Lymph nodes are an integral part of the entire human lymphatic system. They play a huge role in protecting the body from infections and foreign bodies that cause disease.
Throughout the human body, there are a lot of locations of lymph nodes. However, most of them are in the region of the head, neck, axillary hollows, inguinal region. Usually people rarely think about their whereabouts. However, if there is inflammation, for example, submandibular lymph nodes, then it is unlikely to miss this unpleasant moment. The submaxillary lymph nodes are not only enlarged, but a number of other signs and symptoms are also observed.
Signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes
Conditionally inflammation of submandibular nodes can be divided into several stages, each of which is accompanied by characteristic features.
At the first stage of the disease, the symptoms are expressed implicitly:
- solid lymph nodes, painful on palpation;
- ear pain;
- increased body temperature;
- slight reddening of the skin around the inflamed knot;
- sleep disturbance;
- general weakness.
At the initial stage the disease develops slowly. Only when the submaxillary lymph nodes become clearly enlarged, many begin to think about the possible causes of inflammation.
At this stage, the following symptoms are observed:
- a significant increase in lymph nodes;
- jaw movements become painful;
- in the area of the inflamed node appears swelling, which rapidly increases and spreads;
- the skin around the site of inflammation turns red;
- high temperature ;
- Insomnia, apathy and indifference to everything around him.
If you consult a doctor if you have these symptoms of inflammation of the submaxillary lymph node, then treatment is still possible. Otherwise, the disease will quickly move to the last and most difficult stage.
Main features:
- sweeping pain;
- bright red or burgundy skin around the site of inflammation;
- very high temperature (up to 40 degrees).
At this stage, lymphadenitis is extremely dangerous due to the accumulation of pus in the lymph nodes.
In order not to allow the development of the disease to dangerous and difficult to cure stages, it is necessary to identify the cause and start the correct treatment in a timely manner, that is, as soon as you feel that the submaxillary lymph node is sore, or notice the first signs of inflammation.
Possible causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes
The increase in submandibular lymph nodes can be caused by a number of reasons. For example, lymphadenitis can occur as a result of infectious processes in the ear, throat, nose. So, the usual sinusitis, otitis, tonsillitis and even caries can be accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Also, sexually transmitted infections can cause lymphadenitis. Alternatively, toxoplasmosis , which is transmitted from animals to humans, may be manifested by an increase in one or more lymph nodes. Among the possible reasons do not forget about as serious as a tumor.
Diagnosis of the disease
If the submaxillary lymph node is inflamed for no apparent reason, then most likely the doctor will prescribe a complete examination of the body. In rare cases, when this does not give the desired result and the source of inflammation remains hidden, a larger lymph node biopsy may be required.
Carrying out of all diagnostic actions is extremely important and obligatory, since without revealing the true reason it is impossible to start effective treatment.
Treatment of submandibular lymph nodes
With inflammation of the submaxillary lymph nodes treatment begins with the detection of infections or other causes that caused lymphadenitis. Without eliminating the reasons to fight with the increase in lymph nodes, if not useless, then ineffective.
At the last stage of the disease, when the inflammation becomes purulent, antibiotics are used in the treatment. In some cases, surgery may even be required.