What to do if the lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed: causes and treatment

Causes of enlarged submandibular lymph nodes

Two groups of 6-10 lymph nodes, located symmetrically on the right and left in the tissue behind the arch of the lower jaw, collect lymph from the salivary glands, tonsils, palate, tongue, cheeks, nose, jaws and lips. Therefore, their increase is observed when these organs and tissues are damaged. Lymphoid hyperplasia is provoked by infections of the nasopharynx and oropharynx, dental pathology, local tumor processes, and may indicate the development of lymphoma and lymphogranulomatosis. Less commonly, damage to the lymph nodes is complicated by eye diseases - dacryoadenitis, stye on the eyelid.

ARVI

Infection with pneumotropic viruses is a common and obvious cause of benign lymphadenopathy, in which the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes simultaneously enlarge. Changes in the lymphoid tissue through which lymph from the oropharynx and nasopharynx are filtered are more noticeable with the development of ARVI during pregnancy and in children. In the first case, this is due to a physiological decrease in immunity to reduce the threat of miscarriage, in the second - with the age-related development of protective mechanisms.

Submandibular lymphadenopathy is more often observed with adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, infection with rhinoviruses or an association of viral pathogens. Typically, the lymphatic reaction is preceded by so-called catarrhal phenomena - runny nose, sore throat, pain when swallowing, dry cough, lacrimation. The temperature often rises, and to high (febrile) numbers - from 38 ° C and above. Characterized by moderate asthenia - weakness, weakness, fatigue. Muscle and joint pain is possible.

With ARVI, the skin over the submandibular lymph nodes has a natural color. The increase in lymphoid formations is slight (slightly more than 1 cm). The lymph nodes are compacted, but not rocky, have a smooth surface, and are mobile. During palpation, pain may be detected. As a rule, there is a symmetrical increase in nodes in both submandibular groups, which is associated with the spread of viral particles through the lymphatic system. As the infectious process subsides, the normal size and density of the submandibular lymph nodes are restored.

Sore throat and chronic tonsillitis

The second most common cause of enlarged submandibular lymph nodes is an infectious-inflammatory lesion of the palatine tonsils. Lymphadenopathy develops in both acute and chronic processes. With angina, the lymph nodes enlarge within 1-2 days from the onset of inflammation, in some cases reaching a diameter of up to 2 cm. The symptom occurs against the background of severe intoxication, an increase in temperature to 38-40 ° C, intense pain in the throat with painful swallowing and irradiation to the ears, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain.

With unilateral acute tonsillitis, the jaw lymph nodes on the corresponding side react more often; with bilateral acute tonsillitis, a lymphoid reaction is detected on the left and right. Often the cervical lymphatic groups are involved in the process. To the touch, the nodes are dense, painful, and mobile. The increase in size can persist for 1-2 weeks after the underlying disease subsides, then the diameter of the submandibular lymph nodes gradually decreases to normal, if the process has not become chronic.

Chronic tonsillitis is characterized by a symmetrical moderate enlargement of the nodes of both mandibular groups without involvement of the lymphatic formations of the neck. The pain is less pronounced. In a simple form of chronic inflammation of the tonsils, prolonged grade I lymphadenopathy often becomes the most noticeable manifestation of the disease. In patients with the toxic-allergic variant of tonsillitis, symptoms of damage to the tonsils are expressed with pain and sore throat, discomfort when swallowing, and bad breath. A persistent low-grade fever often persists.

Other infectious diseases

Damage to the submandibular lymph nodes is determined by a number of systemic infections, bacterial, viral and fungal processes affecting the respiratory system and salivary glands. The reaction of the submandibular nodes is due to the performance of a barrier function when pathogens enter the lymphatic system from the mucous membranes of the nose, oral cavity, and head organs. Mandibular lymphadenopathy manifests itself in such general and local infectious diseases as:

• Infectious mononucleosis
  . The submandibular nodes are the first to respond to the introduction of the Epstein-Barr virus. Their increase is caused by lymphoid hyperplasia, primarily by the reaction of B-lymphocytes specifically affected by viral particles. At the initial stages of the pathological process, in addition to a local lymphoid reaction, low-grade fever is noted, a sore throat, and nasal congestion are felt. Later, the disease manifests itself as sore throat, generalized enlargement of the lymph nodes, liver and spleen.
• Herpetic infection
  . Hyperplasia of the lymph nodes of the submandibular groups is detected in herpetic stomatitis. Characterized by increased temperature, increased secretion of saliva, erosive and aphthous lesions of the oral mucosa. In addition to hyperplasia, inflammation of the lymphoid tissue with the development of mandibular lymphadenitis is possible. Kaposi's eczema herpetiformis is even more severe, in which the occipital and cervical lymph nodes are also affected, and vesicular, pustular, and erosive skin lesions are present.
• Cytomegaly (CMVI)
  . The involvement of the submandibular lymph nodes is due to the sensitivity of cytomegaloviruses to the ductal epithelium of the salivary glands with the occurrence of parotid sialadenitis as one of the pathognomonic signs of the disease. Submandibular lymphadenopathy is combined with the neck, high temperature, weakness, headache, and other signs of intoxication are determined. A clear clinical picture is observed in 4-5% of patients, while the manifestation of cytomegalovirus infection is more often observed in pregnant women.
• Respiratory mycoplasmosis
  . Moderate enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes is characteristic of mycoplasma infections of the upper respiratory tract. Possible simultaneous damage to the cervical lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy is preceded by a short period of catarrhal symptoms - a painful dry cough, runny nose with copious mucus, sore throat, injection of scleral vessels. In the future, respiratory mycoplasmosis can spread downward to the trachea, bronchi, and lungs.
• Cat scratch disease
  . The submandibular nodes are affected when a cat bite or scratch is localized in the facial area. Lymphadenopathy is quickly complicated by submandibular lymphadenitis. The combination of a lymphoid reaction with a reddish nodule (papule), and then an abscess (pustule) at the site of skin damage is pathognomonic. The inflamed lymph nodes are enlarged to 1.5-2 cm and are sharply painful. Lymphadenitis persists for up to 2 months and is accompanied by febrile temperature, weakness, fatigue, myalgia, and headache.
• Scrofuloderma
  . In lymphogenous colliquative tuberculosis of the skin, the leading symptom is the formation of dense reddish-purple nodes (tuberculous granulomas) in the area of ​​the submandibular and cervical lymph nodes, from which dissemination of Koch bacilli occurs. An increase in lymphatic formations corresponds to lymphadenopathy I, less often II degree and complements suppurating subcutaneous tubercles, which break through fistulas and are slowly replaced by coarse scar tissue.

Dental pathology

The submandibular nodes serve as the main collectors of lymph from organs located in the oral cavity. Therefore, they are among the first to respond to any inflammation of the oral mucosa, dental tissue, upper and lower jaws. The reason for the enlargement of the lymph nodes is protective hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue in response to the presence and proliferation of the pathogen, and in more severe cases, with lymphogenous spread of the process, infiltration of the stroma with inflammatory elements.

A moderately pronounced increase in the nodes of the submandibular group on the side of the pathology is observed in periodontitis, alveolitis, and periostitis of the jaw. Typically, lymph nodes become hyperplastic due to pain in the projection of the lesion, putrid odor from the mouth, low-grade or febrile fever, weakness, weakness, and other manifestations of intoxication. Submandibular lymphadenitis, which developed against the background of bright redness, multiple ulcerations, dirty gray plaque and foci of necrosis of the oral mucosa, is a sign of ulcerative necrotic stomatitis.

Malignant neoplasms

Lymphogenic metastases in the submandibular nodes are found in patients with late stages of oncological diseases of the head organs. A combination of mandibular lymphadenopathy with an increase in nodes of other groups is typical: for lip cancer - with mental and jugular nodes, for tongue cancer - with mental and occipital nodes, for cancer of the lower jaw - with cervical nodes, and for eye melanoma - with cervical and parotid nodes. Compaction and enlargement of the submandibular nodes is an important sign of malignant tumors of the salivary glands.

The detection of altered lymphatic formations usually indicates that the oncological process is old (early metastasis is typical only for tumors of the lower jaw and melanomas). The diameter of the nodes can reach 2 cm. To the touch they are defined as hard, rocky, sometimes have a bumpy surface, and are fused together with each other and the surrounding skin into a single conglomerate. Lymphadenopathy is preceded by pathognomonic signs of the tumor process - growths and ulcerations of the skin, mucous membranes, dense infiltrates, local pain, limitation of movements, etc.

Development mechanism

Enlargement of lymph nodes occurs in several ways, each of which involves the accumulation of a certain type of cell in the lymphoid tissue. The reaction of peripheral lymphatic organs is often associated with increased blood flow, proliferation of lymphocytes and macrophages in response to the appearance of foreign genes. With antigenic stimulation, the node can increase 5-15 times in 5-10 days. Systemic neoprocesses are characterized by active proliferation of degenerated lymphoid cells with an increase in the size of the affected lymph node.

The stroma of lymphatic formations can be infiltrated by inflammatory elements (in infectious diseases), tumor cells located in the lymphatic drainage zone of a given node. Metastatic lesions are often accompanied by proliferation of connective tissue. In some disorders of lipid metabolism (Niemann-Pick disease, Gaucher syndrome), macrophages filled with undigested glycosphingolipids are retained in the lymph node.

Axillary lymphadenitis in a child

Survey

Most often, patients who have identified enlarged lymph nodes in the submandibular area without other noticeable clinical manifestations turn to hematologists. In case of obvious pathology on the part of the head organs or probable signs of an infectious process (fever, skin rash, enlarged spleen, liver), doctors of the relevant profile are involved in organizing their examination. The diagnostic search is aimed both at determining the root causes of lymphadenopathy and at assessing the condition of the affected nodes. The most informative ones are:

• Ultrasonography
  . Ultrasound of lymph nodes is used to quickly determine the size, shape, location, and structure of lymphoid formations. The method makes it possible to clarify the involvement of surrounding tissues in the process, as well as to differentiate lymphadenopathy from lesions of the salivary glands.
• Radiodiagnostics
  . In order to determine the characteristics of lymph flow in the affected area, lymphography using X-ray contrast is prescribed. In more complex diagnostic cases, CT scan of the lymph nodes is indicated. A valuable non-invasive diagnostic method is MRI of lymph nodes.
• Biopsy
  . Sampling of lymphoid tissue for histological examination is an accurate way to detect inflammatory processes, fibrous degeneration of the lymph node, and the degree of its damage by the oncological process. Biopsy of the lymph nodes of the submandibular zone is performed by puncture and open method.
• Lab tests
  . The examination begins with a general blood test, which reveals inflammatory changes and possible neoplastic changes in the composition of cellular elements. To confirm the infectious nature of lymphadenopathy, culture of a throat smear, RIF, ELISA, and PCR diagnostics are performed.
• Special instrumental diagnostics
  . To establish the cause of enlarged submandibular lymph nodes, pharyngoscopy, rhinoscopy, and otoscopy are performed. To exclude ophthalmological diseases, an examination of the eye structures is indicated. In case of possible dental pathology, radiography of teeth and jaws and other instrumental studies are used.

Ultrasound examination of the submandibular lymph nodes

Content:

1. Possible reasons
2. Dental causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes on the chin
3. How to understand that the problem is in the lymph nodes
4. Diagnostic measures
5. How are lymph nodes treated?
6. Preventive measures

If the lymph nodes are inflamed, it is important to undergo a comprehensive medical examination.
This condition can be accompanied by many diseases, both related to the field of dentistry and not related to it. Lymph nodes are peripheral organs of the lymphatic system. They perform the functions of a biological filter. Passing through their tissues, lymph enters different parts of the body and internal organs.

If the lymphoid structure has increased, it means there is an inflammatory process. It is necessary to find out as soon as possible what functional disorders it is associated with. This will allow you to create an effective treatment plan and prevent the development of severe complications.

Symptomatic therapy

Before prescribing special treatment, rinsing with antiseptic solutions is effective in order to more quickly restore the size and density of the submandibular lymph nodes in case of ARVI, sore throat, and other inflammatory processes in the oral cavity. In the presence of combat syndrome, it is possible to take analgesics. In other cases, therapy is selected only after the causes of the condition have been established. The combination of lymphadenopathy with fever, rapid deterioration in health, headache, or detection of tumor formations in the head area is an indication for emergency medical attention.

How to cure an enlarged lymph node in the submandibular area

Therapy must be carried out under medical supervision. Its main goal is to eliminate the infection that caused the disorder. If the root cause of the condition is not established, it will not be possible to be completely cured.

If the problem is related to an oral disease, mandatory treatment is carried out. For severe inflammatory pathologies of internal organs, antibiotic therapy is carried out. For pathologies of a viral nature, patients are prescribed antiviral drugs.

If the examination reveals that pus has accumulated inside the tissues, it is drained using a drainage tube. Additionally, a puncture is taken to recognize the pathogen and understand whether the disease has a benign or malignant course.

As soon as the infectious focus disappears, the lymph nodes begin to shrink, stop hurting and gradually reach their normal state.

Preventive measures

No one is immune from the problem described. But there are ways to minimize the risk of its occurrence. Among them:

• receiving qualified medical care for any ailments;
• annual laboratory tests;
• timely treatment of emerging dental diseases;
• sanitation of the oral cavity every six months;
• following medical prescriptions.

Take care of your health, and the risk of enlarged lymph nodes will be minimized.

Treatment

If a patient has a cold lymph node, treatment is selected taking into account the underlying disease. The treatment regimen depends on the type of pathogen.

Treatment methods:

1. Antibiotic therapy - for bacterial infection.
2. Antiretroviral drugs - for HIV and AIDS.
3. Antiherpetic drugs - for herpetic infection.
4. Antimycotics - for fungal infections.
5. Bed rest and plenty of warm drinks - for mild ARVI.

Self-medication is dangerous not only due to the incorrect selection of drugs, but also the development of the underlying disease. It is better to detect it early and treat it than to waste time and money on inappropriate medications.

Read also: Dry paroxysmal cough

Dear patients! Remember that only a qualified doctor can make an accurate diagnosis, determine the causes and nature of the disease, and prescribe effective treatment. You can make an appointment with our specialists or call a doctor at home by calling 8-(4822)-33-00-33

Be healthy and happy!

Gingivitis and lymph nodes

Gingivitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums that occurs due to the formation of plaque on the teeth and the spread of microbes. It often develops in people who do not take good care of their oral hygiene. Typical symptoms of gingivitis are itching and bleeding of the gums, swelling, and pain, especially when soft tissue comes into contact with hard objects, such as a toothbrush.

This pathology can occur in various forms. If the lymph node is inflamed, it may be ulcerative-necrotizing gingivitis. Its other signs are:

• strong pain;
• copious amounts of saliva;
• formation of ulcers;
• increased body temperature;
• loss of appetite;
• headache.

One of the complications of gingivitis if left untreated is periodontitis.

Symptoms of pathology

The fact that a person has “caught” a lymph node usually means its increase in size. Occasionally it hurts, and the skin over it becomes red. In this case, doctors talk about lymphadenitis.

An important point is the mobility of the lymph node. Normally, it easily moves a short distance. If the lymph node is motionless and enlarged, a doctor’s consultation is urgently needed.

Not all lymph nodes can be examined independently. When magnified, they can be felt on the neck, under the armpits, and in the groin area. It is important where the inflamed area is located. If a lymph node in the neck has caught a cold, how to treat it will differ from the situation when the groin or axillary area is affected. By localization, one can judge a preliminary diagnosis, since lymphadenopathy is often only a symptom of the underlying disease.