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The child has painless enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. The child has enlarged lymph nodes

Have you noticed round lumps on your child’s neck? This is lymphadenitis - inflammation of the lymph nodes. What do such disorders in the body in children indicate? How to eliminate inflammation in a child’s neck?

In children, such deviations occur quite often. Not all cases of lymphadenitis are a cause for concern. Cervical lymphadenitis develops when bacteria or viruses penetrate the lymphatic system.

The disease may have the following character:

Specific. Independent development of the disease, which is preceded by boils, abscesses and infected wounds.
Non-specific. It is not an independent pathology, but a symptom of other diseases, such as infectious ones. The list of such pathologies is quite wide: from tonsillitis to malignant tumors.

It is an integral part of our body, which performs protective – immune functions. There is nothing strange that they react to any pathological process.

In children's bodies, such a “response” can be observed much more often, since their immune system is not yet mature. This is why lymphadenitis is much more complicated than in an adult.

Causes

The causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck may be associated with local or general intoxication. Experts distinguish generalized, regional and localized forms of the disease.

In the first case, we are talking about damage to the lymph nodes throughout the body; in the second - 2 groups of lymphatic structures, and in the third - no more than 1 group.

Lymph nodes in the neck can become inflamed for the following reasons:

Flu, acute respiratory viral infections, infections of the ENT organs and purulent processes on the skin in the neck and head.
Children's infectious diseases(mumps, scarlet fever, measles and rubella).
Inflammation in oral cavity(pulpitis, caries, gingivitis and stomatitis).
Malignant neoplasms in the head and respiratory organs.

A lymph node can become inflamed in response to blood diseases and autoimmune diseases. A lump on a baby’s neck can also be detected if metabolic processes in the body, as well as in response to taking certain medications.

The listed reasons can appear in children of any age group. To avoid complications, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

Only an experienced specialist can determine the true cause of lymphadenitis. The doctor prescribes a number of laboratory and instrumental studies and makes a diagnosis based on the results. After which he appoints complex treatment underlying disease.

Symptoms and signs

It is easy to recognize inflammation of the lymph nodes even at home. You don't even need to see a doctor for this. To determine the cause and prescribe proper treatment, you need to consult a specialist.

It can be observed under the chin, under the tongue, etc. Lymph capsules can reach large or small sizes: from 0.5 to 5 cm.

In addition to the appearance of lumps on the neck, the child also develops additional symptoms:

Body temperature rises.
Appetite disappears, nausea and lethargy appear.
There is noticeable discomfort upon palpation.
The skin over the seal becomes hyperemic.
There is pronounced swelling in the neck area, on the side where the lump is located.

The lump can be detected by the child himself or by the parents. Often such changes in the body are detected during an examination by a pediatrician. The formations have a round shape and elastic structure.

They can be located both in front of the neck and in the back, which depends on the area of localization of the lesion. Lymph nodes may or may not be tender when pressed. Signs of intoxication of the body are also not always present.

Please note that in healthy children, lumps may also be felt in the neck area. IN in this case their size does not exceed 1 cm in diameter. They are usually painless and do not require any measures.

Such changes indicate that the child's immune system is working. Filtering plasma and destroying pathogenic microorganisms. Most often this is observed after a cold or other infectious disease and goes away on its own after 2-3 weeks.

If the lymph node in the child’s neck becomes inflamed and becomes more than 1.5 cm in size and the child experiences pain when turning the head or pressing, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Main sign for concern - displacement of the seal relative to skin.

In this case, the child needs complex diagnostics and purpose drug therapy. In the absence of proper effectiveness when taking conservative measures, there is a need for surgery.

Of great importance is not only the size of where the lymph nodes are located in the neck, but also their consistency. During inflammatory processes they become soft and elastic.

If the cones become dense enough, then we are talking about metastasis. When lymph nodes are fused with surrounding ones soft tissues, we can talk about the presence malignant tumor or about the development of tuberculosis.

Alarming symptoms

Inflammatory processes in the body develop in response to certain disorders. What to do if lumps appear on a child’s neck? First of all, you should find out, in each case individually.

If your child has recently had the flu or other illnesses, there is nothing to worry about. Inflamed lymph nodes are a response to infectious processes in the oral cavity and nasopharynx. In this case, there is no need to take therapeutic measures. After 2-3 weeks, the lumps will resolve on their own.

The lump doesn't go away long time(more than 1 month).
Seals can be felt in several groups at once.
Inflamed lymph nodes in a child's neck are accompanied by an increase in body temperature.
The skin becomes red and the local temperature rises.
It becomes difficult for the child to turn his head and pain occurs when touching the tumor.
The seals become hard and adherent to surrounding structures.

Photo: tuberculous lymphadenitis in a 5 year old boy

An alarming symptom There is also bilateral inflammation, when inflammation is observed with right side and left, front or back. Such signs are present in serious pathologies in the body, for example, mononucleosis, secondary syphilis or toxoplasmosis.

If a nodule appears on one side, there is no need to worry too much. Such symptoms should not be considered a response to pathology. It’s just that one of the lymph capsules takes on more load than the rest. In this case, we are not talking about lymphadenitis, but about lymphadenopathy, which is asymptomatic and long enough.

Establishing diagnosis

In order to determine why, you need to consult with your doctor. At the appointment, the specialist, using visual inspection and palpation, will diagnose preliminary diagnosis and prescribe a number of instrumental and laboratory tests.

In some cases, it is impossible to palpate the seal. This is due to large swelling or the presence of unbearable pain.

Before treating lymphadenitis, a biopsy of the enlarged and inflamed capsule is performed. More often this type diagnostics are used only after anti-inflammatory treatment has been carried out, but the symptoms have not subsided.

The need for a biopsy also arises with large lumps - more than 2.5 cm in diameter, as well as if there is suspicion of the development of a malignant tumor.

For children under one year of age and older, a biopsy is performed under general or local anesthesia, which depends on the complexity of the procedure. Taking a biopsy is not very painful and causes virtually no discomfort.

If surgical removal is necessary, a small incision is made in the skin and the affected tissue is removed and sent to a laboratory for diagnosis. Otherwise, a certain amount is taken from the cone biological material through a needle.

Only after receiving the results is it possible to deliver accurate diagnosis, and accordingly prescribe the most effective treatment.

Additional diagnostic measures:

UAC and OAM.
Examination by a therapist and an endocrinologist.

(A) Seven-month-old girl: neck from the side. Swelling during three days. Severe redness skin, painful condition and increased white blood cell count.
(B) CT scan contrast showed a cystic mass (arrow), indicating purulent lymphadenitis. The abscess was cut and drained and found to be positive for Staphylococcus aureus.

These procedures eliminate the possibility concomitant diseases and find out the nature and course of a particular pathology. Without additional diagnostics, it is impossible to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.

Therapeutic measures

For lymphadenitis, treatment at home is carried out only with initial stages development of the pathological process. In advanced cases, hospitalization, unfortunately, cannot be avoided. First you need to visit a doctor to find out why the violations occurred. The specialist will make a diagnosis based on the results of the diagnostics.

If a child’s lymph node is inflamed, the following measures should be taken:

Bed rest. The little patient needs more rest.
Drinking regime. It is important to give as much warm liquid as possible (from 1 to 1.5 liters).
Strengthening the immune system. Carry out therapy using combined vitamin and mineral preparations.
Correction of diet and nutrition. The child should be given plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. You can make freshly squeezed juices.

If inflammation of the lymph nodes in an infant or older child is caused by viruses, then antibacterial drugs cannot be avoided. With their help, it is possible to relieve acute inflammation and suppress infectious process in organism. The course of treatment is prescribed individually by the doctor and lasts for 5-10 days.

In order to support beneficial microflora in the intestines it is recommended to take bifidobacteria and special medicines, the effectiveness of which is aimed at improving digestive processes:

"Hilak Forte"
"Linex"
"Entergermina"
"Bifidumbacterin".

If the child does not have a symptom such as an increase in body temperature, then to increase the effectiveness of the measures taken, the doctor prescribes physical therapy: Phonophoresis, laser or UHF therapy.

If pus begins to accumulate in the lymph nodes of the child’s neck, then mandatory surgical intervention is prescribed, which involves removing the tumor or drainage (installation of tubes for the outflow of exudate).

Such seals are more swollen and painful. As a rule, surgery is prescribed only after a series of studies and is carried out only if conservative methods are powerless.

Children, due to the underdevelopment of the body, are susceptible to various diseases. They often have colds and acute respiratory viral infections. And precisely in childhood Pathologies such as scarlet fever and measles are common. It is not surprising that the child periodically has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. After all, they serve as protection that blocks the spread of bacteria and pathogens throughout the body. Any infectious disease will certainly affect the state of the lymphatic system. However, parents should be extremely careful. Sometimes a child has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck for completely different reasons. And they can be very serious.

Lymphatic system

Let's look at what these organs are. The system consists of lymph nodes. They filter the blood and promote the outflow of fluid.

Quite often, parents notice that the child has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. According to statistics, this phenomenon occurs in every second baby. Doctors call this condition cervical lymphadenitis. This pathology is quite dangerous. After all, the lymph flow passes near the brain. Ignoring inflammation can even lead to death.

U healthy baby soft lymph nodes. They are not noticeable. In case of infection, the nodes gradually increase in size. When pressing on them, the baby may feel pain. The onset of inflammation is indicated by the appearance of pea-sized lymph nodes. If this phenomenon is not given importance, then very soon they will increase to the shape of an egg. This is a very serious stage. It causes tissue death. The lymph node degenerates into a malignant formation.

Causes of pathology

Let's look at why the child has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. Pathology can be:

unilateral - the causes should be sought in a local infection;
bilateral - this is how the body reacts to general inflammation.

The following reasons often lead to an unpleasant condition:

Cat scratches. The animal's saliva, which contains many bacteria, penetrates the baby's blood. It provokes inflammation. As a result, after a few days, an increase in lymph nodes is observed.
Infectious diseases. This is the most common cause of cervical lymphadenitis. Any infections in the mouth or respiratory tract lead to such unpleasant symptoms. Often the nodes enlarge as a result of disease. These are ARVI, tonsillitis, influenza, chickenpox, rubella, diphtheria, mumps, gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis.
Allergic reaction. When hypersensitivity If a child is exposed to certain substances, the nodes may become enlarged. If the source is an allergy, then the baby will also experience other symptoms that characterize the pathology: sneezing, runny nose, swelling, pain in the eyes, cough. Often, cervical lymphadenitis is the body’s response to food and household chemicals. In older children, allergies may accompany the abuse of fast food, chips and other foods containing flavoring additives.
Vaccination. The nodes may enlarge as a result of the grafting. With such a reaction, the baby should be observed by a doctor. However, he does not need treatment.

Serious causes of lymphadenitis

The factors described above are common, but, unfortunately, not the only ones. Sometimes, as a result of serious pathologies, the lymph nodes in the child’s neck are enlarged. The reasons for this condition can be determined by the doctor who examined the baby. Special attention deserves cervical lymphadenitis, which is not accompanied by cold symptoms.

However, you should not panic ahead of time. After all, the lymph nodes in a child’s neck are not always enlarged as a result of serious illnesses. Komarovsky advises to take a close look at your baby. After all this state Quite often observed in children under five years of age.

Pay special attention to the child’s mood and behavior. They should not change in a healthy baby. At the same time, the enlarged lymph nodes do not bother him and do not cause pain. In such a situation, there is no need to worry. The immune system “learns” to fight germs. This is a common reason why the lymph nodes in a child's neck are enlarged.

Komarovsky, however, recommends that even this phenomenon be treated carefully. In order not to miss an unpleasant pathology, you should take a routine blood test. Such an examination is sufficient to identify diseases or ensure the absolute health of the baby.

Characteristic symptoms

Clinical manifestations depend on the pathology that provoked this condition.

In this case, the following is distinguished characteristic symptoms lymphadenitis:

temperature increase;
headache;
loss of appetite;
pain when pressing on an enlarged node.

If a child has constantly enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, it is often diagnosed chronic pathology. In this case, the baby may experience fairly vague symptoms:

slight increase in temperature;
moderate enlargement of lymph nodes;
absence of painful discomfort upon palpation.

It is very important to see a doctor for this pathology. After all, similar symptoms can characterize a tumor.

What pathologies does lymphadenitis indicate?

It is important to pay attention to the localization of enlarged nodes. After all, pathology is provoked by lymph coming from disturbed organs. Accordingly, those nodes that are located next to damaged tissues increase.

Let's consider the characteristic features:

If a child has an enlarged lymph node in the neck or in the back of the head, then this is a signal about the development of inflammation in the scalp.
Parotid - characterize the pathological process in the middle, outer ear. May indicate purulent inflammation in the scalp area.
Nodes located behind the lower jaw, in the back muscles of the neck, indicate the development of the disease in the nasopharynx. This picture can persist even after the illness.
If the pathology is localized in the center of the triangle of the neck, behind the lower jaw, then this phenomenon is provoked by a severe form of tonsillitis, scarlet fever, toxoplasmosis, and diphtheria. Such a clinic is also observed after cat scratches.
An increase in nodes in the lateral triangle indicates the presence of an infection in the nasopharynx or a tumor. Sometimes this phenomenon is caused by tuberculosis.
If the nodes in the chin area increase, it is necessary to show the baby to the dentist. Such symptoms are typical for jaw abscess, damage to the front teeth, and inflammation of the lower lip.
Enlarged submandibular lymph nodes indicate gingivitis, stomatitis.

When is it necessary to see a doctor urgently?

Sometimes the baby may experience extremely unpleasant symptoms. The following condition of the baby requires immediate attention to doctors:

the child has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and the temperature is elevated;
pathology is observed in infants up to one year old;
the surface of the skin in the area of the lymph nodes has changed;
there is a constant increase throughout the week;
the pathological process involved more than three groups of nodes.

Treatment methods

Remember: only a doctor can determine why enlarged lymph nodes are observed in a child’s neck. Treatment directly depends on the source that provoked the symptoms.

Main diagnostic examination is a blood test. Sometimes a node puncture or biopsy may be needed. Based on the results, the doctor will select the necessary treatment.

To normalize the size of the nodes, it is necessary to get rid of the underlying disease: treat ENT organs, eliminate caries, and fight helminthic infestations.

In each individual case, an individual treatment regimen is selected.

Immunomodulatory therapy

Frequent colds lead to a weakening of the body, as a result of which enlarged lymph nodes are observed in the child’s neck.

Treatment in this case includes the use of immunomodulatory drugs:

"Immunal".
"Viferon".
"Derinat."
"Arbidol".
"Imudon."
"IRS-19".
"Lycopid".
"Broncho-munal".

Home treatment

It is strictly contraindicated to fight this phenomenon on your own! After all, infection of the nodes can easily provoke inflammation of the brain. In this case, disturbances can affect the functioning of the endocrine, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. There are cases where self-medication ended in death.

The only manipulation that a parent can do before seeing a doctor, if the lymph nodes in the child’s neck are very enlarged, is to apply a compress. However, under no circumstances should you warm them up! Only a cold compress is used.

Results

It is quite an unpleasant situation if a child has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. But there is no need to panic, just be sure to consult a doctor immediately. Most often, such a clinic is based on fairly harmless reasons.

Inflamed lymph nodes in the neck may not always be a consequence of a child’s harmless blowing. In some cases, the phenomenon may be a sign of a serious abnormality that requires immediate consultation with a specialist.

The article below will teach parents how to independently diagnose enlarged lymph nodes in a child, and will tell about possible consequences and will tell you which doctor and how soon it is best to contact, in order to avoid a protracted course of the disease.

Lymph nodes in the human body are responsible for cleansing the lymph continuously circulating through the vessels. The need for timely diagnosis, as well as finding out the reason for the increase in this kind of “filters” is due to the vital work they perform. important function in the body, including children.

Inflamed lymph nodes in a child’s neck most often occur in the following cases:

emergence viral disease colds in a small body;
infections in the throat area of various origins(measles, rubella, etc.);
damage to the integrity of the skin by cat claws, provoking an inflammatory process in the child’s body due to the entry of strong animal into circulatory system;

The diagram shows the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child’s neck.

availability inflammatory process in the oral cavity;
the occurrence of malignant tumors;
disruption of normal metabolic processes.

Diagnosis of inflamed lymph nodes in the neck in children

It is possible to determine enlarged lymph nodes in the neck at home by examining the child externally and checking the site of potential inflammation for pain.

First of all, for the initial diagnosis of the presence of “deviations” in the area under consideration, it is necessary to evaluate appearance neck.

If you detect “suspicious” redness or “bulging” areas, lightly press on the inflamed areas, paying attention to the degree of their hardness and the child’s reaction associated with possible painful sensations upon palpation of enlarged lymph nodes.

In the vast majority of cases, with the development of lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes) in the cervical region, the parent will be able to detect “balls” with a diameter of up to 5 centimeters or more on the examined area of the body.

Enlarged lymphatic “filters” become hard to the touch, and when you press on them, the baby will most likely complain of sharp pain. The skin around the inflamed area turns red, becomes more sensitive, and may begin to peel.

Sizes of lymph nodes: norms and deviations

Normally, in a healthy child, the diameter of the lymph nodes varies from 0.5 to 1 centimeter. After suffering an infectious disease, in some cases, the weakened body of a small person “gives a reaction” in the form of their increase to 3 or more centimeters.

This process, which is considered natural and does not require further treatment, is known among qualified specialists as lymphadenopathy. This state of lymphatic “filters” can persist for a long time (up to a year), or can remain for life, without causing any discomfort to the child.

The following should be cause for concern and immediate consultation with a specialist:

"bad" general analysis blood against the background of an increase in the “filter node” in the neck;
dysfunction of the lymph nodes identified during ultrasound examination;
a progressive increase in the growth of the inflamed lymph node or a sharp increase in pain upon palpation.

Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Inflamed lymph nodes in a child’s neck can be identified not only by direct examination, but also by analyzing changes in the child’s behavior or well-being.

Significant changes are observed in the child’s usual behavior when an inflammatory process occurs in the lymph nodes, the following appears:

weakness, lethargy;
apathy, drowsiness;
loss of appetite due to painful sensations when swallowing food;
headaches or toothaches;
elevated body temperature.

If one of the listed symptoms is detected, indicating a progressive disease in the child’s body, parents should immediately check the condition of the lymph nodes on their child’s body.

How to treat lymph nodes in a child’s neck

Inflamed lymph nodes in a child’s neck can be treated only if the cause of their occurrence is correctly determined. In most cases, it will be sufficient to use folk remedies and follow the doctor’s recommendations for taking antibacterial or antiviral drugs within 7 - 10 days.

However, in more serious cases or in the absence of positive dynamics in the condition of the swollen lymph node, Physical treatment and, in rare cases, even surgical intervention may be required.

Drug treatment of enlarged lymph nodes

Drug treatment of enlarged lymph nodes implies a primary determination of the nature of the disease that provoked their inflammation. In case of detected bacterial infection affecting the ENT organs, the child will be prescribed antibacterial drugs in the form of suspensions, tablets or syrup.

If a viral disease is detected, it would be advisable to take antiviral drugs, for example, Anaferon, Ergoferon and others. If the type of therapy under consideration is ineffective in relieving the inflammatory process of the lymphatic “filter,” the doctor may suggest other, more serious methods of eliminating system dysfunction.

UHF therapy

UHF therapy is a physiotherapeutic method of treating inflammatory processes in the cervical region of a child using ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields.

Allocable medical device heat penetrates deep into the subcutaneous layers of muscle tissue, while providing an anti-inflammatory, regenerating and anesthetic effect.

The average duration of the procedure varies from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the build of the small patient and the “neglect” of the disease. This time, even with it maximum rate, is acceptable for keeping the child motionless with electrode plates attached to his neck.

Surgical intervention

Surgical intervention to solve the child’s health problem under consideration is extremely rarely prescribed. This fact is due to the need to perform the operation under general anesthesia, a difficult child's body, weakened during a progressive inflammatory process.

If the doctor discovers that the affected area of skin on the neck has become suppurated, special manipulations are carried out to open the purulent focus. Having removed the non-functioning parts of the lymph nodes and the pus accumulated in this area, the surgeon treats the “working” surface and then carefully applies a suture.

If necessary, a medical tube may also be placed in the operated area to suck out any remaining pus from the inflamed area.

Treatment of enlarged lymph nodes with folk remedies

Despite practical evidence of the effectiveness of treating enlarged lymph nodes folk remedies, they must be used exclusively in combination with medications prescribed by qualified specialists.

To reduce the size of a lymph node in a child’s neck, the following are traditionally used:

garlic(pour 2 heads of garlic into 5 cups of boiling water and leave for 3 days, stirring the resulting mixture in the mornings and evenings - 2 times a day. The dosage of the resulting tincture for a child is 0.5 - 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, 2 hours after meals);

blueberries(pour fresh berries with warm water in a ratio of 1:5, crush and leave for 3 hours. Due to the maximum naturalness and “gentle” properties of the main ingredient, you can take the resulting mixture in as much as the child wants);
chamomile leaves(Add 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers to 200 ml of water and bring to a boil. After “keeping” the tincture on the fire for 10 - 15 minutes, you need to cool it, thereby allowing it to “infuse”. The child will need to gargle with the resulting solution every 1 - 3 hours before visible improvements occur).

What not to do if you have swollen lymph nodes

To avoid complications and a sharp deterioration in the child’s condition, parents with lymphadenitis are highly discouraged from:

warm the affected area;
rub or massage the inflamed node;
give the child medications or independently prescribe compresses, physiotherapy, and so on.

Otherwise, infectious “causative agents” of the inflammatory process will sharply become more active in their spread throughout children's body, affecting organs, circulatory and nervous system and even the brain.

When and which doctor should you contact?

If you find swelling in your child’s neck, you should contact him as soon as possible. pediatrician, phthisiatrician, infectious disease specialist, endocrinologist, surgeon, oncologist or hematologist for advice.

These specialists will be able to correctly identify the cause of the tumor, determine the degree of its danger to the life and health of the baby, and prescribe competent treatment, affordable modern methods diagnosis of this type of disease.

Possible complications of inflammation of the lymph nodes

In case of untimely seeking of medical help or ill-prescribed treatment of lymphadenitis in children, the likelihood of complications increases several times, in particular:

weakened immunity;
febrile conditions;
purulent inflammation affecting nearby lymph nodes, muscles and skin;
spread of “swelling” to the face and other sides of the neck;
a sharp increase in body temperature that is not amenable to antipyretic drugs;
the emergence and development of neutrophilia.

Prevention of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

To ensure that the child never experiences inflammation of the lymph nodes, parents It is necessary to follow the basic rules for preventing the occurrence of lymphodenitis and accustom your child to this:

pass preventive examinations not only a pediatrician, but also highly specialized specialists, in particular a dentist and otolaryngologist, who can, if necessary, prescribe additional examinations in order to confirm or refute the presence of inflammation of the “filtering” node;
clean and rinse regularly by special means the oral cavity, namely teeth, tongue, cheeks and gums;
avoid hypothermia and prolonged exposure of the child to drafts;
minimize the frequency of the child’s “collision” with potential allergens;
strengthen the body different ways, in particular, consume as many vitamins as possible, lead healthy image life, harden.

Inflamed lymph nodes in the neck may indicate both a natural “post-infectious” process suffered by the child’s body and not requiring treatment, or the presence malignant neoplasms. Timely diagnosis and finding out the cause of inflammation, as well as prescribing the correct treatment - guarantees a favorable outcome of the current situation.

Video about inflammation of the lymph nodes in children, causes and methods of treatment

Enlarged lymph nodes in children, opinion of Dr. Komarovsky:

How to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes:

If the lymph node in a child’s neck on one side is enlarged, this may indicate not only some kind of inflammatory process in the body, but also the onset of more serious pathologies. As a rule, in a healthy state, the lymph nodes in the neck of children are slightly noticeable upon palpation or cannot be palpated at all.

IN chronic form In children suffering from colds, constant enlargement of the lymph nodes may be the body’s natural fight against infection.

Performing the function of eliminating foreign microorganisms, unilateral enlargement of the lymph node is not a natural process for the body. That is why a careful consideration of the nature of lymphadenitis, identification of the causes, and their neutralization is required.

If a child has an enlarged lymph node on one side of the neck, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause as soon as possible in order to exclude the possibility of developing oncological diseases. This article explains why lymph nodes can become enlarged in children, how to deal with it, and what symptoms accompany lymphadenitis.

The lymphatic system is designed to destroy pathogens, maintain healthy functioning of soft tissues, bones, ENT organs, cleanse lymph, accumulate protective bacteria to maintain the immune system. By protecting the body from various pathogens, the lymphatic system helps the immune system cope with the disease. If a child under 3 years of age has slightly enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, they are soft, mobile, but do not cause discomfort or pain, then this may be a normal variant.

An enlarged lymph node in the neck on one side indicates pathology and/or a struggle of the immune system during colds. The following groups of lymph nodes are located on the child’s neck:

Chin.
Sublingual.
Ear.
Submandibular.
Supraclavicular.
Anterior cervical.

Parents of the baby can independently palpate the chin and anterior cervical nodes.

Features of unilateral lymph node enlargement in children

If a child has an enlarged lymph node, then the pathology must be looked for on the side where the inflammation occurred. It can be caused by the throat, ear, nose, mouth, or head. It happens that the lymphatic system itself is not involved, and the pathology is hidden in the organs themselves.

In children, lymph nodes slightly enlarge during and after respiratory diseases, then disappear along with a cold in the shortest possible time. In some pathologies, inflammation does not subside and suppuration occurs. Signs of pus accumulation include the following:

inflammation is noticeable on the nodes: an enlarged lymph node is visible to the naked eye;
On palpation, compaction and pain are felt;
there is an increase in body temperature;
chills, weakness, signs of intoxication appear;
Redness of the skin occurs at the site, around or near the node.

Having detected any of the above symptoms or chronic manifestation lymphadenitis (enlargement of nodes occurs systematically during a cold), immediate contact with a pediatrician, ENT doctor, dentist, infectious disease specialist or hematologist is required to establish specific reason violations.

Causes and symptoms

The size of the nodes in a child is up to 1.5 cm in diameter. Sizes exceeding the norm are pathological. Unilateral enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck in children occurs for the following main reasons:

respiratory and ENT infections: sore throat, ARVI, pharyngitis, influenza, otitis media, etc.;
inflammation of nearby organs;
childhood infections: measles, scarlet fever, rubella, etc.;
diseases of the gums and teeth: extensive caries, stomatitis, etc.;
infectious eye diseases;
disruptions of the endocrine system;
disruption of the immune system: vitamin deficiency, worms, anemia, etc.;
skin lesions: scratches, animal bites, especially cats;
previous vaccination(s);
allergic reaction (accompanied by cough, rhinitis, pain in the eyes, swelling);
ear diseases (may be accompanied by discharge from ears, pain, hearing loss).

If 1 node is enlarged, do not panic when giving your child terrible diagnoses, because the most common cause of unilateral inflammation is infectious colds and diseases of nearby organs.

If specialists cannot determine the true cause of an increase that occurs without signs of a cold, they consider more serious illnesses, which are quite rare:

Toxoplasmosis (enlarged liver and spleen on ultrasound, convulsions, temperature fluctuations, vomiting, nausea, migraine).
Mononucleosis (mucus in the lungs, sore throat, headache).
Lupus erythematosus (weakness, muscle pain, red rash on the face).
Staphylococci, streptococci and diseases caused by them. Symptoms include: weakness, chills, red narrow stripes on the skin.
HIV. As a rule, this virus causes enlargement of nodes in cases where they have been inflamed for years and the symptom does not disappear.
Oncology, including metastases.
Tuberculosis. Symptoms in adolescents include chills, sweating, fever, loss of appetite, bowel movements, nausea, vomiting, headache and muscle pain. In infants: breast and sleep refusal, restlessness.

The main manifestations of lymphadenitis in young children are:

temperature rises;
redness and swelling appear in the area of the sore spot;
the skin of the sore spot becomes hot;
the child cries after being touched;
appetite worsens.

In older children, general weakness, sore throat, and focal manifestations of infection may appear. Careful detection of additional symptoms will help your doctor determine the underlying cause as soon as possible.

To the signs chronic course The disease includes blurred manifestations:

The node enlargement does not progress.
Pressure on the node does not cause pain.
The temperature rises slightly or remains within the normal range.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, the doctor:

Listens to complaints, symptoms (information provided by parents, accumulated during observation of the child).
Performs a detailed examination (measurement of pressure, temperature, palpation of the lymph node, check of ENT organs).
Takes a general blood test.
If necessary, refer for ultrasound, biopsy, or x-ray of the lungs.

In rare cases, when suppuration or weakened immunity occurs, surgical diagnosis is used.

Treatment of a child

First of all, it is necessary to establish the main reason for the enlargement of the node in the child: consult a pediatrician, check the ENT organs, visit a dentist and make sure there is no helminthic infestation, having submitted feces for analysis.

The doctor selects a treatment regimen based on the examinations performed. If the cause is the presence of worms, anthelmintic drugs are prescribed. If the dentist finds tooth decay, it is treated. Problems with ENT organs are also eliminated. Most often treatment is with antibiotics.

Unilateral purulent lymphadenitis in children is eliminated with antibacterial drugs. Enlarged lymph node caused by colds, is treated in combination with antibacterial and antiviral therapy.

Antiallergic therapy may be added to the treatment regimen if the child has a reaction to medications or ointments.

If the underlying causes are checked, eliminated, and the lymph nodes do not return to a healthy state in the next 2-3 weeks, the doctor performs a biopsy.

Safe traditional methods of treatment for children

Before using traditional medicine methods, it is recommended to consult a specialist.

It is important to understand that traditional methods should be used with drug treatment in complex.

The following methods are the safest for babies:

To increase immunity, it is useful for children to drink rosehip decoctions.
Ascorbic acid, vitamin C (found in large quantities in the leaves and berries of currants and citrus fruits) improve the immune system.
Oats will help remove toxins and improve liver function. Place a handful of oats in 1 liter of milk and boil for half an hour. Drink ¼ glass 1-3 times a day, after adding a spoonful of honey.
Fruit drinks made from cranberries, lingonberries, and pomegranates successfully cope with infection.

It is important to remember that food rich in microelements and vitamins will help the child recover faster. It is healthy to eat a lot of fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits, and berries.

In most cases, unilateral inflammation of a lymph node in a baby is not a sign of a serious illness. However, appeal to medical workers It is recommended without fail to reduce the risks of complications.

Peculiarity inflammatory diseases childhood - a tendency to generalization due to imperfect barrier mechanisms, to which the lymphatic system belongs. The reaction of lymphoid tissue is manifested by an increase in structures, pain in different areas of the body and dysfunction. The cause of enlarged lymph nodes in a child’s neck can be not only infectious diseases, but also a number of processes accompanied by a massive release of biologically active substances into the blood.

Cervical lymph nodes in children: location and main characteristics

The cervical group of lymph nodes is represented by foci of accumulation of organized lymphoid tissue along the vessels carrying lymph from the head and neck. The formation of these structures begins at 3-4 months of intrauterine development and ends at 7-8 years of life. The structure of the lymph node is represented by a cortical and medulla layer of functionally active tissue and a connective capsule.

Important! In children under 5 years of age, physiological hyperplasia (proliferation) of lymphoid tissue in the nodes is noted

Depending on the area of lymph drainage, groups of lymph nodes in a child’s neck are distinguished:

Occipital - located at the back, near the attachment point of the trapezius muscle on the back of the neck. The group ensures the outflow of fluid from the scalp and soft tissues.
Posterior cervical lymph nodes - located along the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the middle third.
Anterior cervical - located along the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the middle third on both sides symmetrically.
Submandibular - a group of formations that is located under the edge lower jaw and is best palpated when the head is tilted forward.
The submental is a small collection of lymphoid tissue located under the lower edge of the chin. This group is regional for the organs of the oral cavity and floor of the mouth.
Supraclavicular - lymph nodes located above the middle third of the clavicle provide lymphatic drainage from the organs of the neck and upper part of the chest cavity.

Most often in the clinic, the palpation (palpation) method is used to assess the condition of the lymph nodes. In childhood from the group cervical lymph nodes Normally, only the submandibular ones are palpated. The formations have the shape of round, elastic nodules that are not fused with neighboring tissues or with each other.

The number of lymph nodes differs for each person; in the neck area there are from 20 to 40 formations, up to 0.5 cm in diameter.

Why may a child's lymph nodes in the neck become enlarged?

The pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes are based on tissue infiltration with fluid, as in edema, or leukocyte cells.

In case of activation of inflammatory processes, which are accompanied by classic signs: increase in size, pain, local redness and fever, they speak of lymphadenitis. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck without obvious clinical signs- lymphadenopathy.

This is why a child may develop these processes:

Infectious diseases accompanied by the penetration of antigens of bacteria, viruses, fungi or protozoa into the reticular structure of the node and cause inflammation.
Infiltration of the organ by lymphocytes during generalized inflammatory processes. For example, when allergic diseases, or teething in babies.
The proliferation of atypical cells during an isolated neoplastic (tumor) process in a lymph node, for example, with lymphoma or lymphogranulomatosis.
Metastatic infiltration of a lymph node by cancer cells that have spread from a distant primary site through the lymphogenous route.

The first two options are considered the main reasons for the development of cervical lymphadenitis in young patients due to high susceptibility to infectious pathogens and sensitization to many allergens.

How to determine that a child has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

Caring and attentive parents, when the lymph nodes are enlarged, notice that the child complains of discomfort in the neck. Using tight collars, wearing jewelry, or tying hats causes discomfort due to compression of the node capsule. Children unbutton the top buttons of their clothes, hold their hand over the affected fabric, and babies cry while getting dressed.

Other signs of enlarged lymph nodes in a child:

Pain when touching the affected area.
Visible protrusion of the node, which develops due to tissue infiltration.
Redness and increased local temperature of the skin due to increased blood flow.
Constantly tilted head on the side of lymphadenitis (to reduce pain).

At home, parents can carry out superficial palpation in the areas of projection of the lymph nodes. In case of inflammation, the formations increase in size, become dense (the exception is an abscess, in which the structure softens due to purulent melting), inactive and painful. Lymphadenopathy is characterized by the absence severe symptoms, with it an increase in the organ’s size and a change in structure are recorded, which is not accompanied by pain.

Important! Significantly enlarged lymph nodes in a child’s neck are the cause of compression of adjacent tissues, which is characterized by pain and dysfunction

Diseases that are accompanied by inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes

Lymphadenitis and lymphadenopathy are additional symptoms of various inflammatory and neoplastic processes. In a child, these conditions allow a preliminary diagnosis to be made based on the areas of lymphatic drainage for each group.

Pathologies that are characterized by an increase in nodes in a child’s neck:

Sore throat is a purulent-inflammatory disease with a predominant lesion of the palatine tonsils. It is characterized by severe intoxication and involvement of several groups of lymph nodes in the process simultaneously.
Scarlet fever is a streptococcal infection with catarrhal inflammation in the oropharynx, a characteristic rash and bilateral damage to the lymph nodes in a child.
Infectious mononucleosis(Epstein-Barr viral infection). A pathology in which the lymph nodes along the posterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle are the first to enlarge, followed by generalized lymphadenopathy (superficial and intra-abdominal nodes of the thoracic cavity). The disease is characterized by angina changes in the oropharynx, hepatosplenomegaly (a condition in which the liver and spleen become enlarged).
Rubella is a viral “childhood droplet” infection characterized by a characteristic rash throughout the body, high temperature, catarrhal inflammation of the pharynx, as well as occipital lymphadenitis.
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tissue of the palatine tonsils without generalization of the process (most often of bacterial etiology). It is accompanied by a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and mainly by an enlarged lymph node in the neck on one side.
Lymphogranulomatosis (Hodgkin's lymphoma) is an oncological pathology with damage to monocytic cells (including lymphocytes). Clinically, the disease is characterized by a significant increase in lymphoid structures in size, weakness, fatigue, and decreased resistance to infectious diseases.
Neoplastic processes with metastases. Clinical picture malignant neoplasms are determined by location and type primary tumor. Nonspecific symptoms - lack of weight gain, low-grade fever for a long time, fatigue, loss of appetite.

Important! Systemic enlargement of lymph nodes, including cervical ones, is observed in tuberculosis and HIV infections

Diagnostic tactics for enlarged cervical lymph nodes

If a child, during a clinical examination by a pediatrician or family doctor, shows signs of lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy, examination by specialized specialists is recommended:

An ENT doctor who will examine the areas of the nasopharynx and oropharynx in order to exclude sore throat, tonsillitis, etc.
A pediatric infectious disease specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of viral and bacterial diseases.
Phthisiatrician specializing in tuberculosis infection.
Surgeon - in case of purulent complications of the inflammatory process of lymphoid tissue.
An oncologist to exclude malignant neoplasms or, in case of verification, to select the optimal method of therapy.

The medical verdict and the prescription of adequate therapy are based on the results additional methods research. This is what they do during diagnosis for signs of lymphadenitis.

A general blood and urine test (general clinical examination) is prescribed.
A stool test is performed for worm eggs (general clinical examination).
A chest x-ray is recommended to exclude pathology of the lungs and mediastinum.
Conduct ultrasonography neck organs.
Sent for bacterioscopy and bacteriological culture Oropharyngeal swab to confirm bacterial infection.
Conduct laboratory tests serological tests to determine antibodies to viral pathogens.
They do a blood test for tumor markers.

The “gold standard” for confirming malignant neoplasms is the surgical removal of part of the tissue of the affected lymph node from a child for further laboratory research- biopsy.

Basic principles of treatment of cervical lymphadenitis

IN clinical practice methods are applied conservative therapy And surgical interventions when identifying enlarged lymph nodes in a child. A differential approach to treatment involves choosing an adequate method and pharmaceuticals depending on the pathology and individual characteristics child.

The main areas of therapy are identified:

Etiotropic (directed at the cause): antibacterial and antiviral agents.
Pathogenetic - which disrupt the mechanism of development of pathology: nonspecific anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids, diuretics.
Symptomatic - antipyretic, analgesic, lymphatic drainage.

Surgery is used if the child’s enlarged lymph nodes have signs of a purulent process, which must be drained or the affected organ must be completely removed.

Treatment of oncological pathology involves a combination radiation therapy, chemotherapy drugs and surgery depending on the type of tumor.