There are seals on the human body that can be felt with your hand or even seen. They are called Passing through such seals, the lymph is cleansed. During illness and inflammation, the child's lymph node enlarges. This article will tell you why this happens and what to do.
What are lymph nodes needed for?
Lymph nodes play important role in the child’s health and immunity. The main task of the nodes is to cleanse the body of bacteria, viruses, and foreign cells. Lymphocytes produced in the body protect the child’s health. During illness, lymph nodes can become enlarged, as they urgently need to produce an army of additional cells to fight foreign bodies.
Nodules are located throughout the body. On the neck, behind the ears, in the groin, in the armpits, on the stomach. It is almost impossible to palpate nodules in a newborn, but by one year healthy baby The doctor must palpate the lymph nodes.
They are only a few millimeters. They are located in groups in certain places. During an illness, the doctor will definitely check them for enlargement and make a conclusion about the child’s condition. An enlarged lymph node in the baby's neck indicates a sore throat, and an enlarged lymph node in the ear area indicates the presence of a viral infection. As a rule, changing nodes in itself is not dangerous. Sometimes children experience lymphadenitis - enlargement of lymph nodes throughout the body. The disease manifests itself when immunity is reduced or when malignant tumors appear in the body.
Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes
Normally, the increase in nodes on the neck should not exceed 1 cm. A deviation upward indicates the presence of an infection in the body. When palpating, there should be no painful sensations; the lymph nodes have a dense structure and can be easily moved. These signs indicate a person’s normal condition and do not require additional examinations.
The main symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes in a child are:
- pain on palpation;
- tuberosity;
- looseness;
- acquiring an irregular shape.
Sometimes the surrounding skin becomes inflamed and turns red. In some cases, the nodules enlarge so much that they become visually visible.
Changing the size of lymph nodes
At an appointment with a pediatrician, if there are complaints, the doctor will definitely examine the lymph nodes. If the enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes in children occurs by more than 1 cm, and the inguinal lymph nodes by 1.5 cm, then it can be argued that there is an inflammatory process in the body.
Even in children under one year old, the size of the nodules changes during illness, but they are so small that it is not always possible to palpate them. During the fight against foreign cells, lymphocytes are activated and begin to fight. If there are a lot of pathogenic bacteria and the body cannot cope, then the lymph nodes increase in size.
In children under 3 years of age, a slight enlargement of the lymph nodes due to imperfection is acceptable immune system. If there are no other manifestations of inflammation, then there is no need to treat the child.
Where are the lymph nodes located?
In children, lymph nodes are located in the same places as in adults. The largest group is called the cervical lymph nodes - they are located in the following places:
- on the back of the head;
- behind the ears;
- above the collarbone;
- under lower jaw;
- on the chin;
- in the top;
- behind the neck.
In addition, nodules are located throughout the body:
- under the collarbone;
- armpits;
- on the chest;
- at the elbows;
- in the groin;
- under the knees.
Thus, the lymph nodes actively collect unnecessary substances and cleanse the entire body. Each cluster of lymphocyte producers is responsible for its own part of the body. Therefore, enlarged lymph nodes in a child help doctors determine what is happening in the body.
Reasons for the increase
The reasons for enlarged lymph nodes in children can be different, most often there is nothing dangerous about it. The body fights viruses and launches the immune system. But prolonged or excessive enlargement of the lymph nodes may indicate serious problems. The main reasons for changing nodes:
- The increase occurs due to hormonal changes, active growth, and the development of the immune system. The condition is typical for children under 3 years of age and adolescents.
- After scratching cats and introducing bacteria into the wound. The condition of lymphadenitis occurs.
- When immunity decreases due to previous infections, in the autumn-winter period, when chronic diseases.
- During teething, with diseases of the oral cavity.
- Due to hypothermia.
- Mononucleosis occurs when the Epstein-Barr virus is present in the blood and is characterized by a severe increase in nodes in the neck.
- For oncological tumors.
- For diseases thyroid gland.
- During autoimmune diseases, in which the body treats its own cells as foreign.
- If a bacterial, viral or fungal infection is detected.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck
The cause of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck in children may be infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract or throat. Changes can occur with a cold or acute respiratory viral infection, but sometimes this is a sign of measles, rubella, or influenza. Therefore, if symptoms of the disease appear and lymph nodes are enlarged, a pediatrician’s consultation is required.
When the nodules on the neck enlarge, palpation can reveal a pea with a diameter of more than a centimeter. This causes pain when pressed. With severe inflammation, the diameter of the peas reaches the size of a chicken egg.
Usually lymph nodes do not enlarge without additional symptoms:
- increased body temperature;
- weakness;
- headache;
- joint pain;
- drowsiness;
- digestive disorders.
But if there are no signs of illness, you should still consult a doctor to find out the cause of the enlarged lymph node in the child.
The main diseases in which changes in the lymph nodes occur:
- tonsillitis;
- pharyngitis;
- periodontitis;
- gingivitis;
- candidiasis;
- tuberculosis;
- rubella;
- viral infections;
- allergic reactions;
- purulent wounds on the head.
With enlarged nodes in the neck, in some cases pain occurs when swallowing, discomfort when turning the head, swelling of the neck. If large nodules appear on the neck, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatrician to find out the cause of enlarged lymph nodes in children. Self-treatment is unacceptable, as it can blur the symptoms and make it more difficult for doctors to make a diagnosis.
Changes in inguinal lymph nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes in a child’s groin indicate an inflammatory process. The reasons for changes in lymph in the groin are the following diseases:
With a decrease in immunity, the lymph nodes enlarge even with colds and acute respiratory viral infections. A slight change in size does not cause inconvenience, but the nodules can reach several centimeters in size, and the child will encounter the following inconveniences:
- heaviness in groin area;
- pain when walking;
- skin redness;
- local increase in body temperature.
When a purulent process appears, they may add following symptoms:
- promotion general temperature bodies;
- the appearance of fistulas in the skin, from which purulent contents come out;
- headache;
- signs of intoxication;
- severe pain when pressing;
- immobility of the lymph node.
With such signs, the child must be urgently shown to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Abdominal lymph nodes
Enlargement of the abdominal lymph nodes in a child indicates that inflammation has begun in the abdominal cavity. When foreign substances enter the body, they cause the production of lymphocytes. For this reason, the nodes increase. Sometimes inflammation begins in one or more lymph nodes.
Inflammation is not an independent disease. This is an indicator that not everything is fine in the body. Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in children cannot be diagnosed without laboratory tests.
The reasons for enlarged nodules can be various:
Symptoms may long time absent. At acute course Acute pain begins, the patient cannot always determine where exactly it hurts. When diagnosed, it can be confused with appendicitis if the pain is localized in the lower abdomen. Symptoms that are characteristic of many diseases occur:
- temperature increase;
- abdominal discomfort;
- diarrhea;
- tachycardia;
- liver enlargement;
- nausea.
If the lymph node begins to fester, this can lead to severe consequences. In the chronic form, the symptoms are invisible or absent, so the child’s parents do not immediately contact the doctor.
This pathology is typical for children aged 6 to 12 years; boys are affected more often than girls. If a child's lymph nodes become enlarged and pain occurs, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatrician. If left untreated, there is a risk of peritonitis due to suppuration of the nodules.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes
Sometimes lymph nodes become enlarged without other signs of disease and do not shrink further. In this case, the child will be diagnosed with an adenovirus or one of the herpes viruses, including cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, which is the cause of a disease such as mononucleosis.
A frequent complaint from parents is that the immune system is developing more often, and therefore an increased number of lymphocytes may be a normal reaction. Most likely, with age, the nodules behind the ears will return to their original size without treatment. To control and exclude inflammation, it is enough to conduct a general blood test with calculation 2 times a year leukocyte formula.
Treatment
When lymph nodes are enlarged in children, treatment is not always required. The main indicators of inflammation are increased levels of leukocytes and ESR in the blood. If the node has increased significantly and does not disappear within 5 days, then consultation with a pediatrician is required. Treatment is necessary in following cases:
- the child has enlarged several groups of lymph nodes;
- the bulge has become dense;
- within 5 days the nodes do not decrease;
- sharp pain when palpating;
- skin redness;
- elevated temperature;
- rapid increase in nodules.
After the diagnosis and examination, the doctor prescribes medications aimed at relieving inflammation. Lymph nodes are often enlarged in children, but at home you should not independently determine the degree of danger. The child must be shown to a pediatrician. If pus is detected, a lymph node biopsy may be performed.
Treatment methods for inflamed lymph nodes are as follows:
- antiviral drugs;
- chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms;
- antihistamines;
- surgical intervention if other methods are ineffective.
Prevention and reviews
Enlargement of lymph nodes during illness cannot be avoided. But there are a number of actions that prevent lymphadenitis:
- compliance with hygiene rules;
- treatment of wounds and scratches, especially those received from animals;
- strengthening the immune system;
- hardening;
- proper nutrition;
- taking vitamins;
- keeping a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet;
- undergoing preventive medical examinations;
- avoiding hypothermia;
- Timely visit to the dentist to exclude oral diseases.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child’s neck occurs according to the most various reasons. Many factors lead to this disease.
Lymph nodes in the neck
On the neck there is several groups of lymph nodes:
- Parotid;
- Chin;
- Retropharyngeal;
- Posterior cervical;
- Periocervical and tonsillar;
- Occipital, etc.
Lymph nodes in the neck perform the following functions:
- Protects the head and organs located on the neck from tumors;
- Resists the development of infections;
- Fight foreign cells and substances;
- Eliminate pathogenic bacteria.
Features of lymph nodes:
- Not visible if there is no inflammation;
- Found under the skin layer and also in internal cavities human body;
- They are peripheral organs of the immune system;
- Protect the most vulnerable areas.
Watch a video about the causes and treatment of a child's neck according to Dr. Komarovsky:
Causes of inflammation
Inflamed lymph nodes in the neck the following reasons:
- Infections: flu, sore throat, chicken pox, periodontitis;
- Oncological diseases;
- Improper functioning of the immune system. Occurs during hypothermia, stress;
- Allergy;
- Mechanical damage lymph node;
- Impaired metabolism.
Lymph nodes in the neck can become inflamed in both an infant and a teenager. In any case, you should not hesitate to contact a specialist.
Symptoms and diagnosis
You can learn about inflammation of the lymph nodes thanks to following signs:
- Entrainment of lymph nodes in the neck;
- Pain when swallowing and palpation;
- Lymph nodes in the neck area may become either soft or hard;
- Their consistency changes;
- The skin in the neck area turns red;
- The person feels weak and the body temperature rises.
The photo shows inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck of an infant on the right side.
If you notice at least one symptom in a child, you should see a doctor to rule out inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck or start treatment on time.
Diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a doctor upon examination of the patient. Additionally applicable Ultrasound of neck lymph nodes.
Types and forms
The form of inflammation can be acute or chronic. If the disease is acute form, the child feels severe pain in the neck area, the site of inflammation turns red.
You can treat your child as follows:
- Maintaining bed rest;
- Drinking large amounts of warm liquid;
- Elimination of any physical activity;
- Taking pharmaceutical and traditional medicines.
At chronic inflammation There is no pain in the neck area, but the lymph nodes may become enlarged. The cause of this phenomenon is most often a weakened immune system. The following will help in treatment:
- Rhodiola rosea tincture;
- Ginseng tincture.
Treatment of inflammation
Pharmacy and folk remedies.
Traditional methods
- Helps cope with inflammation compress of celandine leaves. You will need a handful of plant leaves. She is scalded with boiling water and allowed to cool. Next, the product is applied to the affected area for twenty minutes. The procedure is carried out twice a day.
- You can fight inflammation with medicinal tea. It could be chamomile, mint or calendula tea. It is necessary to gargle with this remedy three to four times a day. The recipe is suitable for older children.
- You can reduce inflammation with rinses based on salt and soda. Add 1/3 teaspoon of salt and the same amount of soda to a glass of warm water. The components are mixed, you need to gargle with the product once or twice a day.
Pharmacy products
When treating inflammation Ampicillin helps. It is taken at 100 mg/kg body. Can be taken up to three to four times a day.
The dosage of this supplement should not exceed 0.5 g.
The product relieves swelling, inflammation, and fights harmful bacteria in the body. The medication can be used in children over eight years of age.
Usually the doctor prescribes a medicine and prescribes a certain dosage, which will not harm the body. When choosing a medicine on your own, you can make a mistake with the dosage and thereby cause harm, so the first thing you should do is visit the hospital.
At the doctor's
Doctors do not recommend self-medication, because the child’s body at this moment is weakened.
The wrong medicine can lead to complications and side effects.
Folk remedies should be used only after consultation with a doctor. You are allowed to purchase medications only if they have been prescribed by a doctor after examining the child.
The first step in case of inflammation of the lymph nodes is to show the baby to the doctor. He will examine the child, determine the stage of the disease, the cause and suggest the optimal medications. All medications are selected on an individual basis. This will avoid side effects.
Don't self-medicate! Normal inflammation can cause the development of, for example,.
results
Inflammation doesn't last long. There is no need to think that the baby will recover in a few days. This will take two weeks, and sometimes more. The treatment process must be supervised by a doctor.
The duration of treatment largely depends from the cause of inflammation, size of formations and characteristics of the body.
If recovery does not occur even after a long period of time, a doctor laser therapy is prescribed. In some cases, it is necessary to resort to surgery, which is performed under anesthesia. It is very important to start fighting the disease at the initial stage.
Prevention
Preventive measures include:
Parents should give their child maximum attention. If neoplasms are noticed on the neck, it is necessary immediately seek help from a specialist. You should not self-medicate, as there is a high risk of complications.
When treating a cold, you must follow all doctor's recommendations. Then the baby will recover faster, the lymph nodes will not become inflamed.
Every person has lymph nodes. They are located along the edges of the neck, almost in the corners of the jaw. Normally, lymph nodes are almost invisible. This is one of the places in the body where immune cells are produced. If a child has an inflamed lymph node in the neck, you should immediately contact a pediatrician. An enlarged organ may not always indicate a disease. Perhaps this is just a feature of a growing organism. But it’s still worth consulting a doctor.
Why can a lymph node become enlarged?
If in children's body For some reason, pathogenic bacteria are present, immune cells begin to actively perform their functions. They fight pests. If there are too many pathogens, they can settle on the walls of the lymph nodes. Consequently peripheral organ swells and increases in size. But a large lymph node in the neck in children may not always indicate illness. In some babies, this organ has a special location, making it appear enlarged.
Young children are actively exploring the world, including tactile and taste. Slightly enlarged submandibular lymph nodes should not be alarming. You just have to pay attention to general state child. If he eats well and is not naughty, then he is not sick. A slight swelling in the neck can only indicate that immune cells are actively fighting pathogenic bacteria that have entered the baby’s body.
What size should the lymph node be?
Parents can independently examine the child. If the part of the organ that can be felt under the skin does not exceed 1 cm, then there is no reason to worry. The size of a node up to 1.5 cm may indicate that an inflammatory process is developing in the body. It is better to immediately seek advice from a pediatrician. Most likely, the specialist will prescribe additional tests.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes is observed if the visible part of the organ has increased to 2 cm or more. Lymphadenectomy is serious illness, which requires immediate intervention by medical personnel. In this case, it will be possible to bring the cervical lymph nodes back to normal only in a hospital setting under the round-the-clock supervision of doctors. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
What kind of inflammation can there be?
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck in children can be either local or bilateral. The first option may indicate a local infection. This often happens if a child has a toothache or gum inflammation. If the lymph nodes are enlarged on both sides, this indicates infection of the whole body. Most likely, along with poor health, the baby will experience an elevated body temperature.
With colds, the lymph nodes in the child’s neck often become enlarged. Only a pediatrician can tell you how to treat the disease. If your child has a fever, you should call a specialist at home. All therapy comes down to the use antiviral agents, as well as bed rest. It is not advisable to go outside when you are sick. As children recover, the lymph node in the neck becomes smaller.
In children who often suffer from colds, the lymph nodes remain enlarged almost all the time. This suggests that the body is in a constant process of fighting infection. Such children should visit more often fresh air, eat more vegetables and fruits. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe one of the immunomodulatory drugs.
Insect bites and scratches
Young children love to spend a lot of time outdoors. You can often hear complaints from parents that the child has an inflamed lymph node in the neck in warm time of the year. Why is this happening? After all, in the summer it is almost impossible to catch a cold. In fact, a simple insect bite or a scratch from a street kitten can be a reason for your baby’s immune system to work hard. Pathogenic microorganisms easily penetrate through skin in summer. Ticks are considered the most dangerous.
To prevent inflammation of the lymph nodes from taking you by surprise while on vacation, you should take minimal precautions. When going into the forest, you need to cover the child’s body as much as possible. It is better to plan such walks in the evening hours, when it is no longer very hot. If you still cannot avoid the bite, you should treat the affected area with an antiseptic. Do the same with scratches and cuts.
Mononucleosis
This is a complex infectious disease in which the cervical lymph nodes also become enlarged. The problem is that the disease is difficult to diagnose at an early stage. Most parents, when their baby arrives, high temperature acquire traditional means from a cold. Mononucleosis should only be treated with antibacterial drugs in a hospital setting. And the disease can be identified after a series of tests.
If parents discover enlarged lymph nodes in their baby against the background elevated temperature bodies and feeling unwell, you should immediately seek medical help. A qualified doctor will help return the child to normal in just a few days.
How is diagnosis carried out?
Even if enlarged lymph nodes in the neck in children are not accompanied by poor health, there is a reason to seek advice from a pediatrician. The specialist can prescribe additional examination which will include a blood test, Mantoux test, ultrasonography. If the disease cannot be diagnosed based on tests, a specialist may perform a puncture. Most severe symptom is the presence of pus in the lymph nodes. To stop development infectious process, a specialist may recommend surgery.
Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. If an enlarged lymph node is detected in the neck in children, it is necessary to contact medical assistance. It is not recommended to use medications without a prescription. Traditional methods, of which there are many, must be approved by a pediatrician.
All parents can do is check the condition of the submandibular lymph nodes. In this case, it is necessary to use the palpation technique. You need to ask the child to stand exactly with his back to you. Adults gently press on the places where the lymph nodes should be located. Normally, they should not be palpable at all.
Drug treatment of lymph nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes in a child’s neck are not an independent disease. The reasons for poor health should be clarified in advance. This is just a symptom that indicates the development inflammatory process. If this disease is caused by bacteria, you cannot do without the use of antibiotics. Viral infections are treated with immunostimulants and vitamins. Oncological diseases require the use of chemotherapy.
Often, an inflamed lymph node in the neck in children may indicate the development allergic reaction. To get rid of the problem, you will have to find out which product you have an individual intolerance to. One of the antihistamines will help improve the child's condition.
If pus is found in the inflamed lymph nodes, it cannot be avoided surgical intervention. After the operation, the baby is prescribed antibacterial drugs and vitamins. Subsequently, you need to find out why the nodes were enlarged.
Echinacea against lymphodermatitis
If a lymph node in a child’s neck is inflamed, he will tell you what to do. ethnoscience. But it is advisable to use such methods after consultation with a doctor. This is especially important when it comes to the health of a child. For a long time, Echinacea has been a powerful immunostimulant. The tincture of this plant can be used in the fight against lymphodermatitis. Ready medicine You can buy it at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself.
It is highly undesirable for children to use an alcohol solution. It is better to take two tablespoons of dry herbs and pour a liter of boiling water over them. After the solution has cooled, it can be consumed orally or used for compresses.
St. John's wort and yarrow to help
There is another one good recipe, which is widely used if the lymph nodes in the child’s neck are enlarged. People have known how to treat illness with herbs since ancient times. For the tincture you will need St. John's wort, yarrow, and young walnut leaves. All components are used dry. It is necessary to take three types of plants in equal proportions and mix them thoroughly. One teaspoon of each type of herb will be enough. The ingredients are poured into a saucepan and filled with a liter of water. The infusion should be boiled for 10 minutes.
This recipe is great for treating a sore throat, gum disease, and sore throat. But for children prone to allergies, the tincture is not recommended.
Lymph nodes elsewhere
As you know, lymphoid organs are present not only in the neck. By the location of the enlarged node, you can determine what kind of disease you will have to deal with and which doctor is best to see. If you can feel the tubercles in the lower part of the jaw, and the baby complains of pain in the tooth, you should seek help from a dentist. There may be an inflammatory process in the gums. You can solve the problem by rinsing medicinal herbs. But you should not self-medicate. Therapy should only be prescribed by a qualified specialist.
The development of a bacterial infection in the body can be indicated not only by an enlarged lymph node in the neck in children. The bumps can also be felt in the groin or under the armpit. Often, redness and swelling are observed in areas of enlarged nodes. In most cases, surgical intervention is not possible. IN further to the patient Antibiotics and vitamins are prescribed. Treatment takes place strictly in a hospital setting.
While taking certain medications, babies' lymph nodes in the groin or neck may also become enlarged. Side effect most often develops while taking antiepileptic drugs. The problem is solved by stopping the medication. A specialist will always be able to choose an alternative. Almost every medicine has its own analogues.
Let's sum it up
Lymph nodes are one of the main organs responsible for the production immune cells. Their increase may indicate the development of an inflammatory process in the baby’s body. If the bumps on the neck become clearly noticeable, you should immediately contact a specialist. Timely treatment will give positive result in the near future. But if you neglect the recommendations of doctors, pus may appear in the nodes. In this case, surgery cannot be avoided.
Content
Often with the birth of a child, parents learn about the insidiousness of lymphadenopathy (enlargement or inflammation of the lymph nodes). This pathology is often not separate disease requiring special treatment: this is a signal from the body about disturbances in its functioning. Lymph acts as a protective barrier, because it produces immune cells (white blood cells) that can destroy pathogens. If the lymph nodes in a child’s neck are inflamed or swollen, it is important to detect the inflammatory process and completely cure the disease.
What are lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are peculiar filters of the body in which various toxins and other hazardous substances. They are scattered throughout the body, located next to large blood vessels and main organs. In children, lymph nodes are round and oval in shape; in normal condition, their diameter does not exceed 5 mm. As a result of a malfunction of the body, the nodes may increase in size, which indicates the development of pathology and the onset of a serious inflammatory process.
The localization of an enlarged lymph node indicates a malfunction of a particular organ. In the neck area in children, there are several groups of nodes:
- submandibular (under the jaw, in front of the neck);
- submental (directly under the chin, in front of the neck);
- supraclavicular;
- posterior cervical;
- occipital
Why does a child have enlarged lymph nodes in the neck?
The causes of enlarged lymph nodes are very varied. This pathology often appears as a result of previous infectious disease, but can occur as a manifestation of general intoxication of the body. Localized (1 group of lymph nodes is affected), regional (2 groups of nodes) and generalized lymphadenopathy are divided. The enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck in children does not require special treatment. In children under 3 years of age, a slight increase is considered normal, because at this age babies put everything they see into their mouths.
For the occurrence of generalized lymphadenopathy (inflammation of several groups of nodes at once) in a child, there are several reasons that need to be addressed Special attention when diagnosing a disease:
- infectious diseases ( viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis);
- diseases of the hematopoietic system;
- metastases malignant tumor;
- autoimmune diseases(lupus);
- metabolic disorders;
- immunodeficiency states;
- influence of drugs.
What is the danger
IN childhood enlarged lymph nodes may be a structural feature of the body or a sign of reduced immunity after suffering a cold infectious disease (in cases where the lymph node is no more than 1 cm in diameter and does not cause pain). Parents need to sound the alarm if a “pea” larger than 1.5 cm in size appears on the child’s neck, which does not move well, causes pain, is dense to the touch, or does not decrease within a month. Severe enlargement of the lymph nodes can lead to compression of the esophagus and respiratory tract.
Even if a child has an inflamed lymph node in the neck, you should not start treatment without consulting a doctor. Some actions can greatly aggravate the situation and lead to complications:
- Do not smear lymph nodes with alcohol-containing solutions:
- It is forbidden to warm the lymph nodes or rub them;
- massage of the lymph node can provoke its enlargement and accelerate rupture with the release of pus.
Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck of a child
With reduced immunity, the body may not be able to cope with the pathogen, and then there is a risk of inflammation of the nodes or the development of a purulent process. If the skin in the area of the node is red, swollen and causes pain when touched, this is an accurate sign of the onset of the inflammatory process. Inflammation can be primary (the pathogen enters the lymph system through wounds and cuts, bypassing other organs) or secondary (then such a pathology indicates the development of a serious infection, which stimulates the production and accumulation of a large number of immune cells in the lymph nodes).
Causes
Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck in children always have a specific cause, without identifying and eliminating which it is possible to reduce the node to normal sizes will not work. In the baby’s body, the location of inflammation indicates problems in certain organs (for example, lymphadenitis cervical nodes indicates problems oral cavity, bronchi, pharynx or nose). The lymphatic system of the body is built so that, passing through all organs and tissues to the back of the head, the lymph nodes serve reliable protection from infection and tumor development.
The causes of inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes in a child are varied. Among them are seemingly harmless ailments, the incorrect or untimely treatment of which can be accompanied by enlargement of the lymph nodes and cause an inflammatory process in them:
- infectious colds(ARVI, influenza);
- cat scratch disease (introduction of pathogenic bacteria from cat saliva into the body through a bite or scratch);
- mononucleosis (large elastic nodes that appear against the background of sore throat symptoms);
- vaccination;
- diseases of the oral cavity (gingivitis, periodontitis, stomatitis), often the submandibular lymph nodes become inflamed;
- dental problems (caries).
Symptoms
In acute cases, lymphadenitis is accompanied by symptoms characteristic of acute viral infections. The child feels general malaise, weakness, and there are other signs of general intoxication. The temperature rises sharply (up to 39 degrees), palpation of the node causes pain. When trying to treat enlarged nodes without integrated approach A short-term remission and rapid resumption of the disease may occur. If the enlargement of the “pea” on the neck does not cause pain, the temperature rises slightly - this is chronic form cervical lymphadenitis.
Diagnostics
An enlarged node can be easily palpated even in infants; such pathology may be the result of a previous illness and indicates the presence of infection in the lymph. Particular attention should be paid to the signs of lymphadenitis in the acute stage - red, hot to the touch skin, painful sensations upon palpation or if the lymph nodes are fused with surrounding tissues. In addition to palpation, diagnosis uses blood tests, ultrasound, x-rays and the Mantoux test. Sometimes doctors prescribe a puncture of the lymph nodes followed by examination of the collected material.
Treatment
Lymph nodes in a child’s neck are a signal to examine the body. When the cause of the disease is found, the doctor will be able to prescribe medication treatment in combination with physiotherapeutic methods and folk remedies. With the right treatment, inflammation or enlargement of the lymph nodes will go away within a month, without special treatment. In advanced situations (purulent lymphadenitis) or for cancer, surgical treatment is prescribed.
Antibiotics are often prescribed that can immediately affect the development and reproduction of several types of harmful bacteria. When treating lymphadenopathy, the following drugs and procedures are used:
- antibiotic therapy to eliminate the cause of enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes - Cefuroxime, Amoxiclav;
- anti-inflammatory drugs – Prednisolone, Medrol;
- taking immunostimulants;
- consumption of multivitamins, vitamin C;
- using probiotics or prebiotics for gut support;
- reception antihistamines;
- UHF therapy (exclusively as prescribed by a doctor)
Prevention
When preventing lymphadenitis, it is important to strengthen the immune system in a timely manner; the body’s ability to quickly respond to inflammation and eliminate its cause depends on it. At risk for cervical lymphadenopathy are children who often (6 times a year) suffer from infectious and bacterial diseases upper and/or lower respiratory tract. To reduce the likelihood of developing the disease in adolescence Pediatricians recommend regular cleaning lymphatic system(you can drink citrus juice as a course or take a hot bath with baking soda several times).
The body's resistance to pathogens ( different types) can be increased by carefully following these rules:
- daily long walks in the fresh air;
- regular sunbathing (from March to October);
- before the period of vitamin deficiency, taking a course of vitamins (spring-autumn period);
- pay special attention to daily personal hygiene;
- proper treatment of wounds;
- constant monitoring of dental and oral health;
- follow-up treatment of illnesses until complete recovery.
Video
Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and make treatment recommendations based on individual characteristics specific patient.
Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!The concepts of normal palpation and visualization of lymph nodes in a child’s neck correspond to the absence of visible bulges and slight palpation of the tubercles when pressing firmly on their location.
In situations where these conditions are violated, they speak of an increase in lymphatic formations. These signs are not always assessed as a pathology - before coming to such a conclusion, you need to see a doctor and carry out a diagnosis.
The role of lymph nodes in the body
Total human body has about a thousand small lymphatic points, which are a smaller copy of larger nodes that organize control over certain part body. The formations are located in apparent chaos, in clusters and individually along the length coronary vessels and near various organs.
The importance of any of the nodules is difficult to overestimate, since each of them contains a complex porous substance that cleanses the entrusted area of all elements that pose a danger to the body.
Stroma - the contents of the shell of the lymph node, is a filter in relation to circulating lymph and cells that have a distorted DNA structure (for example, with a predisposition to cancer).
The basis of the task of the control organs is the distribution of intercellular fluid equally into lymph, blood, muscle tissue and nearby organs. Therefore, an inflammatory or destructive process in the area of control of a particular lymph node is immediately reflected in it by an increase in load. The knot begins to increase in size, indicating a weakened area.
Like a signal acute problem, the increase may be inflammatory and rapid in nature, with pain symptoms and increased body temperature. The formation of a visible bulge against the background of an asymptomatic course will most likely indicate a weakened immune system or conditional physiological pathology.
Enlarged lymph nodes in a child’s neck: causes
Many parents are interested in why their child may have permanently enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Now let's try to understand this issue.
The growth of a lymph node does not indicate an error or accidental failure in the filtering apparatus, but, on the contrary, confirms its impeccable functionality. Lymphadenopathy (pathological development of a lymph node due to inflammatory etiology) can indicate several types of disorders in the body, conditionally divided into groups according to the volume of damage:
Since localized and regional lymphadenopathy are similar in the way they are expressed, the reasons for their growth on the child’s neck are the same factors:
- previous influenza, bronchial and other acute respiratory diseases;
- infections typical of childhood;
- defeats viral infections nasopharynx;
- carious inflammations, diseases of the gums and oral cavity;
- tumor formations in the neck with high dynamics of development.
But illnesses in a child can have the character of extensive damage to the body with an acute course.
Then the lymph system, contaminated with pathogenic elements, responds with massive outbreaks, and nodes saturated with uncleaned lymph begin to protrude under the skin throughout the body of the sick child.
The diagnosis in this case will indicate generalized lymphadenopathy, as a complication of one or more of the following diseases:
- hepatitis, tuberculosis, toxoplasmosis and other infectious diseases;
- autoimmune diseases, weakened immunity, metastases from advanced tumors, metabolic disorders, leukocytosis;
- allergic reaction or consequence side effects medicines.
None of these diseases are associated with a specific age category of the child, which means they can appear at any time.
All of these causes can occur in children at almost any age and require careful diagnosis by a specialist. Treatment of lymphadenopathy will depend on the identified disease, the condition of the child and the presence of various concomitant pathologies.
Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes
Enlarged lymph nodes, even if painless, are easy to detect at a glance - they will become even more obvious during a tactile examination. The size of the growth up to 15 mm, if the tubercle was found by chance, during palpation and was not accompanied by complaints and anxiety of the child, is not considered a reason to consult a doctor.
The situation can be controlled at home, without taking any therapeutic measures.
If the appearance visible symptoms associated with discomfort or pain - it is difficult for the child to turn or bend his head, there is an increase in temperature or the area of the bulge is filled with redness, call emergency care is the only reasonable measure and should not be delayed.
If the manifestations are extremely painful, independent palpation cannot be performed. If this is possible, then the first thing you need to pay attention to is the structure of the inflammation.
A pliable, soft formation is characteristic of a normal inflammatory process not associated with the growth of a malignant tumor or tuberculosis. The harder the designated lump, the more alarming the sign is considered.
Position of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and diagnosis
The child's cervical region is marked by four clusters of lymph nodes:
- sublingual;
- chin;
- submandibular;
- supraclavicular.
In turn, each group is characterized by a position that characterizes the danger zone:
Diagnosis involves determining the cause of enlarged lymph nodes, and if the disease is identified, tracing the pathogenesis and clarifying all the circumstances for further treatment. The examination includes:
- physical examination;
- X-ray diagnostics to detect all inflamed nodes;
- general blood analysis;
- taking a sample by biopsy;
- Magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, computed tomography.
If the problem was addressed to the therapist, then after collecting anamnesis and issuing referrals for general tests, you will need to consult a specialist.
Treatment of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck of a child
There are no therapies for the treatment of lymph nodes, since inflammation itself is only a symptomatic indicator. As the underlying disease is cured, the size of the nodes and the discomfort accompanying the painful process will disappear on their own.
When determining the clinical picture of the provoking disease, treatment is prescribed, which should continue even after full recovery normal structure lymph nodes - at least two weeks from the start of therapy. 
- Standard therapy, that is, the use medications to destroy infectious pathogens, increase immunity and relieve allergic manifestations, often goes in combination with physiotherapeutic measures;
- Surgical intervention is caused by an advanced process with purulent, tumor formations complicated by metastases.
In the first case, application traditional methods treatment is justified by the high effect of home remedies, but such treatment can only be carried out as a concomitant treatment with the main one. Each individual case of adding auxiliary drugs to the prescribed therapy should be discussed with the doctor to avoid conflicts between drugs.
The second option involves urgent measures - homeopathic medicines, herbal medicine and other methods alternative medicine are irrelevant here and may become relevant only during the period of rehabilitation and restorative procedures.
Drug treatment
Since diseases that provoke enlarged lymph nodes have different etiologies, treatment will take into account the corresponding directions. One common feature for all types of therapies caused by acute inflammation of the lymph nodes, the patient’s condition will be alleviated through the use of antihistamines. These could be: Claritin, Zodak, Erius, Zyrtec.
After the surgical intervention, the use of antibiotics and drugs aimed at increasing immune defense. Among antibiotics wide range actions suitable for children are called: amoxiclav, ampicillin, flemoxin solutab.
Lymphadenitis in the occipital area of the neck, provoked by the presence of a virus, is relieved with targeted drugs: arbidol, cycloferon, tilorone, isoprinosine, amixin.
Home treatment
The inconveniences associated with inflammation of the lymph nodes must be relieved using gentle methods so as not to cause skin irritation in the child and aggravate the situation. IN in this case folk remedies are applicable alternative medicine prepared according to the following or similar recipes:
- Take 1 teaspoon each of oregano, yarrow and hop cones, add a glass of chilled water to the dry mixture boiled water. Then heat the composition in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and leave to steep for another 15 minutes. Then the hot product should be strained through double gauze and, divided into 3 servings, drunk during the day 20-30 minutes before eating;
- Dissolve 10-12 drops of Echinacea tincture in 120 ml of chilled boiled water. Drink regardless of meals, three times a day (discuss the course with your doctor);
- As a rinse, dilute 3 grams of baking soda in a glass of warm water. The same goal is achieved by dissolving 5 drops of aloe vera juice in 180 g of water.
For external use in children, Vishnevsky or ichthyol ointment has proven itself best.
Komarovsky warns: prohibitions for enlarged lymph nodes
Dr. Komarovsky does not recommend that parents panic if they discover a subcutaneous formation on their child’s neck. If the child has a normal appetite, he does not show excitement and is not capricious even with light pressure on the alarming area, the parents’ concerns are understandable, but most likely they are unfounded. You should see a doctor, but it will not be about inflammation, but about enlarged nodes.
In any case, the lymph nodes, at the slightest suspicion of their pathological change, should not be subjected to:
- heating with a UV lamp;
- applying alcohol compresses;
- treatment with antibiotics without a doctor's prescription.
The presence of swelling, redness, and in the child’s behavior - tearfulness or complaints of pain - is already a sufficient reason for urgent testing.
Preventive measures
Prevention of neck lymphadenopathy is constant monitoring of the child’s health and regular examination from an ENT doctor and dentist. Timely sanitation of the oral cavity and timely cured diseases of the nasopharynx will protect the cervical lymph nodes from overload.
It should be remembered that inflammation of the cervical lymphatic groups can be caused by general diseases, therefore, parents should not shy away from a detailed diagnosis if the doctor sees the need for it.
You can learn more about Dr. Komarovsky’s opinion about enlarged lymph nodes in a child from the following video.
