior
Use of injectable drugs
Occupation: hunter, trapper, fisherman, slaughterhouse worker
Travel to an infected area

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is lymphadenopathy diagnosed?

The doctor will check the size and location of the lymph glands. You may need the following tests to help your doctor find the cause of lymphadenopathy:

Blood test

This examination can show whether you have an infection or other medical condition.

Chest X-ray

This test is an image that helps doctors see lung and heart function.

Ultrasound (USG)

Ultrasound with sound waves can show images of the lymph glands on a monitor.

CT scan

An x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of the lymph glands. You may be given a liquid contrast dye before the image is taken to help the doctor see the image better.

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to contrast dyes.

MRI

An MRI uses strong magnetic waves and a computer to take pictures of the lymph nodes. You may be given a contrast dye to show the image more clearly.

Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to contrast dyes. Do not enter an MRI room with anything metal.

Metal can cause serious injury. Tell your doctor if you have metal in your body (such as a heart ring).

Splenic gland biopsy

This procedure is used to take a tissue sample for testing. The doctor can take lymph cells using a needle or remove one or more lymph glands during surgery.

How is lymphadenopathy treated?

In some cases, lymphadenopathy can resolve on its own, without medication from a doctor. This is if the cause of the disease is mild, such as influenza or food poisoning.

However, if the lymphadenopathy is serious enough and is caused by a severe illness, you will need medical attention.

However, some causes have not been found for a cure so you can only control it so that the symptoms don't get worse. For example, in the case of Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

More details, consider some of the following treatment options for swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy.

Antibiotic or antiviral treatment

These medications are the most common treatment for lymphadenopathy caused by a bacterial infection.

Antibiotics will help stop bacterial multiplication and infection in your body.

Meanwhile, if the cause of the swollen lymph nodes is a virus, you will be given drugs that can relieve the symptoms that arise. For best lymphadenopathy treatment results, follow the recommendations of your doctor and pharmacist.

Address the causes

Sometimes, lymphadenopathy is the result of a poor health condition, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis caused by an autoimmune disease.

Treating the condition can effectively cure the swollen lymph nodes.

Cancer treatment

This treatment is given to swollen lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy caused by cancer. The type of cancer will determine treatment which can include surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Home Remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat lymphadenopathy?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, here are lifestyle changes and home remedies that can help you deal with lymphadenopathy:

Use a warm compress

Place a warm, wet compress, such as a cloth soaked in hot water, on the area.

Use pain relievers

Take pain relievers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

Be careful when giving aspirin to children or adolescents. Although it has been approved for use in children and adolescents over 2 years of age, those who are recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should not use aspirin.

Tell your doctor if you have recently developed certain health conditions.