Infected Lymph Nodes
All about Infected Lymph Nodes
Infected lymph nodes are a more frequent problem than many of us realize because it is often the result of the body fighting an infection. However, not all swelling in the lymph nodes is a result of infection and a clear understanding of the situation can help the patient in dealing with the problem. Educating ourselves about the range of things that can seem like infected lymph nodes can help us deal with each scenario with an appropriate response.
The lymphatic system of the body is a network which carries the lymph, a fluid, and it plays a crucial role in helping the body fights germs and infections. There are more than five hundred lymph nodes in this system and they are also referred to as lymph glands. These nodes are described as being pea-sized and they are not usually noticed except in locations where they are near the skin’s surface such as the ones in the armpit, neck or groin areas. They also become noticeable when they swell. Lymph nodes, which contain WBC (white blood cells), perform the function of filtering harmful germs from the body. The lymph node is a part of the body's immune system and is in the first line of defense against harmful viruses and bacteria. The white blood cells of the lymph nodes produce antibodies which prevent any given germ from attacking the body in the future. When the body is fighting a cold, a sore throat or a viral infection, the lymph node that is struggling against the infection can become swollen from over activity. This kind of swelling of the node is likely to subside once the infection subsides and is not seen as something that warrants too much concern.
The other reason a lymph node may become swollen is when the node itself becomes infected. The virus or bacterial that is infecting the body may attack the lymph node and the overworked node may succumb easily to the infection. In this case, the lymph node will become enlarged and the area around it will be tender. Often, the surrounding skin is warm and flushed looking also. This condition is called lymphadenitis and it requires immediate medical attention. An untreated case of an infected lymph node can lead to complications such as an abscess where pus can collect in the lymph node. Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic to help your body fight the underlying infection and you may also be advised to use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the pain. Warm compresses can also work to reduce the swelling. By dealing with the problem in the early stages you can reduce the danger of the infecting germ affecting the bloodstream and spreading further into the body. An infected lymph node is in this sense a case of the immune system getting breached and so it is not something to be ignored or taken lightly.
Sometimes there is an enlargement of the lymph nodes because of other less likely causes: cat scratch disease, STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases) or tuberculosis. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV and cancer may also be manifested through a swelling of the nodes although this is not the most obvious symptom for any of these conditions. However, a doctor is likely to advise further investigation of a persistent swelling in lymph nodes because of these other possibilities. In such cases, doctors also factor in additional factors such as overall health of the patient and may recommend blood tests or a biopsy if they feel it is warranted. Prolonged swelling of the lymph nodes combined with elevated temperature or noticeable weight loss are likely to require serious medical investigation.