The lymph node is an organ that contains lymphocytes and is a filter of the human body. Lymphadenopathy of the neck is a disease that is accompanied by an increase in lymph nodes and painful sensations in them during palpation.
A cervical lymph node is considered enlarged if its size exceeds 1 cm. Chlamydia, fungi, viruses and bacteria may be the cause.
Causes of the disease
Lymphadenopathy of the lymph nodes of the neck can manifest after acute infections or catarrhal diseases. This is a secondary disease, and its treatment should begin with the diagnosis of the primary problem.
We can distinguish the following causes of inflammation in the lymph nodes:
- oncology;
- HIV ;
- injuries;
- infectious diseases.
In some cases, neck lymphadenopathy can be caused by the following factors:
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
- excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages;
- allergic manifestations;
- metabolic disorders ;
- connective tissue diseases.
Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes
Lymphadenopathy of the neck on both sides can occur in both adults and children. This inflammation is often accompanied by fever, an increase in the size of the knot, a headache and painful sensations when swallowing. Nausea, weakness, and redness in the neck may occur.
Even after determining the cause and passing the treatment prescribed by the doctor, inflammation of the lymph nodes can continue for some time. Untimely treatment of a specialist can lead to the fact that the disease will take a chronic form and completely get rid of it will not be easy.
Treatment of lymphadenopathy of the neck
With lymphadenopathy of the neck, the doctor will be able to prescribe the treatment only after a thorough examination and an accurate diagnosis. What kind of tests for suspected lymphadenopathy of the neck, the doctor will tell. Most likely, the first and most informative will be a general blood test.
At the stage of diagnosis it is important to determine the root cause of inflammation. Then it is necessary to eliminate the pain syndrome in the cervical region. For this, anti-inflammatory and pain medications are prescribed that are capable for a limited period
Purulent lymphadenopathy in some cases ends with urgent surgical intervention. The surgeon can try to get rid of the lymph node from accumulated pus or remove it.
As a result, it turns out that such a disease, as the lymphadenopathy of the neck, requires mandatory consultation with a specialist. Otherwise, delay or self-medication can complicate the situation before possible surgical intervention.