What can lymph nodes in the neck hurt?
In the human body, the role of a biological filter is performed by the organs of the lymphatic system - lymph nodes. These small formations, 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 focus 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 disorders in the body.
In addition to white blood cells, the lymph nodes contain a clear, slightly yellowish fluid - 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. Further, the destruction of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, as well as degenerated cancer cells, occurs.
When the body can no longer independently cope with foreign cells, lymphocytes begin to multiply actively to cope with the infection. As a result, the lymph nodes in the neck enlarge and hurt, and the symptoms of inflammation are:
- General weakness;
- Temperature increase;
- Headaches;
- Chills;
- Soreness on palpation or swallowing.
If, in addition to the listed signs, the skin turns red in the lymph node region, severe pain appears, then a purulent process has begun. Sometimes a slight increase in the size of the lymph node indicates that it is functioning more actively than others. This is caused by an onset of the disease.
The main causes of the formation of cervical lymphadenitis:
- Infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract or oral cavity (tonsillitis, ARVI, influenza, stomatitis, parotitis, rubella, diphtheria) often cause inflammatory processes;
- Lymph nodes on the neck also hurt with mechanical injury or a tumor, when a cancerous degeneration of cells of the lymphatic tissue is observed;
- A general decrease in immunity often leads to an increase in the nodes, which are organs of the immune system. In some cases, this condition becomes chronic. For example, children who are often ill usually have enlarged submandibular lymph nodes. Basically, a decrease in immunity is caused by anemia, hypothermia, vitamin deficiency, severe nervous tension or prolonged stress. Sometimes a systemic increase in all lymph nodes indicates the presence of immunodeficiency states in the patient, which are observed in AIDS;
In rare cases, diseases of the thyroid gland, connective tissue, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions, chronic alcoholism become the reason why the lymph nodes in the neck hurt
If cervical lymphadenitis occurs, it is imperative to consult a doctor. Do not self-medicate, especially with acute pain or neglect.
Lymph nodes in the neck hurt: treatment
Determining the cause of the disease and the focus of infection is the first step in eliminating inflammation in the lymph nodes. Usually, treatment consists of combating the underlying disease and increasing immunity. If the lymph nodes in the neck hurt, and the general condition of the patient has worsened, it is recommended to stop any stress on the body during this period and observe bed rest.
Drug treatment allows you to eliminate the inflammatory process, which most often causes pain in the lymph nodes. In this case, the patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs (medron, prednisolone, deltason) and antibiotics. All medicines can only be used as directed 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 warming compresses, use heating pads or some other means to warm up the lymph nodes. Since this can lead to the spread of infection in the body, getting it into the bloodstream and even into the brain.
Also, if the lymph nodes in the neck hurt, treatment should include taking multivitamins, fortifying agents, eating foods rich in vitamin C to boost immunity. The patient needs to avoid drafts and hypothermia in order to prevent the development of a chronic form of the disease. In addition, in the treatment of lymphadenitis, it is recommended to drink plenty of warm water and eat healthy food.
It is categorically contraindicated to treat inflamed lymph nodes at home, since in most cases folk remedies do not alleviate the condition, but, on the contrary, aggravate.
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