Lymph nodes are the body's biological filters. They are on defense different systems organs, ensuring their normal functioning and protecting them from infections and tumor formation. Lymph carries toxins, microorganisms and modified cells - in short, all the garbage that accumulates in the body. The cervical lymph nodes are closely connected with all nearby organs, as well as directly with the brain. If the function of the lymph nodes in the neck is impaired, various diseases occur, so if you have pain in this area, you should definitely consult a doctor. How to determine that it is the lymph nodes that hurt, what could be causing it, and what to do to get rid of the pain?

Specificity of pain sensations

Neck pain is not always associated with disruption of the lymph nodes. Sometimes it occurs if you have a cold or pulled muscles; pain also often occurs in the neck if there are inflammatory processes occurring in the throat, etc. Finding out that it is the lymph nodes that hurt is simple: seals appear on the right and/or left side of the neck under the jaw - due to inflammation (cervical lymphadenitis), the lymph nodes become larger.

Causes of pain

Pain in the area of ​​the lymph nodes under the jaw or pain in the cervical lymph nodes can be caused by various diseases:

• throat diseases, including chronic and untreated (sore throat, tonsillitis);
• otitis media, sinusitis and other ENT diseases;
• inflammation of the thyroid gland caused by infection or autoimmune origin;
• caries and other dental diseases (pulpitis, periodontitis, cysts), gum diseases;
• conjunctivitis;
• organ diseases abdominal cavity(in this case the pain is felt on the left);
• sexually transmitted diseases, etc.

The lymph node under the jaw can become inflamed due to mumps, lymphoreticulosis and other diseases. In rare cases, the cause of pain may be:

• infectious mononucleosis (belongs to the group of herpes viruses);
• tularemia (natural focal infectious disease);
• sarcoidosis (belongs to the group of benign systemic granulomatosis).

These diseases are rare, so don’t stress yourself out - in the vast majority of cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes and its root cause are easily treatable.

What does inflammation of the lymph node in the back of the neck indicate? Enlargement and accompanying pain are often associated with ENT diseases, but other possible causes cannot be ruled out:

• tuberculosis;
• rubella;
• toxoplasmosis.

Pain in the lymph nodes in the front or back of the neck in cancer patients is triggered by the appearance of metastases. Don’t immediately give yourself a terrible diagnosis - if you were a patient in such in serious condition, you would probably know about this.

Finally, pain can be caused by allergic reactions to medications or insect bites, as well as recent vaccinations.

Symptoms accompanying inflammation of the lymph nodes

You can determine that it is the lymph nodes that are hurting if you have the following symptoms:

• lymph nodes are enlarged;
• it hurts you to swallow;
• pain appears when turning the head, bending the neck;
• the pain may radiate to the ear.

General weakness, high fever and headache are often observed.

According to symptoms, there are three stages of disease intensity:

1. Pain manifests itself only upon palpation and is absent during movement; sometimes there is slight soreness in the throat (and when swallowing too); the lymph node is slightly enlarged; no headaches, fever or loss of strength are observed.
2. Painful sensations are present not only during palpation, but also without it; enlarged lymph nodes become visible to the naked eye; There is a sore throat and headache, as well as a rise in temperature and weakness.
3. Purulent inflammation occurs, the pain is severe, the skin in the area of ​​the enlarged lymph node turns red; Among the accompanying symptoms are high body temperature, headaches, chills, fever, general depression, weakness.

What to do if your child’s lymph nodes hurt

The causes of pain in the lymph nodes in children are the same as in adults. But there are specific points that every parent should pay attention to.

An enlarged lymph node (or several) in children 1-3 years old is a reaction to the BCG vaccination (an “acquaintance” with the tuberculosis virus occurs, and the body can react to it in this way).

In children 1-3 years old, as well as in children 6-10 years old, lymphatism is sometimes observed; this phenomenon is characterized by enlarged lymph nodes without the presence visible reasons and is associated with the intensive growth of the child or the abundance of protein foods in his daily diet; Pediatrician supervision is required here.

If a child complains of pain in the neck, feel the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes and check if they are enlarged. If you feel that at least one lymph node is inflamed, and especially if the enlargement of the lymph node is noticeable even without palpation, immediately contact the children's clinic. In particularly difficult situations, if you have a fever or fever, call an ambulance.

What you can and cannot do when your lymph nodes hurt

You can remove it before visiting a doctor. pain syndrome with the help of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. You cannot get carried away and independently treat inflammation of the lymphatic system with them - you can trigger the disease and bring the situation to suppuration. It is fraught with serious consequences, including death.

• warm the lymph nodes;
• self-medicate with herbs and other folk ways;
• draw an iodine grid in the area of ​​the lymph nodes;
• rub the lymph nodes with warming ointments.

Complications caused by improper or untimely treatment can result in big troubles for you.

Diagnosis and treatment

If your lymph node hurts, contact your GP. He will listen to you, examine the lymph nodes and oral cavity and will definitely ask you to take the following tests:

• general blood test and blood biochemistry;
• urine test;
• throat swab.

After this, the therapist will refer you to a specialist: otolaryngologist, endocrinologist, immunologist, ophthalmologist, dentist, etc. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be required, but this is a very rare case. Once you see a specialist doctor, you will receive full picture the state of one or another system of your body.

Depending on the cause of pain in the lymph nodes, treatment is prescribed. It can be very different - from the use of antibiotics to physiotherapy. Usually its goal is to eliminate the inflammatory process. The following medications are used for this:

• anti-inflammatory (local or general action);
• antibacterial (to eliminate an infectious disease);
• antiviral;
• antifungal;
• antihistamines.

An effective way to restore health is treatment with currents or lasers, as well as UHF therapy.

Additionally, the patient is recommended to rest in bed, drink plenty of warm fluids, and take vitamin complexes. During treatment, it is recommended to reduce physical activity and adhere to proper nutrition. During this period, your immune system needs careful attitude and ongoing support.

Prevention: what to do to prevent lymph nodes from getting sick

As preventive measures, a number of simple actions are recommended that many of us can do. If you do not want to face unknown neck pain, you need to regularly see an ENT doctor, dentist and endocrinologist, and, if possible, undergo a comprehensive medical examination in a clinic.

It is very important to treat diseases of the throat, nose and ears. And it is also recommended not to overcool, especially if your immune system is weakened (especially after illnesses). The last recommendation is relevant at any time of the year, since inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur even in summer.

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Many people sometimes notice unnatural bulges on their neck, which are usually extremely painful. They can appear in both adults and children. What does this mean, why is it dangerous and how to treat such a disease? This syndrome is associated with inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the neck. The reasons for the situation can be varied.

What are lymph nodes needed for?

To find out why the lymph nodes in the neck hurt, first let’s understand what lymph and lymph nodes are, and what function they perform in the body.

Lymph is a special fluid that resembles blood, except that it lacks red blood cells. The main type of cells found in lymph is . This type of cell is responsible for the body's immune response.

Lymph nodes are a collection of lymphatic vessels. The nodes perform a dual function - on the one hand, they are a barrier to the penetration of various infectious agents into the body, and also prevent the proliferation of pathological cells of the body itself. On the other hand, lymph nodes are the site of development of new lymphocytes. Antibodies and phagocytes can also be produced in the lymph nodes. In addition, these organs are responsible for the outflow of intercellular fluid.

Location of lymph nodes

There are many lymph nodes in the human body, but they are most densely located in the neck, groin area and armpit. Lymph nodes vary in size. The largest of them have a diameter of approximately 1 cm. There are several groups of nodes on the neck:

• from the front of the neck,
• from the back of the neck,
• under the chin,
• under the jaw
• on the back of the head
• in the ear area.

The largest ones and those located close to the surface of the skin can be felt with your fingers. To the touch they have round shape and may roll slightly. However, in in good condition lymph nodes do not cause pain when touched.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is called lymphadenitis. With cervical lymphadenitis, the nodes increase in size and become painful. They may feel hard to the touch. The size of the inflamed nodes can vary from the diameter of a pea to 5 or more centimeters.

Sometimes, however, there is no tenderness of the cervical lymph nodes. If the inflammation is severe, the skin around the lymph nodes may become red and inflamed. The disease can affect both lymph nodes on one side of the neck and symmetrical nodes on both sides. Sometimes several groups of nodes may be involved in the process.

Also, pain in the cervical lymph node can sometimes be felt not only when pressing on it, but also when swallowing, turning the head in different directions.

There are several risk groups whose members are more likely to get the disease:

• people with weakened immune systems;
• those suffering from chronic alcoholism;
• people prone to allergic reactions;
• patients with diseases thyroid gland.

It is customary to distinguish several types of lymphadenitis:

• spicy,
• catarrhal,
• chronic.

Reasons

With inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes, the causes can be varied. In most cases, lymphadenitis is not an independent disease, but only a symptom indicating some problems in the body. These could be inflammations, infections or tumors. An experienced doctor can determine the location of the disease and its type based on the location of the affected node, its shape, size and degree of pain.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck may be associated with an increased concentration of pathogens in them, and an increase in their size may be associated with an increase in the production of lymphocytes.

Very often, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck is caused by diseases of the upper respiratory tract - rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, influenza, as well as inflammation of the middle ear - otitis media. Lymphadenitis can also be caused by oral infections - periodontitis, gingivitis, caries, stomatitis, inflammation of the gums and tongue.

Infectious processes on the skin - dermatitis, rashes, furunculosis, wounds and suppuration can also cause enlargement and inflammation of the nodes. These processes may be caused by exposure to the herpes virus, bacteria or fungi.

If the lymph node is very painful, this may be a symptom preceding the active phase of the disease. Microorganisms that can cause inflammation of nodes include pathogens, gonorrhea, tuberculosis, streptococci and staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and pathogenic fungi.

Infection with bacilli, brucellosis and syphilis most often leads to a chronic form of lymphadenitis.

Also, enlargement and inflammation of nodes can be caused by autoimmune diseases (rheumatism, gout, sarcoidosis, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), chronic alcoholism.

There are often cases when lymphadenitis is just evidence of a weakened immune system (as a result of stress, lack of vitamins and microelements in the body). The opposite situation may also occur - when the nodes become inflamed due to an allergic reaction, that is, an enhanced immune response to any irritant. IN similar cases however, enlarged lymph nodes may be accompanied by other symptoms characteristic of allergic reactions - rash, hives, swelling, etc.

AIDS is a severe viral disease that affects cells immune system person. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, as well as lymph nodes located in other parts of the body, may indicate the presence of HIV in the body.

Can also lead to lymphadenitis. This is a disease in which pathological cells appear in the body, concentrating in certain organs, including the lymph nodes. Mononucleosis is characterized by a very strong enlargement of the lymph nodes, the size of which can reach 5 cm.

Tumors located in the upper part of the body can also cause enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. In some cases, we can talk about tumors of the tissues of the lymph nodes themselves - lymphomas.

Thus, there are a huge number of reasons that can cause enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and it is impossible to list them all in a short article. In total, there are more than a hundred diseases that can lead to a similar phenomenon. Therefore, it is usually very difficult to draw a conclusion about what problem underlies lymphadenitis without thorough tests.

In some cases, the patient can also draw a conclusion about the nature of the disease associated with inflammation of the lymph node by its shape and other external signs.

The presence of many small inflamed nodes indicates a weakened immune system. The uneven contours of the node, its immobility and painlessness is a reason to contact an oncologist.

Enlarged lymph nodes without pain when pressing may indicate certain stages of tuberculosis.

An increase in pain when pressing, a rounded shape and mobility of the node most likely indicate inflammatory processes in the throat and neck. The location of the inflamed node may also indicate this - as a rule, during infectious processes of the throat, the submandibular lymph nodes become inflamed. If, for example, the lymph node on the left hurts, this means that, most likely, the source of infection is also on the left side.

It is also impossible to exclude lymphadenitis, which is not associated with any infectious disease, but arises due to mechanical damage to the tissue of the node.

Lymphadenitis in children

In children, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck during infections occurs especially often. The causes of frequent inflammation can be ARVI and rubella, scarlet fever, and infectious mononucleosis. Also in children, inflammation of the nodes can be an immune response to vaccinations, for example, BCG vaccination.

Diagnostics

In most cases, the cause of the disease can only be determined by a doctor upon examination. However, it often happens that the presence of inflammation of the nodes coincides with respiratory symptoms: sore throat, cough, runny nose, as well as high temperature. In such cases, there is no doubt that lymphadenitis is caused by an acute respiratory disease. However, this is not always the case. In some cases, enlarged lymph nodes may indicate a tumor, so if the nodes long time do not pass, then you should seek the advice of a specialist.

Which specialist is best to contact if the lymph nodes in the neck hurt? This is usually the prerogative of an otolaryngologist. He can send you for additional tests - a blood test, ultrasound, research on the genomes of microorganisms, or to other specialists, for example, to an infectious disease specialist, oncologist, hematologist, dentist, pulmonologist. If necessary, a biopsy of the node tissue can be used for diagnosis. To exclude tuberculosis, fluorographic examination can be used.

Treatment

How to treat and how to treat lymphadenitis? In most cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes is a secondary symptom and therefore does not require separate treatment. It is enough to cure the underlying disease and the enlarged nodes will decrease in size. The exception is purulent inflammation of the nodes. In this case, surgery may be required.

What to do if the disease is bacterial in nature? In this case, antibiotics are taken. The specific type of antibiotic depends on the type of pathogen and should be prescribed by a doctor. For fungal skin infections they are used antifungal drugs– Clotrimazole, Ketonazole.

If the disease is of a viral nature (influenza, ARVI, measles, scarlet fever), then, as a rule, symptomatic therapy is carried out. For herpes, Acyclovir is prescribed in the form of tablets or ointments. For infectious mononucleosis, drugs with interferon are prescribed.

If the cause of lymphadenitis is allergic reactions, then antihistamines are prescribed, and measures are taken to eliminate the effect of the irritant substance on the body. Children often experience inflammation of the lymph nodes as defensive reaction from ingestion of animal saliva, for example, after playing with cats or dogs. In some cases, with primary lymphadenitis, physiotherapeutic procedures may be prescribed.

In no case should you self-medicate, in particular, warm up the affected nodes, massage them or smear them with bactericidal ointments, as well as ointments and gels with a warming effect. In this case, the infection can spread far beyond the node throughout the body and even lead to blood poisoning.

But this is not even the main danger. Since lymphadenitis in most cases is a secondary disease, by focusing on the problem of pain and enlargement of the lymph nodes, treatment of the underlying disease can be started.

If the patient has a high temperature, bed rest is recommended, absence of physical activity. It is also recommended to drink plenty of warm drinks - up to 2 liters per day for adults, up to 1 liter for children.

Is it possible to use traditional medicine methods in the treatment of inflamed nodes? These methods can be useful to eliminate the hidden causes of the disease - inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and oral cavity. It is well known that with many inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, rinsing with extracts of sage, mint and, which have good anti-inflammatory properties, helps. However, it hardly makes sense to resort to traditional medicine until the cause of the disease is clearly established.

If the cause of chronic lymphadenitis is the patient’s weakened immunity, then in this case, restorative decoctions of ginseng, lemongrass, and echinacea can help. However, the possibility of oncological causes should be excluded, since in this case, herbal decoctions can aggravate them.

Complications

Untreated purulent lymphadenitis can lead to a number of complications:

• phlegmon (purulent inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue),
• periadenitis,
• thrombophlebitis,
• fistulas in the esophagus and trachea.

With phlegmon, a painful swelling forms in the area of ​​the lymph nodes. Also, phlegmon is characterized by pain when swallowing and opening the mouth, and an increase in temperature.

Prevention of lymphadenitis

Preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of lymphadenitis include timely treatment of diseases that can cause it - influenza, acute respiratory infections, rhinitis, oral sanitation, personal hygiene, which will reduce the risk of boils. It is also important to strengthen the body as a whole and the immune system. People with hypersensitivity to allergens, exposure to them should be avoided.

IN human body The role of a biological filter is performed by the organs of the lymphatic system - lymph nodes. These small structures, about the size of beans or peas, contain white blood cells that protect against bacteria and viruses. If the lymph nodes in the neck hurt, this indicates that there is a source of infection nearby, since discomfort most often occurs during the inflammatory process.

Why do the lymph nodes in the neck hurt?

Lymphadenitis, or inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes, is not an independent disease, but is a symptom of most infectious diseases and a number of other pathological conditions. Any pain in the lymph nodes indicates that there are some problems in the body.

In addition to white blood cells, the lymph nodes contain a clear, slightly yellowish liquid - lymph. It washes the cells of organs and tissues, and then collects in the lymphatic vessels. With the flow of lymph, pathogenic microorganisms enter the lymph nodes, which delay the infection, preventing it from spreading throughout the body. Next, pathogenic bacteria and viruses, as well as degenerated cancer cells, are destroyed.

When the body can no longer cope with foreign cells on its own, lymphocytes begin to actively multiply to cope with the infection. As a result, the lymph nodes in the neck become enlarged and painful, and symptoms of inflammation are:

• General weakness;
• Increase in temperature;
• Headaches;
• Chills;
• Pain on palpation or swallowing.

If, in addition to the listed signs, the skin in the area of ​​the lymph node turns red, severe pain, which means the purulent process has begun. Sometimes a slight increase in the size of a lymph node indicates that it is functioning more actively than others. This is caused by an incipient disease.

The main reasons for the formation of cervical lymphadenitis:

• Infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract or oral cavity(sore throat, ARVI, influenza, stomatitis, mumps, rubella, diphtheria) often cause inflammatory processes;
• The lymph nodes in the neck also hurt due to mechanical trauma or a tumor, when cancerous degeneration of lymphatic tissue cells is observed;
• A general decrease in immunity often leads to an increase in nodes, which are organs of the immune system. In some cases, this condition becomes chronic. For example, frequently ill children usually have enlarged submandibular lymph nodes. Basically, a decrease in immunity is caused by anemia, hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, severe nervous strain or prolonged stress. Sometimes a systemic enlargement of all lymph nodes indicates that the patient has immunodeficiency conditions observed in AIDS;

• In rare cases of thyroid disease, connective tissue, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions, chronic alcoholism become the reason why the lymph nodes in the neck hurt.

If cervical lymphadenitis occurs, you should definitely consult a doctor. You should not self-medicate, especially in case of acute pain or neglected condition.

Lymph nodes in the neck hurt: treatment

Determining the cause of the disease and the source of infection is the first step in eliminating inflammation in the lymph nodes. Typically, treatment consists of fighting the underlying disease and increasing immunity. If the lymph nodes in the neck hurt, and it also worsens general condition patient, it is recommended to stop any stress on the body during this period and maintain bed rest.

Drug treatment eliminates the inflammatory process, which most often causes pain in the lymph nodes. In this case, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs (medron, prednisolone, deltasone) and antibiotics. All medicines can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. In case of suppuration, the surgeon opens and cleanses the affected area.

UHF therapy has a good effect. However, it is contraindicated to make warm compresses, use heating pads or any other means to warm the lymph nodes. Since this can lead to the spread of infection in the body, entering the blood and even the brain.

Also, if the lymph nodes in the neck hurt, treatment should include taking multivitamins, restoratives, and eating foods rich in vitamin C to boost immunity. The patient must avoid drafts and hypothermia to prevent the development of a chronic form of the disease. In addition, when treating lymphadenitis, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water and eat healthy foods.

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Lymph nodes are unique natural filters that protect the body from pathogenic microflora penetrating from the external environment. By detecting potentially dangerous microorganisms and toxins in the lymph, the organ concentrates them inside, which as a result leads to an increase in its size. Swelling and enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes to a state where they are easy to palpate, much less see with the naked eye, is called in medicine « lymphadenitis » . Inflammation of the nodes is accompanied by a sore throat, but ARVI is far from the only reason causing the pathology. Other factors include inflammation of the dental organs, oncology and other diseases. Only a doctor can definitively diagnose the cause of the development of lymphadenitis.

Symptoms of cervical lymphadenitis

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes

The introduction of an infectious agent into lymph flows occurs both from the outside and from foci in the body. Pain and enlargement of lymph nodes can be caused by:

If you suspect inflammation of the lymph nodes, examine and feel the neck and area under the jaw in the following sequence:

1. In front of a mirror, visually assess the integrity of the skin, check for soft tissue damage or ulcers;
2. To rule out myositis, use two fingers to feel the tissue in the area where pain is present: with lymphadenitis, a “ball” can be felt under the skin; with myositis, there are no formations.
3. Evaluate nodules according to the following criteria: pain when pressed, mobility of the nodule under the skin, temperature and color of the skin over the lymph node.
4. If several nodules are palpated at once, which are slightly enlarged, easily “roll” under the fingertips and do not hurt when pressed, we're talking about about pathologies of immunity. In this case, it is recommended to seek advice from an infectious disease specialist.
5. An uneven contour, lumpiness, poor mobility and, at the same time, painlessness of the node on palpation may indicate oncology.
6. A hot, painful formation indicates possible purulent processes in the lymph node itself. A surgeon's consultation is necessary.
7. Inflammatory processes in the throat, mouth and neck are characterized by increased pain when pressed and easy movement of the ball under the fingers. You should consult an ENT specialist or therapist for advice.
8. Examine the gums and oral mucosa. They should not have plaque, ulcers, or stomatitis. The teeth should also show no signs of damage. If pathologies are found, contact your dentist.

Diagnosis and treatment

If the lymph nodes are inflamed due to a cold, it is the latter that needs to be treated. Once the symptoms subside, the nodes will gradually shrink.

Colds, in which the infection penetrates the lymphatic system, occur in an acute form and are accompanied by high fever. It is impossible to wait for the results of cultures to test the sensitivity of antibiotics to bacteria without doing anything. While waiting for test results, broad-spectrum antibacterial drugs are used.

After elimination colds Nodes in the neck may remain enlarged for another 2-3 weeks.

If the pathology is caused by otitis, the ears are warmed up, and medications prescribed by the doctor are instilled.

For symptoms indicating a sore throat, pharyngitis or laryngitis, the usual treatment methods are used:

• gargling with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents - solution "Furacilina", "Chlorhexidine", "Miramistin";
• laryngeal treatment "Lugol" or oil solution "Chlorophyllipta";
• use of lozenges;
• antipyretics are used symptomatically.

For viral infections, antiviral drugs are used.

Acute inflammatory processes caused by bacterial infection cannot be cured without antibiotics. Usually they use drugs that simultaneously stop the vital activity of streptococci, staphylococci - gram-negative and gram-positive, hemophilus influenzae and Escherichia coli, anaerobic bacteria. These include:

Doctors may also prescribe other antibacterial drugs. Recommendations are made after assessing the clinical picture and based on an analysis of the sensitivity of the bacterial flora to drugs.

Treatment of lymphadenitis

Until the lymph nodes shrink and temperature indicator does not normalize, the patient should follow the usual recommendations for a patient with a high temperature - bed rest and increased fluid intake.

Parents try to give their children milk, but for detoxification during infectious diseases it is better to use warm alkaline mineral water without gas, green tea, cranberry or any berry juice, dried fruit compote, rosehip infusion.

In order not to aggravate the manifestations of lymphadenitis, in no case should you:

The treatment of lymphadenitis is supplemented by taking vitamins, immunomodulators and immunostimulants, as well as physical therapy - UHF or electrophoresis.

If more than 2 weeks have passed since the cold, and the patient continues to complain of weakness, the temperature rises again, the neck pain does not go away or gets worse, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination. The introduction of pathogenic microorganisms into the lymph flow can provoke acute complications that lead to serious health problems - sepsis, encephalitis, meningitis.

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