At some point in our lives, we may have experienced swollen lymph nodes. This manifestation is usually temporary and usually does not represent a severe problem. Even so, medical attention is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Lymph nodes can feel like small lumps in various body parts, such as the neck, groin, chest, abdomen, and armpits. These glands are essential for our body since they promote the immune response and act as filters for lymphatic fluid.
Swelling of the lymph nodes is known as lymphadenopathy, according to a Stat Pearls publication. Another name it receives is adenopathy or lymphadenitis.
It is usually associated with bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. In a few cases, they may reflect autoimmune diseases and tumor processes. Next, we will tell more about this topic.
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What function do the lymph nodes have?
The lymphatic system is an ordered network of capillaries, nodes, and lymphatic trunks, whose purpose is to direct the lymph from the interstitium to the blood, according to a study in the UIS Medicine journal.
Lymph is an ultrafiltrate of whitish blood plasma due to the absence of red blood cells and the presence of white blood cells and lipids. According to the National Cancer Institute, lymph nodes perform the following functions:
- They filter the lymph of foreign and harmful substances, such as bacteria.
- They produce white blood cells, such as lymphocytes and plasma cells, responsible for destroying foreign substances.
- They defend our immune system.
Why do swollen lymph nodes occur?
The lymph moves throughout the lymphatic system until it reaches the nodes, where antigens and foreign substances are presented and filtrated. In response, lymphoid cells proliferate and enlarge.
In the presence of abundant antigens or abnormal cells, there is elevated lymphoid proliferation, which causes stretching of the capsule that covers the nodes, according to a Stat Pearls publication. This causes inflammation of these small nodules and even increases sensitivity.
The result is lymphadenopathy. In most cases, this is localized and mainly compromises the ganglion chains in the head and neck. In a small group of people, lymphadenopathy is generalized.
Five causes of swollen lymph nodes
Ganglia can become inflamed for different reasons. As their primary function is to protect our immune system, they are susceptible to any change in the internal environment. Some causes of lymphadenopathy are the following:
1. Infectious processes
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infections by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and certain parasites.
A study from the Latin American Journal of Pediatric Infectious Diseases describes that viral infection of the upper respiratory tract is the main trigger of cervical lymphadenitis in children. Such is the case with the common cold, flu, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. Other causes include the following:
- dental abscesses
- Cellulitis.
- Sinusitis and otitis.
- Syphilis, HIV and chlamydia.
- Tuberculosis.
- Salmonellosis.
- Cytomegalovirus.
- Rubella and measles.
- Toxoplasmosis.
- Malaria and leishmaniasis.
- Cryptococcosis.
- Cat scratch disease.
2. Autoimmune diseases
Several autoimmune disorders can cause enlarged and swollen lymph nodes. According to Medicina Interna de México journal research, autoimmunity is an abnormal immune response directed against a self-antigen that generates harmful inflammatory processes.
Generalized lymphadenopathy may be the first manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, and its prevalence ranges from 25 to 50% of cases, according to a study by the Colombian Journal of Rheumatology. Other autoimmune diseases that produce this symptom are the following:
- Sarcoidosis.
- Amyloidosis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis.
3. Tumor conditions
Some neoplastic diseases can manifest with localized or generalized inflammation of the lymph nodes. This occurs for three reasons. The first is that lymphatic drainage is a route of dissemination and metastasis of almost all types of cancer.
Second, the lymphoid cells themselves can multiply abnormally and give rise to tumors. In addition, lymphadenopathy also appears in response to malignant cells in the blood. Thus, neoplasms such as lymphoma, leukemia, metastatic cancer, and head and neck cancers are causes of lymphadenopathy.
A study in the journal Iatreia indicates that the clinical picture of people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma is characterized by generalized lymphadenopathy of variable size located in the preauricular, cervical, submental, epitrochlear, and bilateral axillary areas.
Although it is true that the word “tumor” can scare, in many cases, it is about treatable and curable diseases. This is why any change or symptom of inflammation always requires early professional assessment.
4. Lymphoproliferative disorders
Lymphoproliferative pathologies, such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), can also manifest with enlargement of the lymph nodes.
In this sense, HLH constitutes a rare and severe hyperinflammatory syndrome produced by the aberrant activation of macrophages and cytotoxic T-cells, according to a study in the Journal of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Córdoba. Infectious, autoimmune, or neoplastic diseases can generally trigger it.
5. Medications
Swollen lymph nodes are among the side effects of certain groups of drugs. It is a rare manifestation that occurs in a small population group. Some of the medications associated with lymphadenopathy are the following:
- Allopurinol.
- Carbamazepine.
- Hydralazine.
- Phenytoin.
- Captopril.
- Atenolol.
- Cephalosporins and penicillin.
- Sulfonamides.
Symptoms of lymphadenopathy
The characteristic symptom of lymphadenopathy is the presence of small lumps or nodules in the neck, behind the ears, in the armpits, or the groin.
A lymph node is considered to be enlarged when it is more significant than 1 centimeter. However, inguinal nodes are considered pathological when more critical than 2 centimeters, and epitrochlear nodes when they measure more than 0.5 centimeters. Similarly, the following symptoms are common:
- Pain on palpation.
- Discomfort when moving
- Swelling.
- The feeling of occupation.
In addition, it is common for swollen lymph nodes to be accompanied by fever, chills, vomiting, and general malaise in infectious processes. In some people, these become inflamed in a generalized way throughout the body, which could indicate an autoimmune process or a tumor disease.
Medical evaluation of lymphadenopathy
The health professional is only qualified to conduct a comprehensive assessment and provide a timely diagnosis. In general, the doctor considers the following questions:
- Have you had a cold or the flu?
- Where do you have the swollen ganglion? Neck, armpit, groin?
- When did you start noticing it? Was it suddenly, or did it grow little by little?
- Do you feel pain?
- Have you had previous illnesses?
- Do you take medication?
- Have you been on a trip recently?
- Have you lost weight?
Palpation of lymph nodes
When lymph nodes are swelling, experts consider various features during palpation. Among them, the following:
- Size. It is the most critical data. Generally, if the node is between 1 and 1.5 centimeters, it is considered benign. Any swollen node more significant than 4 centimeters requires a thorough evaluation.
- Consistency. In most cases, soft, smooth nodes suggest an infection. Complex and irregular nodes are usually a sign of a more complex pathology.
- Mobility. The doctor can determine its mobility by taking the ganglion between the fingers. The less mobile the node, the greater the suspicion that a malignant process is progressing.
- Pain. Pain does not provide obvious information. However, the usual thing is that if the inflamed ganglion hurts, it corresponds to a benign process.
- Location. In infections, the presence of bilateral lymphadenopathy is familiar. In tumor processes, they are usually isolated nodes.
Treatment for swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes usually return to normal when the underlying cause is resolved. Viral infections receive only symptomatic treatment to relieve pain and discomfort. However, those caused by bacteria warrant the use of antibiotics.
Immune disorders should be evaluated more carefully since they all have specific treatments. In addition, neoplasms must be controlled by a multidisciplinary medical team since treatment may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
General measures also help alleviate symptoms while the underlying problem is resolved. Some people get relief by applying cold compresses to swollen glands. The intake of pain relievers and adequate rest are also practical measures.
Some associated complications
Inflamed nodes, resulting from infectious processes, can form abscesses if they are not diagnosed and treated on time. These swellings contain much pus inside of bacteria, devitalized tissue, and white blood cells. They are usually treated by surgical drainage and antibiotics.
On the other hand, some nodes can continue to grow in the case of tumor pathologies, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They usually compress neighboring structures and organs, requiring specialized treatment.
When to seek medical attention?
As already mentioned, the swelling of the lymph nodes disappears by correcting the cause. However, some signs should motivate a medical consultation as soon as possible, among which the following stand out:
- Appearance for no apparent reason.
- They increase in size steadily for several days.
- Duration greater than or equal to 4 weeks.
- They feel hard to the touch or don’t move when you press on them.
- They are accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- They are associated with persistent fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
How to take care of the lymphatic system?
One of the keys to preventing swollen lymph nodes is, without a doubt, strengthening our immune system. For this, it is advisable to follow the following recommendations:
- Practice physical exercise regularly. Exercising at least 45 minutes daily, 2 to 3 times a week, is recommended. A study published in the journal ARS Médica describes that physical activity sessions of moderate or vigorous intensity, lasting between 40 to 60 minutes, stimulate and enhance the activity of the immune system.
- Reduce stressful activities. According to research from Molecular & Cellular Oncology, chronic stress drives the lymphatic progression of cancer, associated with a remodeling of the lymphatic vasculature and increased lymphatic flow. In this sense, it is recommended to avoid situations that cause sustained stress and perform anti-stress activities, such as yoga or Pilates.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. Chronic and sustained alcohol intake alters the immune system and increases susceptibility to inflammation and infections, according to a publication in the American Journal of Physiology. Therefore, experts advise a moderate consumption of this substance.
- Limit or decrease smoking. A study by Oncotarget describes that smoking is associated with alterations in the development and function of immune cells. For this reason, reducing or avoiding daily cigarette consumption is a crucial strategy to limit its adverse effects in the medium and long term.
In addition, essential nutrients are obtained through food for the assembly and functioning of the lymphatic and immune systems. Therefore, it is advisable to consume daily foods rich in:
- Vitamin C. According to a review, it is an essential nutrient to protect the immune system. You can find it in citrus fruits, kiwis, strawberries, mangoes, and tomatoes.
- Vitamin E. According to an article in the Sultan Qaboos University medical journal, its antioxidant power and stimulation of red blood cells stand out among its benefits. It is present in most fruits and green leafy vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach; in some seeds, such as soybeans and sesame; and in the egg yolk.
- Betacarotenes. They are an excellent source of vitamin A and antioxidants; they fight against free radicals and strengthen our defenses. We will find them in carrots, corn, watermelon, cabbage, beets, pumpkin, asparagus, and apricots.
- Selenium and zinc. These minerals help the body produce more protein and directly benefit the immune system. They are found in whole grains, nuts, oats, shellfish, soybeans, etc.
Lymphadenopathy should not be underestimated
As you can see, there are many causes of swollen lymph nodes. In general, they are due to infectious processes and disappear quickly. However, the presence of lymphadenopathy could also indicate a more severe disease. Therefore, a professional assessment is crucial for timely treatment. If you have any questions, consult your trusted doctor.