Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit in women. Inflamed lymph nodes under the arm - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

R59 Enlarged lymph nodes

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits

In some cases, the lymph nodes under the arms can increase due to allergies, which can even develop into anaphylaxis. Moreover, in addition to this symptom, the patient may also experience vomiting with a runny nose, swelling on the face and urticaria.

In addition, the development of furunculosis can be the cause of inflammation, and it, in turn, is considered a sign of hormonal imbalance. A change in the size of the lymph nodes can also occur due to inflammation of the axillary hair follicles or due to the spread of the infectious process from the mammary gland.

The most dangerous cause of the increase is oncological pathologies - cancer of the lymph nodes or breast.

Pathogenesis

Lymph nodes located in the axillary region can increase due to the development of disease processes in the neck, chest, upper limbs, and also the mammary gland. This happens due to the fact that their main function is protective - the lymph nodes act as a biological barrier that prevents the penetration of infections.

Inside them, the production of lymphocytes and antibodies occurs. They prevent the penetration of various foreign elements (bacteria, as well as viruses with toxins) into the blood. In addition, they contribute to the destruction of tumor cells. Through the bringing vessels, lymph from organs and tissues enters them - here it is cleansed. Along with this, a part of the lymph is deposited in the lymph nodes, as well as the redistribution of fluid between the bloodstream and the lymph.

Through the efferent vessels from the lymph node, lymphocytes are delivered to the area of inflammation, which help to destroy foreign proteins.

An increase in the axillary lymph node indicates that its activity has increased - it fights infection and other pathogens that have entered the body. Lymph nodes help to remove them from the lymph, reacting to any element foreign to the body.

Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits

You can identify the development of a violation by the presence of the following symptoms:

at first, reddening of the skin occurs over the area on which the lymph node is located;
on palpation of this area, discomfort is felt;
in the case of a strong inflammatory process, this area becomes painful;
the temperature rises;
work with hands causes a feeling of sharp weakness;
nausea appears;
palpation of the lymph nodes allows you to feel their pulsation.

Symptoms of the inflammatory process in the axillary lymph nodes are most noticeable in the case of the development of a purulent form. At first, the temperature rises slightly, and then the fever begins and chills appear. The main danger of such a process is that, in this case, purulent foci can also occur in other organs.

Enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits in women

For women, inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes with their subsequent increase is a very dangerous symptom - this may be the first sign of the development of breast cancer.

Enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits with mastopathy

Approximately 10% of women with mastopathy have an increase in lymph nodes in the armpits. In this case, pain is felt, which has a different severity.

Enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits of pregnancy

During pregnancy, the woman's immune system becomes less active - this is necessary to protect the fetus from aggressive effects. But because of this, immunity is weakened, which allows bacteria and viruses to more easily enter the body, provoking the development of inflammation, as well as colds. Therefore, during pregnancy, lymphadenitis usually occurs as a complication of a cold or infection.

But the development of this problem can be caused not only by infection - during pregnancy, a woman's body is restructured: her hormonal background changes, there are weak reactions to the protein of the fetus and placenta that enter the circulatory system, and the development of the mammary glands occurs. In some cases, this is what causes the enlargement of the lymph nodes in the armpit. Most of these changes disappear after a few days.

In addition, a slight increase in lymph nodes is possible in case of a woman's sensitivity to cosmetics (such as deodorants, hair dye, as well as depilatory creams, etc.) or household chemicals, because the body of a pregnant woman may give an inadequate reaction to previously familiar funds.

Enlargement of lymph nodes under the armpits before menstruation

Most women experience the phenomenon of PMS, which is caused by the work of hormones (progesterone, as well as estrogen). The impact of these substances on the body of a woman in this period is manifested as follows:

Breast swelling occurs, as a result of which the lobules increase, becoming sensitive. At the same time, the axillary lymph nodes hurt due to the fact that it is in this area that the duct is located, which connects them to the clavicular region. Due to the expansion of the lobules of the mammary glands, the pressure on this duct and nerve endings increases - therefore, pain occurs, which is mainly aching in nature (it is not very noticeable, but it still brings some discomfort). In some cases, it appears only when moving the hands (when lifting them up), but sometimes it can be felt all the time. Often, the severity of pain depends on the age of the woman, increasing with the approach of menopause;
Exacerbation of chronic pathologies, and they may not necessarily be gynecological - sometimes diseases of other organs also have an impact. Since during PMS there is a decrease in immunity, as a result of which the number of pathogenic microbes in the body increases - that is why the axillary lymph nodes can increase, because the protective system is forced to work more intensively;
Violation of the process of lymph outflow, which is caused by tissue edema and fluid retention in the space between cells (in the area of the mammary glands, including). As a result, the axillary lymph nodes swell and begin to hurt. In this case, they can be probed independently.

Enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits in children

Axillary lymph nodes in children can increase due to the development of various diseases, and in addition, as a result of severe damage to the skin on the arms and shoulders.

Most often, the inflammatory process develops as a result of the so-called "cat scratch syndrome". The medical name is benign lymphoreticulosis. The disease proceeds as follows: some time after the cat scratched the child, the lymph node closest to the place of the scratch begins to inflame, which takes on the infection that has entered the body.

In this case, you should immediately treat the scratch site with iodine or green paint, and then carefully monitor the child's well-being.

Complications and consequences

A complication of this disease can be the movement of inflammation to neighboring organs and tissues, as a result of which the infection begins to spread further throughout the body, which can lead to intoxication. The consequence of this may be blood poisoning, and in addition to this, inflammation of the veins, as well as a disorder of the lymphatic drainage. After that, a scar remains at the site of the damaged lymph node, and the process is irreversible.

Also, suppuration may begin in the inflamed lymph node, which is an even more life-threatening process for the patient. Suppuration can move to nearby tissues, and, since the infection moves through the body very quickly through the lymphatic system, even death is possible.

Diagnosis of enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits

An increase in axillary lymph nodes can be diagnosed visually, and besides this, with the help of palpation. Usually the diagnosis in this case is done in this way.

In the process of diagnosis, urine and blood tests should be taken, and in addition, additional blood for HIV and syphilis. Also, the patient must pass serological samples. If a malignant tumor is suspected, a puncture is taken from the lymph node, and then a histological examination is performed. If tuberculosis is suspected, a sputum test is performed and a Mantoux test is taken.

Treatment of swollen lymph nodes under the armpits

Treatment for this disease is aimed at the rapid relief of the inflammatory process, which causes an increase in the axillary lymph nodes. Only after the infection is eliminated, the lymph nodes acquire a natural size. Thus, with the development of inflammation of the lymph nodes, the cause of this process should be eliminated as quickly as possible.

Medications

For rapid resorption of the tumor, you can use chloroethyl (spray). This procedure should be combined with the application of compresses with troxevasin, petroleum jelly, and heparin emulsion.

In the case of a bacterial infection that provokes an increase in axillary lymph nodes, antibacterial drugs should be used in the form of injections (im) or tablets. The duration of the treatment course in this case depends on the severity of the disease. Antiviral drugs - cogacel, rimantadine, etc.; antibiotics - amoxil or amoxicillin, and with a more severe degree of inflammation - ethionamide, etc.

Auxiliary means in this case are vitamins, as well as immunomodulators.

vitamins

As an additional treatment, vitamin C should be taken.

It is found in large quantities in cabbage, as well as citrus fruits.

This substance allows you to speed up the biochemical reactions that occur in the body. Vitamin C should be consumed 3 times a day (at a dose of 250 mg). The daily dosage should not exceed 1000 mg.

Physiotherapy treatment

The effectiveness of treatment can be increased with the help of physiotherapy - electrophoresis procedures, as well as ultrasound, and in addition, the use of ointments and compresses that help stop inflammation.

Alternative treatment

There are several methods of folk treatment of this disease.

Echinacea preparations are commonly used as non-specific immunomodulatory agents. Studies using oral administration of echinacea have shown that dry powder or alcoholic extract of E. purpurea root can stimulate spleen T cell proliferation and NK cell cytotoxicity. To do this, take 0.5 teaspoon of echinacea, diluting it in a quarter cup with plain water.

Herbal anti-inflammatory collection is also quite effective - from a mixture (in equal proportions) of wormwood, calendula, elderberry, lavender, and also currant leaves. It takes 2 tablespoons of this collection - pour them with boiling water (1 l) and leave to infuse in a thermos overnight. Then it should be filtered and drunk throughout the day (in this case, it is recommended to prepare the tincture in the evening). The treatment course usually lasts about 1.5-2 months.

Freshly squeezed aloe juice should be mixed with honey, as well as red wine (the same proportions), and then infused for a week. You need to use the finished tincture 30 minutes before meals, 1 tablespoon.

Calendula, which helps to remove pathogenic microorganisms from the lymph. Dried flowers of this plant should be poured with hot water, and then cover the container with a lid and infuse for 1 hour. You need to drink tincture about 4 times a day (before meals). The treatment course lasts a maximum of 7-10 days.

With soreness of the enlarged lymph nodes, you can use compresses from various ingredients (mistletoe leaves, mint, or walnuts), which should be prepared immediately before treating the inflamed area. They should be left on the skin for at least 2 hours, and for a better effect, you can cover the compress with polyethylene and fix it with a plaster or bandage.

Mint can be applied to the site of inflammation and in its pure form. Walnut leaves should be infused in vodka for 3 days (ratio: 150 g of vodka or alcohol and 3 tablespoons of leaves). Mistletoe leaves should be infused in hot water or boiled in a water bath.

Calendula flowers with tansy - their mixture should be crushed, mixed, and then poured with water (recommended filtered or boiled), cover the container and keep for 4 hours in a dark place. After that, strain and drink before meals (for 20 minutes), at least 3 times a day.

Freshly squeezed beetroot juice should be separated from the foam, and then kept in the refrigerator for 5 hours. It is necessary to drink juice before eating 0.5 cups - for 1 week. To improve the taste, it is allowed to add carrot juice to the drink.

You can also pour 2 garlic heads with a liter of filtered water and leave for 3 days. It is necessary to take tincture 3 times a day (in dessert spoons, 1 each).

Medicines such as dimexide and ichthyol ointment as part of complex treatment help to reduce the feeling of discomfort, especially with severe pain due to an enlarged axillary lymph node.

Surgery

In the absence of timely treatment, a purulent process may begin in the inflamed lymph node. In this case, surgery is required to remove the accumulated pus. During the procedure, a drain is installed for the patient to drain pus through it. They take it off after a week.

Prevention

To prevent an increase in axillary lymph nodes, some rules should be followed. General recommendations include:

monitor personal hygiene - this will help to avoid the development of inflammation;
regulate sweating - in addition to a genetic predisposition, this indicator is also affected by overweight and the consumption of a large amount of spices with spices;
regularly undergo medical examinations and timely seek help from specialists in case of illness - early diagnosis contributes to more effective and faster treatment;
do not self-medicate - trying to open or squeeze out the contents of enlarged lymph nodes yourself or carry out warming procedures can be fraught with the development of various complications and the transition of the disease to a chronic form;
underarm care products must be used correctly, as well as monitor their quality. You should not apply antiperspirant to hot skin, use low-quality or expired deodorants - to avoid irritation, swelling or the development of allergies;
depilation should be carried out carefully, and also do not use other people's products and razors - this can lead to infection;
monitor your health, avoiding seasonal infectious or viral diseases that can cause complications;
keep the immune system in good condition;
follow the schedule and daily routine;
do not abuse alcohol and smoking.

At the risk of certain diseases that are accompanied by an increase in axillary lymph nodes, the following special recommendations should be followed.

Lymph nodes are important organs of the human immune system. This is a kind of filter, a barrier to harmful viruses and bacteria, they do not participate in the formation of cells. In the normal state, the location of such nodes is barely noticeable. A person may not even know that they exist. But if the lymph node under the arm suddenly becomes inflamed, this may indicate the presence of a disease in nearby organs. With sudden movements and pressure, a person will experience acute pain. This means it's time to see a doctor.

What does a lump under the arm mean

A bump or ball under the arm is a hard seal, which, as a rule, always brings an unpleasant painful sensation. An increase in the lymph nodes under the arms is due to wearing tight uncomfortable underwear, non-compliance with hygiene rules, a cut with a razor. In addition, the bump under the arm hurts as a result of a weakened immune system after a severe infectious disease. Axillary lymph nodes can still increase due to inflammation of the mammary glands or due to profuse sweating.

Symptoms in women and men

Pain under the arm can be sharp. In this case, inflammation of the lymph nodes often develops slowly. First, a small lump the size of a pea appears in a person, and pain appears on palpation. The skin becomes red and hot. If measures are not taken in a timely manner, then the patient's lymph nodes can swell strongly, the temperature rises sharply. As a rule, women and men have the same symptoms if the inflammation is caused by lymphadenitis:

weight loss;
skin redness;
an abscess may pop out;
armpit hurts when pressed;
can shoot at the swollen area on the left or right.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm does not always accompany pain. The appearance of this symptom depends on the internal cause that provoked the compaction: if the lymph nodes under the arm are inflamed in a patient with tuberculosis, syphilis, then there will be no strong burning sensations. Discomfort will not be felt by a person whose lymph nodes have increased as a result of an oncological disease (cancer, sarcoma).

Enlarged lymph nodes

In a healthy state, the lymph nodes under the arm do not bother. If they begin to become inflamed, become large, pain is felt, there is swelling - it means that the process of infection in the body has begun. You can not ignore these signs and self-medicate. You need to see a doctor for advice. Thickening under the arm in women often occurs as a result of certain diseases, such as:

rubella;
flu;
toxoplasmosis;
mononucleosis;
adenovirus infections.

Sore lymph node and armpit pain

A common cause of armpit pain is a sprain. Discomfort can still occur as a result of problems with the mammary glands, breast surgery. The cyclic nature of the pain occurs due to mastalgia, which appears before menstruation. The occurrence of discomfort in the armpits contributes to an allergy to deodorant, as well as the appearance of a pimple or boil. Such an abscess can break through at any moment. After it, an ugly scar may remain.

red spot

The red spot under the arm appears in the form of a rounded shape, and not immediately a bright shade, at first a brick color is observed. For comparison, you can see photos of such spots. They are not always smooth to the touch - sometimes you can see small scales. As a rule, red spots disappear after a person begins to perform a set of hygiene procedures. The reasons for this appearance of spots under the armpits:

irritation after shaving;
skin reaction to sunlight;
wearing uncomfortable clothes;
change of personal hygiene products (shampoo, soap, razor);
strong sweating.

Causes of compaction

Common causes of tightness under the armpit:

abuse of deodorants, which are designed to get rid of sweat;
rough shaving;
in a child - due to wearing uncomfortable, tight clothes;
skin damage;
physical activity, increased sweating, inaccessibility of taking a bath leads to the growth of microorganisms that cause inflammation;
inflammation of the sweat glands and inflammation of the follicles are manifested by acute pain: complications can occur in the form of fever and the formation of an abscess;
an allergic reaction to certain medications.

What to do with swelling under the armpit

To get rid of a swollen bump under the arm, you need to understand the root cause of its appearance. If it arose as a result of unsuccessful epilation, it is only necessary to apply treatment with antiseptics. You can use the old folk method - to make a mesh of iodine on the armpit area. If the seal appeared after using the antiperspirant, you need to discard it, and treat the skin with alcohol. You can also use special ointments with antibiotics. Echinacea tincture on alcohol is effective in combating such neoplasms.

Lymph nodes in the human body play an important role. They are the basis of the immune system and are actively involved in cleansing the body of bacteria, viruses, and bad (cancer) cells. In the human body, there are more than a hundred such nodes. However, sometimes they become painful and take the form of bumps. This suggests that inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm, on the neck, or in the groin has begun. More about the causes of this process in women and men and its symptoms, as well as ways to eliminate it, will be discussed in this article.

Symptoms and causes in women

Women are more susceptible to inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits. And they should be extremely careful about this - immediately contact the doctor as soon as they notice painful bumps in themselves.

Provoke inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes in women can be several different factors, which include:

Diseases that weaken the immune system and overload the lymphatic system - acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, as well as chronic diseases;
Changes occurring in the structure of the mammary glands, the formation of fibroids, cysts or cancer cells;
Microtrauma of sensitive skin in the armpits, contributing to the ingestion of a bacterial infection;
External irritation leading to inflammatory processes in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles;
Purulent inflammation that develops in the sweat glands leads to hidradenitis - their blockage and the appearance of seals in the armpits.

The factors listed above provoke the formation of inflammatory foci near the lymph nodes, because of which their condition becomes worse. However, not in every case, the seal that appears in the armpit is an enlargement of the lymph node. In order not to be mistaken, it is necessary to navigate the symptoms that are characteristic of the inflammatory process:

Soreness in the armpit, aggravated by pressure;
Redness or swelling of the skin on one or both sides;
Sluggish state, severe weakness;
Elevated body temperature, characterized by resistance.

An inflamed lymph node is outwardly easily distinguishable from wen, boils, hidradenitis and folliculosis, since it is a painful red bump the size of a walnut, hard or soft to the touch.

As for the other named formations, then:

A wen is a soft formation under the skin, without redness and soreness.
A furuncle is a red-violet abscess, the diameter of which does not exceed 2 cm.
Hidradenitis is a large lump, accompanied at the initial stage by itching, and dense to the touch.
Folliculosis is a skin rash that consists of small red inflammations.

As it turned out, it is not so difficult to independently determine the inflammation of the lymph nodes, but only a specialist can identify the causes and correctly cure it.

Symptoms and causes in men

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in men in most cases is diagnosed only at the moment when it already causes a feeling of discomfort, and the disease moves to another stage, more severe.

Since male follicles are larger in size and the skin of men is oilier, they sweat more than women, as a result, abscesses appear on their skin. In addition, in the process of shaving the armpits, men are more likely to injure the skin. One way or another, but the appearance of pain in the armpits may indicate an ongoing inflammation in the organs located next to them. Lymph nodes in men can become inflamed for various reasons, the main of which are:

SARS, influenza, purulent tonsillitis;
Blockage of sweat glands;
Poisoning of the body;
folliculitis;
Purulent lesion of the skin;
Reduced immunity at certain times of the year;
Bursitis of the shoulder, wrist and elbow joints;
thrombophlebitis;
Oncology;
Excessive sweating.

The nodes themselves increase in size gradually, therefore, the symptoms of a developing disease appear with a delay. That is why men turn to a specialist already at the moment when the disease goes into a difficult stage.

The occurrence of weakness;
Persistent rise in temperature;
Headache;
Chills;
Redness in the armpits;
Pain when pressing on the lymph node;
Pain that appears when moving the hand;
It is impossible to sleep on the side where there is inflammation.

With a rise in body temperature over 38 ° C, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, purulent inflammation can be suspected. In this case, the patient needs urgent help from specialists to prevent the development of lymphadenitis, which will be much more difficult to cure and will take more time.

How to relieve inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm

If the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, then before you understand how to remove it, you will need to make an accurate diagnosis and identify the nature of the disease. This is important because acute, purulent, chronic, local, generalized, specific and nonspecific lymphadenitis are treated differently. If an infection is present in the patient's body, then he will have to take tests and undergo an ultrasound scan to reveal the full clinical picture and select the most effective therapeutic method.

It is easy to relieve inflammation with the help of physiotherapy methods. The most effective of them are UHF-therapy and electrophoresis. They bring the lymph flow back to normal and restore the functions of the lymphoid tissue. Excellent results are achieved with electrophoresis using heparin. From this, the pain syndrome decreases, the functioning of the lymphatic system improves and the production of blood cells is activated.

UHF therapy is indicated for lymphadenitis, which is in the stage of inflammation, as well as for the rehabilitation of the patient after surgery. This method relieves inflammation and activates the immune forces of the human body. Thanks to UHF exposure, microcirculation in the inflamed area improves and damaged tissues begin to recover. The healing process itself is accelerated, and the risk of re-infection is minimized.

How to treat

After the patient has been examined, a treatment regimen will be drawn up for him, the purpose of which is to suppress the primary source of the inflammatory process. For a while, while the treatment will last, the patient will have to moderate his physical activity and take medications that the doctor will prescribe.

Axillary lymphadenitis is treated with:

Treatment at home

You can supplement the main course of treatment with alternative methods of treating inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm at home. It is only important to discuss this point with your doctor first.

Echinacea is very popular, which helps to strengthen the body's defenses, activates the immune system, and has a beneficial effect on the general condition of a person. The tincture from it is suitable for:

Reception inside. 10 drops of tincture are diluted in 100 ml of water and taken in 0.5 tsp. L. Three times a day.
Compresses. Mix 1 part tincture with 2 parts water. The finished solution is wetted with gauze and applied to the inflamed lymph nodes.

Calendula has proven itself well, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Lotions are made from tincture diluted in water, compresses are made from decoctions for the whole night, and from infusions prepared from dried flowers of calendula and tansy - a remedy for ingestion before meals three times a day.

To eliminate redness and swelling, you can prepare compresses from:

Onions baked in the oven. Make a puree out of it and pour pharmaceutical tar into it (1 tbsp. L.). Apply gruel on gauze, apply to the sore spot for at least 8 hours.
Alcoholic tincture of walnut leaves. The leaves are poured with alcohol and left for 5 days to infuse. Ready tincture is used for compresses all night.

Which doctor to contact

If inflammation of the lymph node occurs, it is better to trust the doctor than to be treated on your own. Many people ask themselves: what kind of doctor to make an appointment with such a problem? Always start with a therapist. He will issue a referral for the delivery of the necessary tests, which will help to identify whether the inflammatory process is a consequence of an infectious disease, or if something more serious has become the cause. Additionally, the therapist can refer to the delivery of tests for tumor markers, ultrasound and mammography.

Next, you should go to the surgeon, who examines the inflammation to see if surgery is necessary or you can do without it.

An oncologist will be needed if, with an inflamed lymph node, the patient feels tired, he is pale, with shortness of breath and lack of appetite. This doctor will help to detect a malignant tumor in a timely manner or to refute its presence.

Since the lymph nodes become inflamed for various reasons, the course of therapy in each case will be specific. If in one case it will be possible to get by with vitamins and immunostimulants, then in another case, the patient can be cured only with antibiotics. But in any case, it is very important to increase immunity, because it is interconnected with the human lymphatic system.

Surgery

In most cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes can be treated conservatively. But it happens that you can not do without surgical intervention. We are talking about purulent lymphadenitis. If diagnosed, then an operation is required urgently. Having opened the abscess, exudate is released from it, the wound is cleaned with antiseptic solutions, and drainage is placed in the diseased node to bring out the purulent substance.

Another disease in which surgery is indicated is a malignant tumor of the lymph nodes. Complete removal of the diseased node is carried out, and patients are treated with special anti-cancer medicines.

The lymphatic system permeates the entire human body and takes the hit in any disease. In certain places there are entire accumulations of lymphoid tissue, in which pathogenic microorganisms are “processed”. The lymph node under the armpit is one of them.

Localization of lymph nodes

Before talking about inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes, you need to figure out where they are. In the armpit there is a whole lymph center, which includes several lymph nodes of approximately the same size. All of them are located directly in the armpit or next to it. With age, the lymphoid tissue of individual formations grows together, and the lymph center turns into one large axillary lymph node.

Armpit lymph nodes collect lymph from the shoulders, part of the chest, upper abdomen. In women, the area of \u200b\u200bthe mammary glands is added to this list. In addition, they are associated with the ulnar lymph nodes. Here the lymph from the forelimbs is collected.

The size of the lymph nodes is normal - from 7 to 13 mm. Like all peripheral, axillary lymphatic glands can be palpated and not in an enlarged state.

The main causes of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes

Lymphatic formations increase if any diseases and infectious bacteria, their waste products, toxins penetrate into the axillary lymph nodes. More information in the review

Why are the lymph nodes under the armpits inflamed:

infections of viral and bacterial origin;
diseases of the oral cavity;
thrombophlebitis;
putrefactive skin diseases of the forelimbs;
diseases of the upper respiratory tract;
inflammation of the hair follicles;
damage to the skin in the armpit;
allergy;
diseases of the mammary glands and ovaries in women.

These are the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpits.

However, an increase in axillary lymph nodes should not always be considered a problem. Sometimes the reason for this may be their overly active work. In this case, there is no pain. You will find about painful lymph nodes in the armpits in the review

Symptoms

There are two types of axillary lymphadenitis: non-purulent and purulent.

With non-purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes, the patient has the following symptoms:

discomfort during movement;
enlarged lymph nodes;
mild pain on palpation;
slight redness.

Surgical intervention

Such categorical measures are required for purulent course of lymphadenitis. In some cases, it is necessary for inflammation of the axillary lymph node caused by tuberculosis. More details about the treatment of lymphadenitis caused by tuberculosis are discussed in a separate review: ““.

Local anesthesia may be given during the operation. However, this is a rarity: most often it is done only to small children.

The lymph node is opened with a sterile scalpel, and the purulent contents are removed along with the affected tissues. After removing the focus of inflammation, the wound is washed and a drain is installed to release the newly formed fluid. Put on a bandage. After a week, the drain is removed.

Physiotherapy treatment of axillary lymphadenitis

Appointed as ancillary measures. The following methods are used:

UHF therapy

The duration of the procedure is 7-15 minutes. It is prescribed for intoxication of the body.

ultraviolet irradiation

Has an anti-inflammatory effect. Assign a course of 4-5 sessions.

laser therapy

Gives an analgesic effect, reduces inflammation, increases blood flow in the irradiated area.

fluctuating

Treatment with sinusoidal alternating current. With lymphadenitis, it is served in medium and large doses. The course is 4-5 sessions lasting 7-10 minutes.

ultrasound therapy

Promotes the resorption of the fluid inside the node. Assign a course of 8-10 daily sessions lasting up to 7 minutes.

Lymph node under the armpit: treatment at home

They mainly use the methods of traditional medicine.

The most popular is echinacea tincture, which is used both externally and internally. It is used externally as a compress. The drug is mixed with water in a ratio of 1:2. A clean cloth or gauze is moistened in the resulting solution and applied to the inflamed lymph node.

Inside take 10 drops, spreading them in a glass of warm water. The frequency of admission is 3-4 times a day. With increasing concentration, the frequency of administration is reduced.

Calendula infusion is used to eliminate inflammation. A tablespoon of raw materials is poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted for 2 hours. Drink 3-4 times a day before meals. Also, on the basis of calendula infusion, compresses are made, which are applied to the enlarged lymph node, fixed and kept overnight.

In addition to herbal infusions, heating of the inflamed area is used. The heated sand is placed in a cloth bag and applied to the armpit for 20 minutes. Due to the increase in temperature, the vessels expand, blood flow improves, and the lymph liquefies. After the procedure, the lymph node is kept warm to avoid hypothermia.

An increase in the lymph nodes under the arms is observed with a large number of diseases. Most often we are talking about bacterial or viral infections, oncological and autoimmune processes. is the most important component of the protective functions of the body, so it is necessary to pay special attention to its condition.

What are they for and how do they work? They are the "biological filter" of our body. Lymph flows through the data, carrying immune cells from internal organs and tissues. With them, viruses and bacteria penetrate into the lymphatic structures, which in one way or another have entered the body. In the lymph nodes, they are disinfected and destroyed.

If we talk about, then these structures are responsible for the state of the mammary glands, and. That is why with their increase we are talking about the development of the pathological process in this area.

Differentiation

Enlarged lymph nodes under the arm can occur against the background of the following diseases:

Lipoma. The formation of a benign nature, which consists of adipose tissue. The tumor is mobile and soft. It is not soldered to the skin and is not painful when pressed.
Hydradenitis. Inflammatory process in the sweat glands. In this case, there is a pronounced pain syndrome and an inflammatory process.
Atheroma. Intradermal formation is benign and has nothing to do with the defeat of the lymphatic system.

Only a specialist from the field of medicine can make an accurate diagnosis after a comprehensive examination. It is difficult to independently determine what kind of disease we are talking about.

Classification

Lymphadenopathy (lymph nodes under the armpits) is more often diagnosed in women than in men. Similar processes in the body can be inflammatory and non-inflammatory in nature. Depending on this, treatment is prescribed.

If , then we can talk about a specific or non-specific process. In the second case, the pathogens are similar to those in streptococcal, staphylococcal and viral infections. A specific process occurs when pathological microorganisms enter the body, which cause plague, tuberculosis and syphilis.

It can occur in acute and chronic form. In the first case, we are talking about a pronounced clinical picture. When the skin over the formation is redder and the local temperature rises. In this case, there is a pain syndrome. In the chronic form, the symptoms are hidden.

Reasons for development

An increase in the axillary lymph nodes is, but a manifestation of the pathology in the body. Treatment in this case is aimed primarily at eliminating the underlying cause. The size of healthy lymph nodes is 0.5-1.0 cm. They are painless, mobile and not soldered to each other.

The causes of enlarged lymph nodes are divided into two main groups.

1. Inflammatory:

General viral infection (chicken pox, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus, etc.). Changes are insignificant: the pain is not pronounced, adhesive processes are not observed. After the elimination of the viral infection, after a certain period of time (1-2 weeks), recovery occurs by itself. No additional measures need to be taken.
Infectious process in the upper limbs (wounds, cat scratch disease, panaritiums, etc.). Lymph nodes in this case perform a barrier function, preventing infection from entering the general circulation. An increase is observed only on the side on which the focus is located. Pathological disorders in the body are accompanied by inflammation of the vascular structures in the area of the lymph nodes - lymphangitis. Treatment consists in the conduct of surgery to cleanse the infected soft tissues of the upper limb. Antibiotics are mandatory.
Carbuncle or furuncle. Characterized by the presence of inflammation in the region of the hair follicles. From the focus, bacteria penetrate into the lymph flow and are retained by "filters", which is accompanied by their increase. Treatment is carried out by opening the abscess and sanitation. After eliminating the underlying cause, the general condition of the body returns to normal.

2. Non-inflammatory:

Sarcoidosis. A systemic disease is accompanied by damage to the lymphatic system in several areas at the same time. At the same time, dysfunctions of the liver and lungs are observed. In rare cases, the skin and eyes are affected. The patient suffers from general weakness, dry cough and pain in the chest. The clinical picture resembles pulmonary tuberculosis.
Lymphoma. A malignant disease that can affect not only the lymph nodes, but also internal organs. In the body, there is an uncontrolled production of lymphocytes, which have a degenerate form.
Mastopathy and breast cancer. With the appearance of tumors in the chest area, consisting of glandular tissues, in 10% of cases there is an increase in lymphatic capsules. Distinctive features - a low pain threshold, the absence of adhesions.

If the lymph node under the arm has increased, then you should immediately visit a specialist who will conduct a comprehensive examination and prescribe an effective treatment for the underlying disease. If necessary, symptomatic adjustments will be made.

Is self-examination possible?

How to understand that the lymph nodes in the armpits are enlarged? To do this, you need to raise your hand to the side and press with your free hand to the entire depth of the armpit. Then, with the help of soft and sliding movements, perform an examination, supposedly raking out the lymph nodes.

If there are no pathologies, then, as a rule, nothing can be found. Pain and discomfort will be absent.

If there is a slight seal, which is free or soldered to the surrounding tissues, then in this case it is recommended to consult a doctor to find out the cause of the development of disorders in the body. Timely diagnosis is the key to successful treatment of life-threatening diseases, and is a guarantee of the absence of complications.

Therapeutic measures

If the lymph nodes in the armpit have enlarged, then you need to go to an appointment with a doctor who will conduct a comprehensive examination. The specialist will prescribe laboratory and instrumental diagnostics and establish the true cause of the changes occurring in the body.

If present in the body, surgical correction is mandatory in order to cleanse the focus of inflammation. Next, antibiotic therapy is prescribed, which lasts quite a long time.

In the presence of viral agents, immunomodulatory therapy with Eleutherococcus and Echinacea is prescribed. You can also use sunflower oil or Immunal.

Ultrasound and electrophoresis are prescribed as auxiliary measures. In order to eliminate the inflammatory process in the foci of infection, an ointment and cream are used, such as Heparin or Troxevasin. In oncological processes, chemotherapy is prescribed. In this case, only temporary improvements can be achieved.

Please note that there are no preventive measures for pathological disorders associated with inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes. As a preventive measure, you can use universal tips that involve maintaining a healthy lifestyle and timely treatment of dysfunctions of internal organs and systems. Exercise and proper nutrition play an important role.