This is the condition that presents the enlargement of one or more lymph nodes as the result of infection. The lymph nodes are essential to fight off infections and when an infection develops in another part of the body, the lymph nodes can also become affected. An infection of the lymph nodes can cause an increase in their size which can be detected with a physical examination. There are two types of lymphadenitis; localized lymphadenitis and generalized lymphadenitis. The localized lymphadenitis is the most common type and affects few of the nodes where the infection originally occurred. The generalized lymphadenitis can also affect two or more lymph nodes that are caused by an infection or another condition affecting the whole body.
Causes
There are around 600 lymph nodes in the body which are small, firm and are felt in places such as below the jaw, the groin area and under the arms. Lymphadenitis develops when the lymph nodes become infected as the result of an infection that occurs in another part of the body. Some of the common causes of lymphadenitis are the streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria along with viruses, protozoa and fungi. Among children, tonsillitis and bacterial sore throats are the common cause of this condition that occurs in the neck area. Other causes of lymphadenitis include leukemia, genital herpes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and sickle cell anemia. In rare cases, the lymph nodes can also enlarge as the result of cancer.
Symptoms
The main symptom of lymphadenitis is the swollen lymph nodes. Some of the symptoms caused by the infected lymph node include an increase in their size, nodes that appear to be soft, filled with pus and are painful to the touch. Additional symptoms can include chills, fever, loss of appetite, rapid pulse, weakness, difficulty swallowing, neck stiffness and breathing problems.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the physical examination that looks for enlarged lymph nodes, the medical history of the individual, the symptoms evident and various laboratory tests. The blood test includes white blood cell count and a blood culture. If a high level of white blood cell is detected, this is an indication of bacterial infection. In some cases, a biopsy of the lymph node may be necessary to identify the infection.
Treatment
The treatment is based on the age of the individual, the medical history and the type of infection. If an infection has affected some of the lymph nodes, it can continue to spread to other parts of the body, hence the treatment for the infection should be initiated soon as possible. The treatment includes medications such as antibiotics in the case of the bacterial infections. Surgery may also be necessary to drain the pus. The application of hot moist compresses can help reduce the inflammation and ease the pain.
References
http://www.healthofchildren.com/L/Lymphadenitis.html
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/infectious_diseases/lymphadenitis_134,80/
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=134&ContentID=80
http://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=96740
