Swollen glands: causes and warning signs

Depending on the size and hardness of the nodes, it may be a reason to visit the doctor.

"I have swollen glands". This phrase is very often heard, and is often accompanied by a self-check on both sides of the neck and in the lower part of the jaw.

This inflammation is in most cases benign, but sometimes it may indicate the presence of a serious pathology. In this article we will explore lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes, its causes and the most relevant warning symptoms.

What are the nodes?

The lymph nodes or lymph nodes are a series of structures through which lymph circulates. They are in charge of filtering this substance, so that they prevent bacteria or viruses from spreading through the lymphatic system.The lymphatic system, which then integrates it into the blood vessels.

The lymphatic system can be considered part of the immune systemThe lymphatic system can be considered part of the immune system, since another major function of the lymph nodes is to contain the lymphocytes that fight against infections and the entry of pathogens into the body. Thus, they are very important in contributing to the immune activity of the organism, but they also have relevant functions in absorbing the lymph nutrients from the digestive system to later direct them to the veins and maintain a balance in the interstitial fluid level.

These nodes are distributed in a chain throughout the body, being some of the most known areas by most of the population those of the neck (under the chin, on both sides), armpits and groin, as well as in the abdomen and chest. But lymph nodes can become infected and inflamed for some reason..

Lymphadenopathy or swollen lymph nodes

Occasionally, the lymph nodes may suffer from some type of abnormality that causes them to become inflamed. This alteration is called lymphadenopathy, and can appear in a single lymph node or in a chain or expand to the whole system.

The inflammation of the lymph nodes usually generates harmful and annoying symptoms. Specifically, in addition to the swelling of the lymph node itself, the following symptoms usually appear the presence of a sensation of warmth, redness and increased sensitivity in the area.. It is also very common to have fever, weight loss, sweating and pain in the area where the swollen lymph node or nodes are located. It is also frequent that the appetite is reduced and fatigue and respiratory alterations appear.

Most people have suffered at some time in their lives from some type of lymphadenopathy for one reason or another: it is a phenomenon that can occur at any age and under any condition, but is especially common in childhood. Swollen lymph nodes is not a disorder or disease per seRather, it is a symptom of an infection or problem of some kind.

Possible causes of swollen glands

In general, the vast majority of people with swollen glands have swollen glands due to the presence of mild alterations, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Some frequent causes are the presence of infections such as the flu, the suffering of a pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Some diseases in which it also appears are chickenpox and measles, mononucleosis or rubella. Sometimes the inflammation is maintained for some time even when the subject has already finished rejecting a previous infection.

Another possible cause of swollen glands can be found in the lack of adequate and complete nutrition, as well as lack of rest and high stress. It is also possible that it may appear as a side effect of taking certain medications..

However, not all causes of swollen glands are always so relatively minor. Because lymphadenopathy also lymphadenopathy also occurs in serious diseases such as cancer (e.g. lymphoma or lymphoma). (e.g. lymphoma, breast, lung or testicular cancer), malaria, lupus or venereal diseases such as HIV infection (in AIDS) or syphilis. Diseases such as bubonic plague also caused such inflammation.

Should I be concerned? Warning symptoms

Although lymphadenopathies usually have causes that are not very serious and tend to disappear easily, the truth is that they can also be a symptom of a serious health problem that could even be endangering our lives.

That is why it is always advisable to go to the doctor as soon as lymphadenopathy appears to be sure of its causes and to receive treatmenteven if we consider that the cause may be minor.

However, it is especially urgent to consult a professional when the lymph nodes are inflamed in situations in which there has been no fever, it is hard to the touch or it is detected that the node has presented a large growth suddenly. Although it may seem contradictory, if the inflammation appears without any type of pain, it can also be a cause for concern. Also, if the inflammation continues for more than one month after the disappearance of the infection that caused the inflammation should be consulted..

It should also be taken into account if the inflammation is hard and rigid or, on the contrary, mobile. Although the second case is usual in infectious processes, the existence of great rigidity could indicate a serious disease, such as cancer.

The size of the ganglion is one of the criteria to take into accountIf they are larger than four centimeters we could be dealing with an important infection.

Finally, the area in which the lymph node is infected must also be taken into account. For example, swollen neck nodes are not uncommon and in many cases the causes are not usually serious. Inguinal nodes are usually related to infections of the lower limbs or sexually transmitted diseases. As for those located in the clavicle Regardless of their characteristics, they require a quick visit to the doctor, as they tend to be dangerous and may be linked to the development of some type of cancer.

Treatment

The treatment of swollen glands will depend largely on their cause. Antibiotics will usually be prescribed to treat an infection, and/or analgesic medication to relieve pain while the infection subsides.

In other cases, it may be necessary to drain the lymph nodes, initiate a specific treatment to treat self-inflammatory disorders. specific treatment to treat autoimmune disorders, or initiate treatment for or initiate treatment for problems such as cancer if such a diagnosis is confirmed.

Bibliographic references:

• Fauci, A. (2008). Harrison: Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th Edition. McGraw-Hill; Interamericana de México.