How can lymph nodes become infected?
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Answers:
from an infection in the blood that drains into that particular node... its more like the sentry tower filled with guards that fight any infiltration...
A lymph node is part of our immune system. If you get sick thats why most doctors feel the sides of your neck and under your arm pits sometimes. If these are swollen you are severly sick.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
You're most likely to encounter Lymphadenopathy (limf-AD-en-OP-o-thee), or swollen lymph nodes, in your neck, armpits, or groin. Children are more likely to have swollen nodes than are adults. In children, the problem is usually a sign of infection. When older people develop the condition, there may be a more serious underlying cause.
Causes
Lymphadenopathy is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Signs/Symptoms
When you're fighting an infection, nearby lymph nodes get bigger and become tender. Normally, lymph nodes are less than 1/2 inch across (about the size of your fingernail). But, with an infection, they can swell to 2 or 3 times their usual size. They will slowly return to normal in 2 to 4 weeks, when the infection is gone. The lymph nodes may also feel hard or firm, and may seem misshapen. The skin near a swollen lymph node may feel warm.
Care
Your doctor will treat the cause of the swelling. If you have an infection, you may need to take an antibiotic or an antiviral medication. If your doctor is not sure what is causing the problem, you may need to have the swollen node biopsied. To perform this procedure, your doctor will insert a needle in the lymph node, remove a sample of tissue or fluid, and send the sample to a laboratory.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
* Do not poke or squeeze the swollen lymph nodes. This could keep them from returning to normal.
* You may take acetaminophen for pain and fever, but do NOT take aspirin or give it to children who have an infection.
* Always take your medicine as directed. If you feel it is not helping, call your doctor, but do not stop taking it on your own.
* If you are taking antibiotics, finish the entire prescription even if you feel well. Failure to complete the treatment may leave enough bacteria alive to cause another infection.
* Putting heat on the swollen nodes may help reduce pain. Use an electric heating pad (set on low) or warm, wet towels.
* If you have a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) or with double-strength tea may provide some relief.
* If you have a fever, rest until your temperature returns to normal (98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C). You may resume normal activity slowly after your fever is gone. Be sure to rest whenever you feel tired.
* You may not have much appetite while you are ill, but try to eat as much healthy food as possible. Drink at least 8 soda-can sized glasses of liquids each day, especially while you have a fever.
Call Your Doctor If...
* You develop a high temperature.
* A swollen node grows to more than 1 to 2 inches across.
* A swollen node remains larger than 1/2 inch for more than 1 month.
* Your lymph nodes continue to feel tender or get worse.
* A swollen node grows more tender to the touch, red streaks develop near it, the overlying skin becomes red, or you develop a rash.
Seek Care Immediately If...
* The node interferes with moving your neck, breathing, or swallowing.
when the ducts get clogged. think of lymph nodes as filters for the body. if things are not running properly or flowing (a clogged sinus) it will lead to swollen lymph nodes. an infected ear or clogged sinus will lead to swollen glands in the neck, that can lead to swollen lymph nodes under the arms, an so on and so on. does that help?
A boil or infected wound in the drainage area of any lymph-node causes painful enlargement of that lymph node. It is because the lymphatic ducts clear the infection from the site and bring it to the nodes for killing and scavenging the offending organisms/substance.
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