Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesCausesSymptomsDiagnosisTreatmentDoes Lymphadenitis Resolve on Its Own?Complications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment
Does Lymphadenitis Resolve on Its Own?
Complications
This article describes the symptoms and causes of lymphadenitis. It also explains how lymphadenitis is diagnosed and treated.
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What Is Lymphadenitis?
Lymph nodes are small kidney-shaped glands that are part of the lymphatic system. When they become inflamed and swollen (usually due to an infection), it results in a condition known as lymphadenitis.
Around 600 lymph nodes are scattered in clusters throughout the body, including under the arms (axillary), in the groin (inguinal), around the neck and jawline (cervical), and within the chest (mediastinal) and abdominal cavities (mesenteric).
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymphadenitis can be classified into two types:
Examples include:
Lymphadenitis vs. LymphadenopathyLymphadenitis refers to infection of the lymph nodes, whereas lymphadenopathy simply describes enlargement of the lymph nodes for any number of reasons.
Lymphadenitis vs. Lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenitis refers to infection of the lymph nodes, whereas lymphadenopathy simply describes enlargement of the lymph nodes for any number of reasons.
What Causes Lymphadenitis?
Lymph nodes are an important part of theimmune system, which protects the body against disease. They contain specialized white blood cells (lymphocytes) that filter substances, such as pathogens and cancer cells.
Swollen lymph nodes are typically found near the site of an infection, inflammation, or tumor. Persons are more likely to develop lymphadenitis either during or after an infection.
Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections can trigger an inflammatory response within the lymph node, causing it to become swollen. The gland itself can then become infected and spread infection to other lymph nodes within a matter of hours.
Lymphadenitis is a common condition in children.
What Are the Symptoms of Lymphadenitis?
Symptoms of lymphadenitis can vary depending on the underlying cause and nodes involved:
If anabscesshas formed, the gland may feel rubbery or mushy from the pus.
How Is Lymphadenitis Diagnosed?
Lymphadenitis is diagnosed based on symptoms, a physical examination, and tests. Your healthcare provider will palpate (feel) the glands to determine the location, size, and characteristics of the affected lymph nodes. They will want to know about things like recent travel you may have done, if you’ve had contact with a cat or other animals, or if you have a break in your skin.
This can suggest possible causes of the infection, which may be confirmed with the following tests:
How Is Lymphadenitis Treated?
Self-Treatment
To help relieve symptoms of lymph node inflammation, your healthcare provider may recommend certain home and over-the-counter remedies, such as:
Prescriptions
Abscess Draining
When a lymph node becomes infected, it may fill withpusand form an abscess. In such cases,abscess drainagemay be needed to to remove the pus. It is usually done in tandem with antibiotic therapy.
Surgery
Lymphadenitis is rarely treated with surgery. However, it may be done in some situations, particularly if there is cancer present or the cause of lymphadenitis is uncertain.Lymphadenectomy refers to the surgical removal of lymph nodes.
If left untreated, lymphadenitis can result in:
Children are more likely to develop complications from acute lymphadenitis if they:
Summary
Swollen glands are a common symptom of infection and warrant a call to your healthcare provider. When swollen glands turn painful, hard to the touch, red, or develop an abscess, it is a sign of an infection that may spread quickly without medical intervention. Lympadenitis can often be prevented with basic health hygiene and wound care (cleansing breaks in the skin and applying an antibacterial product).
Lumps on Your Neck
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Lymphadenitis.West H, Jin J.Lymph nodes and lymphadenopathy in cancer.JAMA Oncol.2016;2(7):971. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.3509Gaddey HL, Riegel AM.Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(11):896-903.Johns Hoppkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.Healy CM.Cervical lymphadenitis in children: Etiology and clinical manifestations.UpToDate.Long M, Reddy DN, Akiki S, Barrowman NJ, Zemek R.Paediatric acute lymphadenitis: Emergency department management and clinical course.Paediatrics & Child Health. 2020;25(8):534-542. doi:10.1093/pch/pxz125
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Lymphadenitis.West H, Jin J.Lymph nodes and lymphadenopathy in cancer.JAMA Oncol.2016;2(7):971. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.3509Gaddey HL, Riegel AM.Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(11):896-903.Johns Hoppkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.Healy CM.Cervical lymphadenitis in children: Etiology and clinical manifestations.UpToDate.Long M, Reddy DN, Akiki S, Barrowman NJ, Zemek R.Paediatric acute lymphadenitis: Emergency department management and clinical course.Paediatrics & Child Health. 2020;25(8):534-542. doi:10.1093/pch/pxz125
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Lymphadenitis.West H, Jin J.Lymph nodes and lymphadenopathy in cancer.JAMA Oncol.2016;2(7):971. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.3509Gaddey HL, Riegel AM.Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(11):896-903.Johns Hoppkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.Healy CM.Cervical lymphadenitis in children: Etiology and clinical manifestations.UpToDate.Long M, Reddy DN, Akiki S, Barrowman NJ, Zemek R.Paediatric acute lymphadenitis: Emergency department management and clinical course.Paediatrics & Child Health. 2020;25(8):534-542. doi:10.1093/pch/pxz125
U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Lymphadenitis.
West H, Jin J.Lymph nodes and lymphadenopathy in cancer.JAMA Oncol.2016;2(7):971. doi:10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.3509
Gaddey HL, Riegel AM.Unexplained lymphadenopathy: Evaluation and differential diagnosis.Am Fam Physician.2016;94(11):896-903.
Johns Hoppkins Medicine.Lymphadenitis.
Healy CM.Cervical lymphadenitis in children: Etiology and clinical manifestations.UpToDate.
Long M, Reddy DN, Akiki S, Barrowman NJ, Zemek R.Paediatric acute lymphadenitis: Emergency department management and clinical course.Paediatrics & Child Health. 2020;25(8):534-542. doi:10.1093/pch/pxz125
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