Lymph nodes are embedded in our body since birth. In young children, they are usually very difficult to identify, because they are small and soft. However, in some cases, the lymph nodes in children increase in size and become inflamed. This phenomenon is of great concern to parents. In this article you will find answers to the question of what to do if a child has enlarged or inflamed lymph nodes.
The role of lymph nodes in the child's body
The main function of the lymph nodes is to filter the lymph. Through these small nodules, the lymph constantly passes and leaves all impurities in them. In the lymph node the child accumulates bacteria, viruses, diseased cells. Also in the lymph nodes our immune cells mature, which actively destroy all extraneous microorganisms.
Inflammation of the lymph node in the child physicians called lymphadenitis. If a child has a lymph node, this means that the amount of harmful bacteria is too high. In such a situation, white blood cells begin to be actively developed at the node and powerful reactions are triggered, which are aimed at destroying bacteria. At this time, parents can observe that the child has swollen lymph nodes.
If a child has inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes on the neck, in the groin or in any other place, it is safe to say that there is an infection in the child's body.
Causes of inflammation of the lymph node in the neck in a child
Specialists cite a number of possible causes, due to which cervical, including occipital, and inguinal lymph nodes in children can be enlarged and inflamed:
- cat scratch. This reason is quite common among children in contact with cats. In saliva in animals there are bacteria that easily penetrate into the blood with a bite or scratch. After a few days, you can observe that the baby has a lymph node;
- colds. In children who are easily exposed to diseases, enlarged lymph nodes are a common occurrence. In most cases, the lymph node becomes inflamed on the child's neck;
- infectious diseases. In this case, the child has a lymph node that is near the source of the infection. If the lymph node on the child's neck is inflamed, the cause may be a disease of the respiratory system, the throat, the head. But if the children have lymph nodes in the groin, then most likely the cause is the disease of the genitourinary system. Inflamed lymph nodes behind the ears of children are found in diseases of teeth, ears, eye infections.
How to treat lymph nodes in a child?
Treatment of the lymph nodes themselves in children is ineffective, since inflammation is only a consequence of the disease. For effective treatment it is necessary to determine the cause that caused this phenomenon and get rid of it. After a while, the lymph node will return to its normal size, and the inflammation will come down.
Parents should know that just an enlarged lymph node is not a reason for much anxiety.
Only the correct definition of the cause of inflammation and complex treatment of the disease can permanently get rid of the enlarged and aching lymph node in the child.