Lymphonoduses are the formations performing in the body barrier functions and preventing the spread of infection, as well as cancer cells. They produce lymphocytes - protective cells that take part in the elimination of foreign cells and substances.
Features of cervical lymph nodes
Cervical lymph nodes are responsible for protecting the bones and soft tissues of the head and organs located in the neck, against infections and tumor cells. On the neck there are several groups of lymph nodes:
- chin;
- parotid;
- BTE;
- zagrugochnye;
- subclavian;
- supraclavicular and others.
Normally, the lymph nodes on the neck are not visually determined and practically not probed. The only exception is the anterolateral formations, which in the normal state are mobile, soft and elastic. If the lymph nodes are inflamed, i.e. increased in size and became painful, this indicates a poor situation in the zone that they "serve".
What if the lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed?
Most often, the inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes is detected by patients, when as a result of this there is discomfort and soreness when turning and tilting the head. In some cases, there are also difficulties in swallowing. Feeling your neck, you can find the presence of small painful seals, the skin over which often turns red and becomes hot. In addition, inflamed lymph nodes can be seen with the naked eye and look like protruding "bumps".
The first thing to do when you find that the lymph node has become inflamed on the left, right or behind neck, is to see a doctor. After all, as already mentioned, lymph nodes prevent the spread of cancer cells in the body, and, therefore, their inflammation can signal about oncology, and procrastination in this case is worth a lot. But do not be nervous beforehand and set yourself frightening diagnoses yourself - most often inflamed lymph nodes on the neck indicate the presence of an infectious process, bacterial or viral. Also, if the lymph node on the neck is inflamed, it is not recommended to try to treat it at home, than it is possible only to do much harm. Strictly it is contraindicated to rub and warm the inflamed areas.
Treatment for inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck
Before appointing any treatment, the doctor must find out what is the cause of the inflammation. For this, you may need not only consultations of narrow specialists (for example, an otolaryngologist, endocrinologist, oncologist, infectious disease specialist, etc.), but also laboratory and instrumental studies, among which:
- a general blood test ;
- Ultrasound of the thyroid gland;
- Radiography of the soft tissues of the neck and submandibular region;
- biopsy of the affected lymph node, etc.
Having established, than the inflammation of lymphonoduses provoked, the doctor will be able to decide on the tactics of treatment. As a rule, the main attention is paid to the causative disease, after the elimination of which the condition of the lymph nodes will return to normal. The most commonly prescribed antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory drugs of local and systemic action. In addition, physiotherapy procedures can be recommended. If the inflammation of the lymph nodes is caused by an oncological disease, then for
Often appointed local application of anti-inflammatory ointments and compresses impregnated with medicinal solutions, on the affected area of the lymph nodes. In case of development of suppuration of the lymph node, it will be necessary to open and drain it. An important element of complex therapy for inflammation of the lymph nodes is the restoration of immunity. To this end, the use of immunomodulating drugs, multivitamins is recommended. In times of illness, keep your neck warm, avoid drafts and hypothermia.