Inflamed lymph nodes in a child. Causes and tactics of treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck in a child

The lymphatic system plays an important role in the body. Penetrating the whole body, like a bloodstream, it protects the baby from various negative microbial effects. In childhood, a frequent condition is lymphadenopathy, manifested by an increase in different groups of lymph nodes. When the lymph nodes in the neck of a child are enlarged, the reasons excite parents in the first place.

The lymphatic system is represented by the thymus gland, spleen, lymphatic vessels, nodes, lymph with lymphocytes inside.
The thymus gland is the main organ of the immune system, it grows up to 6-12 years, and then its reverse development begins.

The role of the spleen in the immune response to infectious agents is not completely clear, but when it is deliberately removed, the number of infections increases.

Lymph nodes are bean-shaped or ribbon-shaped formations that are located along the course of the lymphatic vessels. There are about 150 groups of different lymph nodes. They perform the function of a barrier of infections, hematopoiesis. Lymph circulates through the vessels, inside which there are lymphocytes and phagocytes.

Lymph is involved in metabolism, filters, cleanses tissues, moves lymphocytes with phagocytes to the site of infection. The lymph node becomes inflamed precisely for this reason: many lymphocytes with phagocytes accumulate inside it, which causes an increase. This is due to the fact that lymphocytes and phagocytes act as a kind of filters that do not allow infection from the focus.

In a normal state, several groups of nodes are palpable in a child - cervical, in the armpits, in the groin. The characteristic of a healthy lymph node is represented by a single amount, soft texture, painlessness, separate position from other tissues.

There are many videos on the Internet, by watching which you can easily learn how to palpate the lymph nodes in a baby. Lymphocytes are the main defenders of the body, they provide an immune response to diseases.

Causes and symptoms of a tumor

If a child has swollen lymph nodes in the neck, the causes and symptoms depend on the location and type of infection.

There are several groups of lymph nodes in the neck:

submandibular;
chin;
anterior/posterior cervical;
anterior/posterior ear;
occipital;
pharyngeal;
subclavian and supraclavicular;

They protect the body primarily from diseases of the ear, throat, nose, and infections of the teeth. Their inflammation is a response to infection, called lymphadenopathy. Most often it appears at the age of 5-7 years. Viral lesions predominate, but bacterial ones are not uncommon.

Lymphadenopathy happens:

local, when one group or a single joint is inflamed;
regional, in this case, two groups are affected;
generalized, for example, when all groups on the neck are inflamed.

Lymphadenopathy has different causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck of a child, called lymphadenitis:

pathogenic microorganisms inside the pharynx cause inflammation of the pharyngeal group;
children from the CBD group (often ill) - in such babies, the cervical nodes are inflamed almost constantly;
purulent processes in the head and neck, and tuberculosis;
mechanical damage;
infectious lesions of the oral cavity, skin and tissues of the face - the submandibular group becomes inflamed;
microbial damage to the larynx, respiratory tract - enlarged lateral and cervical lymph nodes;
when teething, the node on the side of teething can become inflamed;
prophylactic vaccinations often cause an increase in nodes. A child with such a reaction should be observed by a doctor;
with various acute respiratory infections, the occipital nodes become inflamed. According to the authoritative pediatrician Komarovsky, this is a normal reaction to the virus, parents should not worry;
the cause may be the cat scratch disease that occurs in those who keep cats at home;
with inflammation of the scalp, the posterior cervical and lymph nodes on the head of the child are enlarged - occipital;
mononucleosis and other infectious diseases of viral origin cause inflammation of the supraclavicular nodes;

inflammation of various groups of lymph nodes develops with purulent lesions of the face, oral cavity, ear, nose, with metabolic disorders, autoimmune conditions;
parotid increase in inflammatory pathologies of the ear - otitis media;
lymphadenitis can be an independent disease or a manifestation of a tumor process;
cervical lymph nodes can be enlarged, having not one, but two or three reasons in children, for example, tonsillitis + otitis media. They can inflame on one side and on both.

Up to three years, all groups of nodes in the neck are palpable. Therefore, if there are no signs of pathology or metastasis, do not be afraid and immediately run to the doctor.

Symptoms of lymphadenitis

In order to assess the severity of the process, it is necessary to know the degree of enlargement of the lymph nodes:

1 degree - 0.5 - up to 1.5 cm in diameter;
2 degree - 1.5 - up to 2.5 cm in diameter;
3 degree - - up to 3.5 cm in diameter and more;
There are acute / chronic forms of cervical lymphadenitis.

In the acute form, the child's condition is often of moderate severity. Temperature, fever appears, the inflamed node is visible visually. The photo on the Internet shows what the inflammatory process looks like externally.

The area of inflammation is painful, with movements of the head, the pain may intensify. There is nausea, vomiting. Suppuration of the node has signs of a swollen, immovable, reddened focus with a softening of the center.

The chronic form is characterized by a small manifestation of general symptoms, the absence of pain during palpation. Usually more than one month elapses. Common symptoms include apathy, lethargy, drowsiness, poor appetite, poor sleep. For a short time, the temperature may rise, a headache may occur.

If the inflamed node does not hurt, is attached to the surrounding tissues, is practically immobile, it is possible that this is a metastasized node. Parents should immediately consult a doctor to clarify or refute the diagnosis.

Often, inflammation of the lymph nodes can be a secondary process, indicating a formidable complication; symptoms on the neck can be just the tip of the iceberg. Having found it, it will be necessary to urgently begin treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment of lymphadenopathy

A general examination of a child with lymphadenopathy begins with a survey, anamnesis of the parents by a doctor. This is done to clarify the possible primary pathology, because lymphadenitis is most often the result of another disease. In addition, there are:

General principles of treatment

The main treatment is prescribed according to the results of the tests according to the main diagnosis. In the acute period, bed rest, a calm environment, and protection of the child from concomitant infections are mandatory.

If the doctor determines the virus, then there is no need to treat, because the disease will go away on its own, as Yevgeny Komarovsky claims. However, some doctors still prescribe antiviral drugs, the role of which, according to recent studies, is greatly exaggerated, can only be a waste of money for parents.

Why don't antivirals work, parents ask? The fact is that many antivirals were just a beautiful wrapper with a placebo inside and a high price. Now modern research refutes the value of many of them, and the action of others is not fully determined.

When a bacterial infection is confirmed, the main treatment is antibiotic therapy aimed at treating not the affected node itself, but the focus next to it. For example, treatment of lymph nodes behind the ear in a child can be a treatment for otitis media.

With inflammation of the ear, the baby complains of some other specific symptoms that help the doctor identify a specific pathology. Broad spectrum antibiotics are used.

Surgical treatment is rarely performed due to complications of purulent processes or metastasis. To exclude the allergic component of the disease or during antibiotic treatment, the doctor may prescribe antiallergic drugs - such as Suprastin, Zodak.

Ointments are used externally to relieve inflammation. For example, Vishnevsky's ointment, ichthyol ointment are excellent remedies for relieving inflammation, pain, and swelling.

To prevent discomfort in the abdominal region associated with intestinal dysbacteriosis after taking antibacterial agents, probiotics, pribiotics, and antifungal agents are prescribed.

For the prevention of beriberi, hypovitaminosis, vitamins, rational nutrition, and UHF therapy are prescribed.

Cold compresses can be used before the initial visit to the doctor. It is impossible to warm the lymph nodes. If the child does not complain of pain, discomfort, there are no signs of metastasis, purulent infection, then it is not necessary to start treatment and consult a doctor. The lymph nodes will go away on their own.

FORBIDDEN:

the use of alcohol therapeutic compresses;
warm, rub the lymph nodes;
massage for purulent processes;
apply iodine mesh, steaming. Treatment with folk remedies

Alternative therapy is mainly aimed at stopping inflammation. At the same time, many funds are aimed at increasing immunity. For example, good reviews are left about the use of tincture of echinacea, eleutherococcus, ginseng, various herbal infusions containing anti-inflammatory herbs, such as chamomile.

Often used lotions from mint, dandelion leaves, celandine, salt. In the case of salt, care must be taken. The compress is made hot - before use, the salt is heated in a frying pan. Applying a similar folk method, it is worth consulting with a doctor.

In case of mild inflammation, a massage with essential oils is used.

The prognosis for the treatment of cervical lymphadenitis is favorable, with the exception of advanced cases of the underlying disease and severe oncological complications.

Some complications of cervical lymphadenitis

If you start the process, there can be detrimental consequences:

a purulent process in the lymph nodes can lead to a septic lesion of the body - the bacteria will spread with the bloodstream throughout the body. If sepsis is suspected, blood is examined for sterility and abdominal lymph nodes by ultrasound;
adenophlegmon of surrounding tissues;
with a tumor process, further metastasis to nearby tissues and organs;
in young children, neglected inflammation of the cervical nodes can lead to torticollis due to the inability to straighten the neck with pain;
in very rare cases, the degeneration of the lymph node into hemoblastosis is possible - a tumor disease of the lymphatic tissue.

Prevention of cervical lymphadenitis

Preventive measures should be aimed at increasing the protective forces of the baby.

accurate hardening;
compulsory walks even with a lack of free time for schoolchildren;
Proper, balanced nutrition is the key to high immunity.
healthy sleep - with a deficit, it must be increased.
a decrease in psycho-emotional stress reduces the risk of acute respiratory infections and lymphadenopathy;
visiting a dentist, treatment of diseases of the oral cavity, upper respiratory tract, otitis media;
be sure to treat scratches and abrasions with antiseptics, especially in the neck and on the back of the head;
take care of the skin on the face;
Eliminate passive smoking from your child's life.

There is information about the influence of modern technology on the health of the child and the lymph nodes in particular, which is why the child should be limited in using the computer, replacing this time with outdoor activities and outdoor games.

Since the lymphatic system is an integral part of general immunity, failures in the system of its work indicate the presence of an inflammatory process. The reasons are different, from harmless to serious pathologies. Next, we will consider what the lymph nodes on the neck of a child are, why they become inflamed in children and how this manifests itself, the diagnosis and treatment of pathologically altered tissues.

Lymph nodes in the neck in children are anatomically located in the same way as in adults. There are many of them, they are grouped into six groups responsible for individual organs and tissues. So, the following lymph nodes are distinguished on the neck on the left and right sides:

submandibular;
chin;
parotid;
pharyngeal (located on the back of the neck);
supraclavicular and subclavian.

Their location indicates which organs they control: ears, throat, sinuses, tongue and mouth, thyroid gland, etc.

Some groups of lymph nodes are palpable in a baby even in a healthy state, because they are located close to the skin (submandibular). Where the supraclavicular and subclavian nodes are located in a child cannot be determined with the naked eye, since they are considered deep.

The lymph nodes on the neck of a child are designed to protect the body from the penetration of infectious agents (viruses, bacteria, fungi). Since the lymphatic system consists of immune cells - lymphocytes - at the slightest pathology in the body, they begin to multiply intensively, so the lymph node on the neck increases in size and a lump appears.

Causes of changes in the lymph nodes in a child

Infections of a bacterial, viral or fungal nature. Entering through the respiratory tract, infections cause diseases of the ENT organs (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, sinusitis, otitis media, inflammation of the adenoids), SARS and acute respiratory infections, influenza or the common cold. With these diseases, the lymph nodes become inflamed.
Autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system perceives its own cells as foreign. These diseases include autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's disease), systemic lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, diabetes mellitus, and allergic reactions. In these cases, there is an increase in the lymph nodes in the neck.
Pathologies of the thyroid gland (toxic goiter, hyper- and hypothyroidism, thyrotoxicosis, iodine deficiency).
Oncological diseases of the lymphatic system or other organs.
Mononucleosis is an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The first symptom of this disease is a strong increase in the lymph nodes in the neck in children. They become so large that they are visible to the naked eye.
Hypothermia and situations in which the nodes are blown by a draft or air conditioning.
Dental diseases (caries, periodontal disease, periodontitis, inflammation of the root system), teething in infants.
Decreased immunity against the background of chronic diseases, seasonal beriberi and for other reasons.
Bacteria such as Bartonella are transmitted through the scratches of animals such as cats. It causes an inflammatory process in the wound in a child, and, as a result, lymphadenitis. In this case, any group of cervical lymph nodes can become inflamed.
Diseases of the lymph nodes in the neck of a child, which is not associated with diseases. This condition is observed in children under 3 years old, in adolescents during puberty. It is associated with changes in organs and systems, with the growth of bone tissue, as well as the instability of the hormonal background.

Symptoms of dysfunction of children's cervical nodes

Symptoms boil down to inflammation of the lymph node, a bump forms on the child's neck, which is almost always visible to the naked eye. The skin in this place may turn red and even be hot. There is pain at the site of inflammation with pressure on the lymph node and with movements of the neck.

Associated symptoms depend on the main cause that provoked the development of the disease.

If an infection with harmful microorganisms occurs, then a sore throat, a runny nose and cough, shooting in the ears may appear. The body temperature rises, with sore throat and flu, it reaches high levels, up to 40 degrees. With mononucleosis, a very large bump appears on the neck, which indicates an acute inflammatory process, the child also has a strong fever due to high temperature, and there may be vomiting.

With dental diseases, the nodes in the baby will be swollen, and the pain is localized, in addition to the lymph node itself, in the oral cavity. This causes pain in the teeth and/or gums.

Pathologies of the thyroid gland are accompanied by specific symptoms, which are expressed in an increase in the tissues of this organ, hormonal failure. Children with an unhealthy thyroid gland are overly active, excitable and irritable, whiny.

If there are no symptoms other than inflammation in the lymph nodes, this indicates that the nodes are simply blown out. But diagnosis is still necessary to exclude serious pathologies. After passing the tests and a general examination, appropriate treatment is already prescribed.

Which doctor to contact

Which doctor treats swollen lymph nodes in children? The first thing to do is visit a pediatrician. He will conduct an initial inspection. As a rule, this is enough to diagnose the underlying disease and identify the true cause of the malfunction of the lymph nodes in a child.

If the pediatrician suspects serious pathologies, he directs for additional examinations to an endocrinologist, neurologist, dentist or oncologist.

Diagnostics

If there are signs of an infectious disease (red throat, runny nose, cough, fever), then additional diagnostics of the lymph nodes is not required. In other cases, when the exact cause of the inflammatory process is not clear or it does not go away for a long time, you need to undergo a series of studies:

blood tests (general, biochemical, for sugar);
examination of the oral cavity by a dentist;
Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and lymph nodes in the neck;
fine needle biopsy (puncture) of the lymph node.

After determining the cause, the doctor will tell you how to cure cervical lymph nodes.

Treatment methods for cervical lymph nodes

Since cervical lymphadenitis in a child is not an independent disease, treatment is carried out depending on the cause that caused it. It is worth eliminating it, as the lymph nodes will also return to normal.

Infectious diseases of various origins that cause disorders of the lymph nodes are treated with complex antibacterial (Amoxicillin, Flemoxin Solutab, Hemomycin, Bicillin, etc.) and antiviral (Kagocel, Arbidol, Oscillococcinum) drugs, and if there is fungal tissue damage, then with antimycotic agents (Nystatin, fluconazole, clotrimazole).

Doctors prescribe gargles, since most cases of pathological cervical lymph nodes in a child are associated with sore throat. For rinsing, furacillin, chamomile, calendula, Rotokan (a mixture of herbs), oak bark are used. A solution of soda, salt and iodine, pharmaceutical preparations Betadine and Stomatidine are suitable.

In case of dental diseases, a complete reorganization of the oral cavity is sufficient for the cervical lymph nodes to return to normal.

To eliminate chronic infections, that is, to relieve exacerbations, immunostimulants and immunomodulators are used. These are Ingavirin, Viferon, children's Arbidol, Cycloferon, Anaferon for children and herbal preparations - Immunal for children, Echinacea.

In case of thyroid pathology, hormone replacement, iodine preparations and antioxidant vitamins (E, A, C) are required.

It is forbidden to warm the neck of babies. If there is a purulent process in the lymph node, then heating will greatly aggravate the process. Pus can also be located between the cervical lymph nodes, in which case heating provokes a phlegmon or abscess - the spread of pus to neighboring tissues. These conditions are extremely dangerous and require surgical intervention.

At home, you can use an iodine grid (for children over 6 years old), Zvezdochka balm, Vishnevsky and Ichthyol ointment, but only after medical diagnosis and with the permission of a doctor, since these drugs have contraindications.

Treatment of an infant and children under one year is difficult, since they cannot take many medications, such as antibiotics. In this case, the doctor will most likely prescribe traditional medicine and tell you how to treat inflammation so as not to harm the baby.

In children, cervical lymph nodes become inflamed quite often. In some cases, pathology is caused by diseases that do not pose any danger, and sometimes the inflammatory process is associated with serious disorders. Therefore, as soon as a lump on the neck in the form of an inflamed node is found in a child, you should immediately contact a medical institution for a comprehensive diagnosis, after which treatment is prescribed.

The lymphatic system performs many important functions in the human body. Enlarged lymph nodes always indicate that human health is at risk. If the lymph nodes are inflamed in children, you should act quickly and correctly. Self-treatment or ignoring the problem is unacceptable, as it leads to irreparable errors. It is important to understand that only a doctor should treat inflammation of the lymph node in children.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur as a result of various pathological processes occurring in the human body. Understanding this fact is necessary for everyone. This is especially important when it comes to the health of children. Rash and unprofessional actions can aggravate the condition of the child.

The main directions of treatment for inflammation of the lymph nodes are determined by the doctor after a complex of medical studies and clarification of the main diagnosis that provoked lymphadenitis. If the causes of the disease are determined, it is easier for the doctor to treat the disease. The main factors affecting the enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes are associated with infection. Less commonly, the source of lymphadenitis are malignant neoplasms of the circulatory or lymphatic system.

Bacterial and viral diseases affecting the ENT organs, as well as infectious mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, measles provoke an increase in the lymph nodes on the back of the head, head and neck of the child. Pustular diaper rash in infants causes inflammation of the lymph nodes in the groin area. Tuberculosis sometimes provokes inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, head and back of the head. In the future, fistulas form there.

Depending on the stage and severity of the disease, inflammation of the lymph nodes can be treated conservatively or surgically.

With complex conservative therapy, antibiotics or antiviral drugs, vitamins, immunostimulants, antiallergic drugs are prescribed. Physiotherapeutic procedures can be applied: compresses, UHF, warming up.

A purulent focus in the lymph nodes, accompanied by high fever and intoxication, is opened and cleansed. After that, they continue to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes with antibiotics and restorative agents. With any form of lymphadenitis, anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs can be prescribed. They eliminate pain, reduce temperature.

Antiviral treatment

It is necessary to treat lymphadenitis with viral infections with special preparations. If the cause of the inflammatory process in the lymph nodes in children is infectious mononucleosis, rubella, measles, antiviral agents are prescribed. Serious health problems in infants can cause cytomegalovirus infection. In addition to antiviral drugs, injections of specific immunoglobulins can be used: anticytomegalovirus, against the herpes virus.

If the inflamed lymph nodes in a child appear on the head or back of the head and are caused by the invasion of the virus, antiviral drugs are prescribed: cycloferon, rimantadine, kagocel, proteflazid, tilorone (lavomax, amixin), umifenovir (arbidol, imust), groprinosin, isoprinosine. The course of treatment, the dose of the drug for the child must be selected by the doctor.

Antibacterial therapy

In order to help the child's body cope with lymphadenitis, the doctor prescribes antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Doses and course of antibiotic therapy are selected taking into account the age, weight of children and the severity of the disease. It should be remembered that an allergic reaction can occur to any antibiotic. Injectable drugs achieve pharmacological efficacy faster. In pediatrics, antibiotics in the form of syrups or suspensions have proven themselves well.

Lymph nodes can enlarge with bacterial infections. Often, foci of chronic bacterial pathology are constantly present in the body of a child. Chronic tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries, pulpitis, if left untreated, cause an increase in lymph nodes in children in the lower jaw, neck and back of the head. In such situations, it is important to eliminate the source of infection in the child. It is necessary to treat a tooth affected by caries, fight tonsillitis and sinusitis.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are most commonly used to treat swollen lymph nodes in children. If the cause of lymphadenitis was a staphylococcal and streptococcal infection, penicillin antibiotics are prescribed:

ampicillin;
flemoxin solutab;
augmentin;
amoxiclav;
oxamp.

For the treatment of severe infections, as well as in cases where penicillins do not help, antibiotics of other groups are prescribed. Cephalosporin antibiotics are effective agents for combating pathogens. Lymph nodes on the head, neck, occiput, in the groin and armpits quickly decrease after the use of ceftriaxone, cefazolin in injections or cefuroxime, ceftibuten, azithromycin in the form of suspensions.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Lymphadenitis in the initial stages is often accompanied by an increase in body temperature. To reduce inflammation, pain in the area of the lymph nodes, reduce the temperature, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed by the doctor. If such treatment does not give positive results, the lymph nodes in the neck, neck or groin do not decrease, glucocorticoids (prednisolone, hydrocortisone) can be prescribed topically in the form of ointments or applications.

Safe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (paracetamol, ibuprofen) help to effectively reduce the child's body temperature and eliminate pain. The dose of the drug and the duration of treatment are determined by the doctor. It is important to understand that nonsteroidal drugs only reduce the severity of symptoms and make the child feel better. Such funds do not eliminate the source of lymphadenitis.

In the complex treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes, antihistamine (antiallergic) agents are sometimes used. These drugs help eliminate swelling, redness, and discomfort in the area of the lymph nodes. Drops based on cetirizine (zodak, zirtek), suspensions with loratadine (claritin, lomilan), desloratadine (erius) quickly relieve the symptoms of lymphadenitis.

Restorative prophylactic agents

In order to help the body cope with the factors that provoke lymphadenitis, the doctor prescribes general strengthening and immunostimulating drugs. It can be vitamin and mineral complexes, homeopathic remedies, immunomodulators. The pediatrician recommends medicines taking into account the age of the baby, weight and state of his health.

Preparations that strengthen the immune system help to consolidate the defenses in the child's body, prevent the development of the disease. Anaferon for children, Ergoferon, Aflubin, Engystol, echinacea preparations are prescribed for babies to increase the number of immune cells. Thanks to these drugs, the child is less likely to get sick.

It is possible to prevent inflammation of the lymph nodes if the sources of chronic infections in the body are eliminated in a timely manner.

It is impossible to postpone a visit to the dentist for a long time when a tooth or pulpitis affected by caries is found in a child. It is necessary to fight chronic infections in the throat and nose of children, treat tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis, following the clear instructions of the pediatrician, not allowing self-treatment.

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

The article below will teach parents to independently diagnose an increase in the lymph nodes in a child, talk about the possible consequences and 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 continuously circulating lymph through the vessels. The need for timely diagnosis, as well as finding out the reason for the increase in such "filters" is due to their vital function in the body, including children's.

Inflamed lymph nodes in the neck of a child most often occur in the case of:

the occurrence of a viral disease of a catarrhal nature in a small organism;
lesions of the throat area with infections of various origins (measles, rubella, and so on);
damage to the integrity of the skin with cat's claws, which provoke an inflammatory process in the child's body due to the strong animal entering the circulatory system;

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

the presence of an inflammatory process in the oral cavity;
the occurrence of malignant tumors;
violations of normal metabolic processes.

Diagnosis of inflamed lymph nodes in the neck in children

It is possible to determine an increase in lymph nodes in the neck at home using an external examination of the child and checking the site of potential inflammation for pain.

First of all, for the primary diagnosis of the presence of "deviations" in the area under consideration, it is necessary to assess the appearance of the neck.

If “suspicious” redness or “protruding” areas are found, lightly press on the inflamed areas, while paying attention to their degree of hardness and the child’s reaction associated with possible pain during palpation of the 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 or more centimeters on the examined area of the body.

To the touch, the enlarged lymphatic “filters” become hard, and when pressed, the baby will most likely complain of a sharp pain. The skin around the inflamed area turns red, becomes more sensitive, and may begin to peel off.

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. Such a state of lymphatic "filters" can persist for a long time (up to a year), or it 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 blood test against the background of an increase in the "filter node" in the neck;
violations of the function of the lymph nodes, identified during ultrasound;
a progressive increase in the growth of an inflamed lymph node or a sharp increase in pain during its palpation.

Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes

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

In the usual behavior of the child, when an inflammatory process occurs in the lymph nodes, significant changes are observed, the following appears:

weakness, lethargy;
lethargy, drowsiness;
loss of appetite due to pain 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 the body of their child.

How to treat lymph nodes in the neck in a child

Inflamed lymph nodes in the neck of a child can be treated only with a competent determination of the cause of their occurrence. In most cases, it will be sufficient to use folk remedies and follow the doctor's recommendations for taking antibacterial or antiviral drugs for 7 to 10 days.

However, in more serious cases or in the absence of positive dynamics in the state of a swollen lymph node, physiotherapy may be required, and in rare cases even surgery.

Drug treatment of enlarged lymph nodes

Drug treatment of enlarged lymph nodes implies the primary determination of the nature of the disease that provoked their inflammation. In the event of a 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 will be advisable to take antiviral drugs, for example, Anaferon, Ergoferon and others. If the considered type of therapy is ineffective in removing the inflammatory process of the lymphatic "filter", the doctor may suggest other, more serious methods for eliminating system dysfunction.

UHF therapy

UHF - therapy is a physiotherapeutic method for the treatment of inflammatory processes in the cervical region of a child, through the use of ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields.

The heat emitted by the medical device penetrates deep into the subcutaneous layers of muscle tissues, while providing anti-inflammatory, regenerating and anesthetic effects.

The average duration of the procedure varies from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the complexion of a small patient and the "neglect" of the disease. This time, even at its maximum, is acceptable for a child to be in a motionless state with electrode plates attached to his neck.

Surgical intervention

Surgical intervention in solving the child's health problem under consideration is extremely rare. This fact is due to the need to perform the operation under general anesthesia, which is difficult for a child's body, weakened during a progressive inflammatory process.

If the doctor detects the fact of suppuration of the affected area of the skin on the neck, special manipulations are performed to open the purulent focus. Having removed the non-functioning parts of the lymph nodes and the pus accumulated in this area, the surgeon processes the “working” surface, and then carefully sutures it.

If necessary, a medical tube can also be placed in the operated area, sucking out the remnants of pus from the inflamed area.

Treatment of enlarged lymph nodes with folk remedies

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

To reduce the size of the lymph node in the neck of a child, traditionally used:

garlic(Pour 2 heads of garlic with 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 eating);

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 “sparing” 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. “Having stood” the tincture on 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 improvement).

What not to do with inflammation of the lymph nodes

In order to avoid the occurrence of complications and a sharp deterioration in the child's condition, parents with lymphadenitis are highly discouraged:

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

Otherwise, the infectious "causative agents" of the inflammatory process are sharply activated in their spread throughout the child's body, affecting organs, the circulatory and nervous systems, and even the brain.

When and to which doctor should you contact

Having found swelling in the child's neck, it is necessary to contact 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, prescribe competent treatment using modern methods of diagnosing this type of disease.

Possible complications with inflammation of the lymph nodes

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

weakening of the immune system;
febrile conditions;
purulent inflammation affecting nearby lymph nodes, muscles and skin;
the spread of "swelling" to the face and other sides of the neck;
a sharp increase in body temperature, not amenable to antipyretic drugs;
occurrence and development of neutrophilia.

Prevention of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

In order for the child to never encounter inflammation of the lymph nodes, parents it is necessary to follow the basic rules for the prevention of the occurrence of lymphadenitis and teach your child to do this:

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

Inflamed lymph nodes in the neck may indicate both a natural “post-infection” process transferred by the child’s body and not requiring treatment, or the presence of malignant neoplasms. Timely diagnosis and clarification of the cause of inflammation, as well as the appointment of the correct treatment are the guarantors of 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, the opinion of Dr. Komarovsky:

How to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes:

Enlargement of lymph nodes in children is a common occurrence that quite thoroughly worries parents. As a rule, the lymph nodes increase and become inflamed due to some pathological processes in the body, which you can read about below.

In this article, we will take a closer look at how to identify the symptoms of the disease, the causes of its occurrence, and how to treat it with the help of traditional medicine and folk remedies.

It is worth noting that the lymph nodes tend to accumulate bacteria, viruses and diseased cells. But they also produce immune cells. When the number of infectious bacteria in them exceeds the permissible norm, immune cells begin to actively fight them, which leads to their inflammation - lymphadenitis.

The role of lymph nodes and their location in the neck

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped human organs that are part of the lymphatic system.

This system, in addition to transporting lymph, also synthesizes and stores cells whose task is to fight infections. Lymph nodes act as tiny filters that stop viruses and bacteria from being destroyed by lymphocytes.

The largest lymph nodes are located in the upper part of the neck, under the lower jaw, on the inside of the elbow, armpits, inguinal folds. In children, groups of lymph nodes are located on the neck, such as:

chin group of nodes;
parotid group of nodes;
pharyngeal group of nodes;
supraclavicular group of nodes;
subclavian group of nodes.

These groups of lymph nodes protect the throat, ears, nose, bones, and other tissues of the neck and head from infections. Lymph nodes on the neck are located at the edges. Everyone, even the smallest children, has them, and is one of the places in the body where immune cells are formed.

In a child under 3 years old, the lymph nodes in this area may be enlarged. This should not cause concern, as it is considered the norm.

In young children, the nodes are not noticeable and are not normally palpable, but under certain circumstances they increase in size and even become visually definable. In some cases, this indicates a disease, in others it is simply a feature of the structure or a sign of reduced immunity.

The lymphatic system of the human body is designed to destroy disease-causing organisms. In the event that the lymph nodes do not immediately cope with foreign organisms passing through them, their inflammation occurs. It manifests itself as a rather large lump located on the child's neck. Enlarged lymph nodes are a kind of signal indicating a certain pathological process.

Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the lymph nodes in children, resulting from the ingestion of tissue decay products, the smallest foreign bodies, pathogenic microbes and their waste products into them along with the lymph.

Lymphadenitis is a fairly common disease among children. As a rule, the disease affects the lymph nodes in the neck and face (more often - cervical, submandibular, less often - buccal, behind the ear, parotid, occipital), in rare cases - inguinal, axillary.

In 50% of cases, a child with an enlarged lymph node is referred to an oncohematologist. However, in most cases, lymphadenitis has an immune or infectious etiology, and only in 1% of cases is the malignant nature of the disease diagnosed.

Classification of cervical lymphadenitis in children

Lymphadenitis can be acute. This form can occur when bacteria penetrate into damage to the lymph node. When the pathogenic flora spreads to the lymph node itself, then it is chronic lymphadenitis. Chronic is also called if previously acute lymphadenitis has not been completely cured.

By the nature of the lesion of the lymph node, lymphadenitis is divided:

catarrhal - the first stage of the disease, in which the lymph node is saturated with blood plasma;
hyperplastic - the last stage of the disease, in which there is an increase in the lymph node, due to the reproduction of immune cells;
purulent - developing with an acute bacterial infection, characterized by a purulent process. If a large amount of pus accumulates, then the lymph node may not withstand, and then the pus will spread to other nodes nearby.

The worst option for development is the formation of phlegmon. In this condition, the pus will spread throughout the neck area, and then the tissues will slowly melt.

There is another definition that is associated with lymphadenitis - this is cervical lymphadenopathy. With such a disease, painful areas form on the child's neck.

Sometimes you can feel small pea-shaped lumps that roll freely on the skin. If the inflammation is very pronounced, then these seals can reach five centimeters in diameter. Inflamed seals that are motionless are enlarged lymph nodes. It is these symptoms that indicate lymphadenopathy.

Signs of lymphadenopathy are the same as with lymphadenitis. Pain when swallowing food and passing it through the region of the lymph nodes. The skin at the site of inflammation may turn red, the body temperature rises to 37.5 degrees. In general, the body is very weakened, fatigue is visible on the face. Sometimes there are severe headaches, so the child does not want to do anything except sleep.

There is also a variety of lymphadenitis, such as inguinal. Fortunately, inguinal lymphadenitis in children is very rare. The reasons for its occurrence may be hidden in getting, at first glance, harmless abrasions on the knees, but in fact, an infection enters through the wounds, which can cause inflammation. With normal immunity, inflammation disappears along with abrasions. If this does not happen, then only a doctor can help.

Features of lymphadenitis

A large bump in the neck area where the lymph node is located often occurs after or during respiratory diseases. As a rule, it completely disappears as soon as the body is restored. Therefore, an increase in lymph nodes during the course of colds and respiratory diseases in children of different ages is considered a variant of the norm.

But with some pathological processes, lymphadenitis becomes purulent and then it is necessary to use special treatment regimens to eliminate it. You can learn about the signs of suppuration of the lymph nodes by the following signs:

An inflamed lymph node is easy to notice - a bump on the neck is visible to the naked eye.
On palpation, the lymph nodes can be painful, dense.
The accumulation of pus in the lymph node is indicated by fever, symptoms of intoxication, weakness, chills. Redness of the skin over the lymph nodes and an increase in local temperature are also signs of a purulent process.

Lymphadenitis in children sometimes becomes chronic, that is, an enlarged bump appears every time the child has colds. Pathology treatment should begin with determining the underlying cause, so the doctor can send the child and parents to other specialists, that is, to an otolaryngologist, dentist, hematologist, infectious disease specialist. Data from laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures also help to make the correct diagnosis.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck in a child

Enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the child's neck can be unilateral and bilateral. The first option may indicate a local infection, the second - a general one. There are many different factors that lead to this violation, and the most common of them are:

infectious diseases. Enlargement of the lymph nodes on the front of the neck occurs most often with an infection of the nose and throat, with inflammation of the oral cavity, with caries, or inflammation of the palatine tonsils.

An increase in lymph nodes on the back of the neck may indicate inflammation of the external ear, the presence of purulent lesions of the scalp, a tick bite in this area. Also, there may be swelling of the lymph nodes behind the child's ears.

Also, cervical lymph nodes can be enlarged in diseases of the upper respiratory tract caused by a bacterial infection. Treatment of the lymph nodes themselves does not make any sense, since this process is only a symptom. To relieve inflammation, it is necessary to treat a specific infectious disease, which only a doctor can diagnose.

An inflamed lymph node is a sure sign of diseases of the throat and respiratory system.

Colds. An increase in lymph nodes can be observed during and after a cold. In children who often suffer from colds, the size of the lymph nodes may constantly exceed the permissible norm.

If the enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes is caused by a cold, then the child may also have a runny nose, stuffy nose, and cough. Treatment in this case involves taking medications prescribed by the pediatrician, as well as providing a balanced diet, warm drinks and rest.

Mononucleosis. This disease is quite common among children and its symptoms are very similar to those of a sore throat. Along with an increase in cervical lymph nodes, there is fever, sore throat. The cause of the disease is the Epstein-Barr virus, which every person becomes infected with throughout life. In this case, the disease can proceed in different ways (in children it is easier).
Cat scratches. At first glance, this is not a typical reason. But even such a trifling event as a slight bite or scratches from the claws of animals can cause this pathology.

The fact is that cat saliva contains some "unfriendly" bacteria that easily enter the bloodstream even through a small scratch or bite. Lymph nodes increase in a child some time after damage from an animal.

Teething. Soreness of the process is a problem for many parents and children. The appearance of teeth is often accompanied by fever, headache, and other symptoms of a cold. Most often, the lymph nodes in the neck become inflamed at the moment when chewing teeth and fangs appear (they grow longer and more painfully than the rest of the dentition).
Mechanical damage. Abrasions, scratches, especially those resulting from contact with pets, are a serious danger to the baby. Children love to play with cats, dogs, their claws are not sterile. If an infection enters the body, any lymph nodes can swell, including those on the neck.
Diseases of the oral cavity. This group includes caries, stomatitis, gingivitis and other pathologies. Carious cavities are often diagnosed in very young children. Uncontrolled consumption of sweets, poor oral hygiene leads to inflammatory processes, an increase in nearby lymph nodes.

The main symptoms of lymphadenitis

There are two forms of the course of the disease: acute and chronic. Acute lymphadenitis (day 1-3 of the disease) in children is manifested by markedly enlarged, painful and dense to the touch lymph nodes that remain mobile. At the same time, the general condition of the child is not disturbed, the skin is clean, the body temperature is absent or slightly elevated to 37-37.5 °C.

The transition from an acute form to a purulent one (3-6 days of illness) occurs with a sharp deterioration in well-being and pronounced local symptoms. The child has the following signs of intoxication:

chills;
an increase in body temperature up to 40 ° C;
severe weakness;
headache;
decrease or lack of appetite;
sleep disturbance.

Intense shooting or pulling pains appear at the site of the lesion of the lymph node, caused by tissue damage, impaired blood circulation, and swelling of the skin. It is possible for a child to develop adenophlegmon - the spread of infection outside the lymph node, affecting nearby tissue.

The chronic form of lymphadenitis in children develops after an acute one, when the body could not completely overcome the infection and a long, sluggish inflammatory process continues in the lymph node. This happens when the main source of infection has not been eliminated. In the chronic course of lymphadenitis, the nodes are enlarged, dense, limited in mobility and painless; suppuration is usually absent, the child feels normal.

With lymphadenitis in children, the signs can be varied, because it is a manifestation of a disease. Therefore, the symptoms of the underlying disease that caused lymphadenitis come first.

Enlarged lymph nodes accompany infectious diseases that occur in children more often than other pathologies, therefore, with lymphadenitis in children, the first symptoms may be manifestations of the underlying disease.

Diagnosis of the disease

The first diagnostic measure in relation to lymphadenitis, as in the case of many other diseases, is a complete blood count. It allows you to identify the inflammatory process in the body.

The next stage of diagnosis is an ultrasound examination (it is also carried out directly during treatment to assess its effectiveness). And in conclusion, if necessary, a puncture biopsy is performed.

A very important nuance: despite the localization of lymphadenitis, this is a problem not only for the maxillofacial surgeon. Due to the variability of the etiology of the disease, consultation with an ENT doctor, as well as a hematologist and phthisiatrician, is strictly required.

In the presence of pus in the lymph nodes, and also if the disease could not be detected using the above methods, doctors perform a puncture (puncture) of the lymph nodes in the neck. This allows you to accurately identify the cause of inflammation.

Treatment

The treatment of lymphadenitis can be divided into two components, which are usually used together: a conservative method (i.e. without surgery) and a surgical one.

The surgical method is used in 80% of cases and is a direct opening of the inflamed lymph node and providing outflow routes for its contents. In some cases, an open biopsy is used (complete or partial removal of the lymph node through a small incision).
Conservative treatment consists of antibiotic therapy, while the route of administration of the drug should be only injection. The first two generations of cephalosporins (cephaloridine, cefazolin, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime) and penicillins (bicillin, retarpen, oxacillin, augmentin, amoxiclav) are used. Antibiotics of other groups (macrolides, aminoglycosides) are used less frequently.

In order to completely destroy the causative agent of infection, usually a week is enough. In addition to antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory and desensitizing agents are also used.

With purulent lymphadenitis and adenophlegmon, ultrahigh-frequency therapy and electrophoresis with iodine preparations are widely used. Physiotherapy is used only after surgery and drainage of the wound cavity.

It must be understood that the enlarged lymph nodes found in your child are a sign of some pathological process. Therefore, the normalization of their size primarily depends on the elimination of the underlying cause of the disease. That is, it is necessary to treat the ENT organs, get rid of caries, and drink anthelmintic drugs in case of helminthic invasions.

The treatment regimen should be selected only by a doctor, based on the test data and on the well-being of the child. Antibacterial drugs are prescribed in case of a bacterial infection, and if lymphadenitis has become purulent. In addition, with a purulent process, surgical intervention is indicated, that is, opening the lymph node and removing pus from it.

During the recovery period, it is important to drink immunomodulatory drugs, a complex of vitamins, this will allow the immune system to recover faster. Sometimes inflammation of the lymphatic system occurs when an allergic reaction occurs in response to an external or internal stimulus. In this case, the main course of therapy should be selected by an allergist.

Folk methods

You can’t independently select funds for your child from the grandmother’s piggy bank of recipes to eliminate the phenomena of lymphadenitis. It is best to consult your doctor about their use. Folk remedies should complement, not replace, medical treatment. Basically, when choosing folk methods, preference should be given to the following methods:

A sick child often needs to increase immunity. And therefore, he is shown the constant use of a rosehip decoction, ascorbic acid. Vitamin C is found in large quantities in the leaves and berries of currants, citrus fruits.
Oats are considered safe in the treatment of even the smallest children. To prepare the drug, a handful of oats should be boiled in a liter of homemade milk for half an hour. A decoction is given ¼ cup up to three times a day, adding a spoonful of honey to it. This recipe helps to remove all toxins from the body and improves liver function, which is also important in boosting the functioning of the immune system.
In equal parts, take oregano, nettle, hop cones and yarrow, as well as three parts of horsetail, all this must be mixed, then pour ½ liter of water and heat in a water bath for about 20 minutes. After 10 minutes, the broth is filtered and the child is allowed to drink 3 ½ cup once a day;
Pour ¼ cup of hazel leaves and bark into a glass container - fill with hot water. Wrap in a towel and leave for 1 hour in a warm place. After straining, the decoction is ready for use. Drink 4 times a day, 50 ml;
Grind walnut leaves and pour boiling water for 20 minutes. use the mixture as a compress (apply for 20 minutes twice a day);
Wash and dry the celandine leaves. Squeeze out the juice from it and dilute with water in a ratio of 1: 1. Attach at night to places of inflammation;
Melt 200 g of fat, then add boletus herbs there and put in a water bath for 4 hours. Then pour the mixture into an airtight container. Apply this ointment to the lymph nodes three times a day.
In case of severe respiratory diseases, it is useful for a child to give a drink of lingonberries or cranberries.
Significantly improves immunity course of taking the herb echinacea.

All folk methods of treatment must necessarily be accompanied by taking medications prescribed by a doctor, and all recommendations of a specialist should also be followed. Then the successful outcome of the treatment of inflamed lymph nodes in the neck in a child will not be long in coming.

Prevention

It is noted that lymphadenitis occurs more often in children with weakened immune systems. Therefore, the main prevention is to strengthen the child's immune system, namely, the course intake of vitamins.

Daily walks are also essential. There is no substitute for fresh air and sun. It is equally important in prevention to prevent infection in the body. It is necessary to immediately rinse and apply an antiseptic to the wounds, observe personal hygiene.

Regular visits to the pediatric dentist will protect the child from inflammation of the lymph nodes due to an unhealthy oral cavity. Complete cure of viral and catarrhal diseases of the upper respiratory tract and the prevention of such diseases will minimize the risk of developing lymphadenitis.

Take measures to prevent the spread of infection, if the child has abrasions or scratches - timely treat with antiseptics (hydrogen peroxide, "brilliant green", iodine should always be at hand), protect with special antibacterial patches.

Source: childage.ru; malutka.net; mamavika.com; pervenets.com; moykarapuz.com; webmedinfo.ru; zdorovko.info; antirodinka.ru; woman.master.plus; razvitie-malysha.com

megan92 2 weeks ago

Tell me, who is struggling with pain in the joints? My knees hurt terribly ((I drink painkillers, but I understand that I am struggling with the consequence, and not with the cause ... Nifiga does not help!

Daria 2 weeks ago

I struggled with my sore joints for several years until I read this article by some Chinese doctor. And for a long time I forgot about the "incurable" joints. Such are the things

megan92 13 days ago

Daria 12 days ago

megan92, so I wrote in my first comment) Well, I'll duplicate it, it's not difficult for me, catch - link to professor's article.

Sonya 10 days ago

Isn't this a divorce? Why the Internet sell ah?

Yulek26 10 days ago

Sonya, what country do you live in? .. They sell on the Internet, because shops and pharmacies set their margins brutal. In addition, payment is only after receipt, that is, they first looked, checked and only then paid. Yes, and now everything is sold on the Internet - from clothes to TVs, furniture and cars.

Editorial response 10 days ago

Sonya, hello. This drug for the treatment of joints is really not sold through the pharmacy network in order to avoid inflated prices. Currently, you can only order Official site. Be healthy!

Sonya 10 days ago

Sorry, I didn't notice at first the information about the cash on delivery. Then, it's OK! Everything is in order - exactly, if payment upon receipt. Thank you so much!!))

Margo 8 days ago

Has anyone tried traditional methods of treating joints? Grandmother does not trust pills, the poor woman has been suffering from pain for many years ...

Andrew a week ago

What kind of folk remedies I have not tried, nothing helped, it only got worse ...

Ekaterina a week ago

I tried to drink a decoction of bay leaves, to no avail, only ruined my stomach !! I no longer believe in these folk methods - complete nonsense !!

Maria 5 days ago

Recently I watched a program on the first channel, there is also about this Federal program for the fight against diseases of the joints spoke. It is also headed by some well-known Chinese professor. They say they have found a way to permanently cure the joints and back, and the state fully finances the treatment for each patient