How to treat enlarged lymph nodes in a child. Enlarged lymph nodes in a child’s neck: symptoms, causes, treatment

There are seals on the human body that can be felt with your hand or even seen.

They are called lymph nodes.

Passing through such seals, the lymph is cleansed.

During illness and inflammation, the child's lymph node enlarges. This article will tell you why this happens and what to do.

What are lymph nodes needed for?

Lymph nodes play important role in the child’s health and immunity. The main task of the nodes is to cleanse the body of bacteria, viruses, and foreign cells. Lymphocytes produced in the body protect the child’s health. During illness, lymph nodes can become enlarged, as they urgently need to produce an army of additional cells to fight foreign bodies.

Nodules are located throughout the body. On the neck, behind the ears, in the groin, in the armpits, on the stomach. It is almost impossible to palpate nodules in a newborn, but by one year healthy baby The doctor must palpate the lymph nodes.

Lymph nodes are only a few millimeters in size. They are located in groups in certain places. During an illness, the doctor will definitely check them for enlargement and make a conclusion about the child’s condition. An enlarged lymph node in the baby's neck indicates a sore throat, and an enlarged lymph node in the ear area indicates the presence of a viral infection. As a rule, changing nodes in itself is not dangerous. Sometimes children experience lymphadenitis - enlargement of lymph nodes throughout the body. The disease manifests itself when immunity is reduced or when malignant tumors in the body.

Symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes

Normally, the increase in nodes on the neck should not exceed 1 cm. A deviation upward indicates the presence of an infection in the body. When palpating, there should be no painful sensations; the lymph nodes have a dense structure and can be easily moved. These signs indicate in good condition person and do not require additional examinations.

The main symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes in a child are:

• pain on palpation;
• tuberosity;
• looseness;
• acquiring an irregular shape.

Sometimes the surrounding skin becomes inflamed and turns red. In some cases, the nodules enlarge so much that they become visually visible.

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Changing the size of lymph nodes

At an appointment with a pediatrician, if there are complaints, the doctor will definitely examine the lymph nodes. If the increase cervical lymph nodes in children it occurred by more than 1 cm, and in the inguinal by 1.5 cm, then it can be argued that an inflammatory process is present in the body.

Even in children under one year old, the size of the nodules changes during illness, but they are so small that it is not always possible to palpate them. During the fight against foreign cells, lymphocytes are activated and begin to fight. If there are a lot of pathogenic bacteria and the body cannot cope, then the lymph nodes increase in size.

In children under 3 years of age, a slight enlargement of the lymph nodes is acceptable due to an imperfect immune system. If there are no other manifestations of inflammation, then there is no need to treat the child.

Where are the lymph nodes located?

In children, lymph nodes are located in the same places as in adults. The largest group is called the cervical lymph nodes - they are located in the following places:

• on the back of the head;
• behind the ears;
• above the collarbone;
• under lower jaw;
• on the chin;
• in the upper triangle of the neck;
• behind the neck.

In addition, nodules are located throughout the body:

• under the collarbone;
• under the arms;
• on the chest;
• at the elbows;
• in the groin;
• under the knees.

Thus, the lymph nodes actively collect unnecessary substances and cleanse the entire body. Each cluster of lymphocyte producers is responsible for its own part of the body. Therefore, enlarged lymph nodes in a child help doctors determine what is happening in the body.

Reasons for the increase

The reasons for enlarged lymph nodes in children can be different, most often there is nothing dangerous about it. The body fights viruses and launches the immune system. But prolonged or excessive enlargement of the lymph nodes may indicate serious problems. The main reasons for changing nodes:

1. The increase occurs due to hormonal changes, active growth, and the development of the immune system. The condition is typical for children under 3 years of age and adolescents.
2. After scratching cats and introducing bacteria into the wound. The condition of lymphadenitis occurs.
3. When immunity decreases due to past infections, in the autumn-winter period, for chronic diseases.
4. During teething, with diseases of the oral cavity.
5. Due to hypothermia.
6. Mononucleosis occurs when the Epstein-Barr virus is present in the blood and is characterized by a severe increase in nodes in the neck.
7. For oncological tumors.
8. For diseases of the thyroid gland.
9. During autoimmune diseases, in which the body perceives its own cells as foreign.
10. If a bacterial, viral or fungal infection is detected.

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck

The cause of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck in children may be infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract or throat. Changes can occur with a cold or acute respiratory viral infection, but sometimes this is a sign of measles, rubella, and flu. Therefore, if symptoms of the disease appear and lymph nodes are enlarged, a pediatrician’s consultation is required.

When the nodules on the neck enlarge, palpation can reveal a pea with a diameter of more than a centimeter. This causes pain when pressed. With severe inflammation, the diameter of the peas reaches the size of a chicken egg.

Typically, lymph nodes do not enlarge without additional symptoms:

• increased body temperature;
• weakness;
• headaches;
• joint pain;
• drowsiness;
• digestive disorders.

But if there are no signs of illness, you should still consult a doctor to find out the cause of the enlarged lymph node in the child.

The main diseases in which changes in the lymph nodes occur:

• tonsillitis;
• pharyngitis;
• periodontitis;
• gingivitis;
• candidiasis;
• tuberculosis;
• rubella;
• viral infections;
• allergic reactions;
• purulent wounds on the head.

With enlarged nodes in the neck, in some cases pain occurs when swallowing, discomfort when turning the head, swelling of the neck. If large nodules appear on the neck, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatrician to find out the cause of enlarged lymph nodes in children. Self-treatment unacceptable, as the symptoms can be blurred, and it will be more difficult for doctors to make a diagnosis.

Changes in inguinal lymph nodes

Enlarged lymph nodes in a child’s groin indicate an inflammatory process. The reasons for changes in lymph in the groin are the following diseases:

With a decrease in immunity, the lymph nodes enlarge even with colds and acute respiratory viral infections. A slight change in size does not cause inconvenience, but the nodules can reach several centimeters in size, and the child will encounter the following inconveniences:

• heaviness in the groin area;
• pain when walking;
• skin redness;
• local increase in body temperature.

When purulent process The following symptoms may be added:

• increase in general body temperature;
• the appearance of fistulas in the skin, from which purulent contents come out;
• headache;
• signs of intoxication;
• severe pain when pressing;
• immobility of the lymph node.

With such signs, the child must be urgently shown to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Abdominal lymph nodes

Increase abdominal lymph nodes in a child indicates that inflammation has begun in the abdominal cavity. When foreign substances enter the body, they cause the production of lymphocytes. For this reason, the nodes increase. Sometimes inflammation begins in one or more lymph nodes.

Inflammation is not an independent disease. This is an indicator that not everything is fine in the body. Enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes in children cannot be diagnosed without laboratory tests.

The reasons for enlarged nodules can be various:

Symptoms may long time absent. In acute cases they begin sharp pains, the patient cannot always determine where exactly it hurts. When diagnosed, it can be confused with appendicitis if the pain is localized in the lower abdomen. Symptoms that are characteristic of many diseases occur:

• increase in temperature;
• abdominal discomfort;
• diarrhea;
• tachycardia;
• liver enlargement;
• nausea.

If the lymph node begins to fester, this can lead to severe consequences. At chronic form the symptoms are invisible or absent, so the child’s parents do not immediately contact the doctor.

This pathology is typical for children aged 6 to 12 years; boys are affected more often than girls. If a child's lymph nodes become enlarged and pain occurs, it is necessary to show the child to a pediatrician. If left untreated, there is a risk of peritonitis due to suppuration of the nodules.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes

Sometimes lymph nodes become enlarged without other signs of disease and do not shrink further. In this case, the child will be diagnosed with an adenovirus or one of the herpes viruses, including cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, which is the cause of a disease such as mononucleosis.

A frequent complaint from parents is enlarged lymph nodes behind the ears in children. In children, immunity is developing, and therefore an increased number of lymphocytes may be normal reaction. Most likely, with age, the nodules behind the ears will return to their original size without treatment. To control and eliminate inflammation, it is enough to carry out 2 times a year. general analysis blood with calculation of the leukocyte formula.

Treatment

When lymph nodes are enlarged in children, treatment is not always required. The main indicators of inflammation are increased levels of leukocytes and ESR in the blood. If the node has increased significantly and does not disappear within 5 days, then consultation with a pediatrician is required. Treatment is necessary in the following cases:

• the child has enlarged several groups of lymph nodes;
• the bulge has become dense;
• within 5 days the nodes do not decrease;
• acute pain when palpated;
• skin redness;
• elevated temperature;
• rapid increase in nodules.

After the diagnosis and examination, the doctor prescribes medications aimed at relieving inflammation. Lymph nodes are often enlarged in children, but at home you should not independently determine the degree of danger. The child must be shown to a pediatrician. If pus is detected, a lymph node biopsy may be performed.

Treatment methods for inflamed lymph nodes are as follows:

• antiviral drugs;
• chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms;
• antihistamines;
• surgical intervention if other methods are ineffective.

Prevention and reviews

Enlargement of lymph nodes during illness cannot be avoided. But there are a number of actions that prevent lymphadenitis:

• compliance with hygiene rules;
• treatment of wounds and scratches, especially those received from animals;
• strengthening the immune system;
• hardening;
• proper nutrition;
• taking vitamins;
• keeping a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet;
• undergoing preventive medical examinations;
• avoiding hypothermia;
• Timely visit to the dentist to exclude oral diseases.

Lymphadenopathy is an enlargement of the lymph nodes itself different localization. What causes the enlargement of lymph nodes in a baby’s neck? What to do if enlarged lymph nodes are visible on the child’s neck? Many parents are concerned about problems affecting their children's lymph nodes. Their increase can be associated with a large number of factors, sometimes they do not cause practically any inconvenience for the children, however, the fact of their increase gives rise to certain doubts. Does your child have an inflamed lymph node in the neck? What is this event associated with? How to treat enlarged lymph nodes in children and what absolutely should not be done, read in this article.

The role of lymph nodes in the human body

Lymph nodes are part of the human lymphoid system, which performs the most important protective function in the body. The entire human body is penetrated by various lymph nodes. They are present in the groin and armpits, there are periandibular lymph nodes, and so on. There are several of them in the human neck area alone different groups. These categories of lymph nodes protect against infections:

• throat;
• bones;
• tissues of the neck and head.

In total, the human body has about a thousand small lymphoid points, which are a smaller copy of large nodes that organize control over a certain part of the body. Formations are located in apparent, at first glance chaotic, in clusters and, individually, along the length coronary vessels and near various organs. The importance of each of the nodules can hardly be overestimated, since each of them includes a complex porous substance that cleanses the entrusted area of ​​all harmful elements posing a high danger to the human body.

Stroma - the contents of the lymph node shell, is a special filter in relation to lymph circulating in the body and cells that have a damaged DNA structure (for example, with a predisposition to cancer). At the heart of the problem of the control organs is the distribution of intercellular fluid equally into the lymph, blood, tissues and related organs. Consequently, an inflammatory or destructive process in the control of one or another lymphoid area is immediately reflected on it by an increase in the overall load. The human node begins to increase in volume, indicating a weakened area.

As a sign of a serious problem, the increase can be rapid, with signs of pain and increased body temperature. Formation of noticeable unevenness in the background asymptomatic, will indicate rather weak immunity or conditional physical pathology. Depending on the disease and infection entered the lymph node through lymph or blood, the inflamed areas look different and may:

• it is insignificant to grow, to be visible without touching;
• be increased in volume, and the skin over them will turn red;
• to fester.

In this case, not only the lymph node swells, but also the tissue around it. Accompanied by a sudden increase in temperature, severe chills, and headache. Enlarged lymph nodes are easy to notice. They feel like balls that seem to slip away or roll over if they are touched. They can be the size of a pea or the size of an egg. When palpating an enlarged lymph node the baby feels suffering and may react by crying.

Why do the lymph nodes in a baby’s neck become inflamed?

Lymph nodes are a kind of biofilters scattered throughout the body. Rounded or oval formations are located in clusters near large vessels and close to major organs. Most often, clusters of nodes can be found along the largest veins of the child’s body. In healthy children, these formations reach volumes from 0.5 to 5 cm. Without a reason, the lymphoid nodes do not increase, remaining in permanent form throughout life. All lymph flowing through the vessels flows through biofilters. Here it is cleansed of harmful toxins and various infectious agents.

Lymph nodes, performing the task of a collector, continuously accumulate all unsafe substances that penetrate the child’s body. For the time being, this well-functioning system protects a person, however, sooner or later the system fails. The nodes become inflamed, and this acts as a signal for the formation of one or another pathology in the baby’s body. In the neck area of ​​children from the back and front, the following groups of nodes are distinguished:

• submandibular;
• chin;
• sublingual;
• supraclavicular;
• anterior cervical.

Causes of enlarged nodes on a child’s neck

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area in children- This is an indicator of certain problems in the body. The causes of the condition may be associated both with the formation of a local infection and with cumulative intoxication. What leads to the formation cervical lymphadenopathy? There are localized, generalized and regional lymphadenopathy. With localized inflammation, it affects no more than one category of lymph nodes in the neck. Regional involves 2 groups of lymphoid nodes located nearby. In the case of the generalized stage, biofilters throughout the body are affected. Localized and regional lymphadenopathy in the neck area occurs with:

• ARVI, influenza;
• measles, rubella, scarlet fever, mumps;
• ENT infections;
• gingivitis, stomatitis, caries, pulpitis;
• purulent infections skin in the neck area;
• tumors.

Enlarged lymph nodes may be a manifestation of a general local disease. In this case, generalized lymphadenopathy is formed. In this condition, round formations will begin to form throughout the body, and not just in the neck area. Causes of generalized lymphadenopathy in children:

• some contagious diseases;
• blood diseases;
• tumor metastases;
• autoimmune diseases;
• metabolic diseases;
• immunodeficiency;
• taking certain medicinal substances.

All of the above reasons can occur in children at virtually any age and require diagnosis by an expert. Therapy for lymphadenopathy will depend on the existing disease, the condition of the baby and the presence of various concomitant pathologies.

Colds as a factor in inflammation

In spring or autumn, some parents ignore warm scarves and turtlenecks with a large neck, not wearing them for their children outside. Often in the presence of cold wind on the street, the baby's neck becomes hypothermic. The lymph nodes in the child’s neck become overcooled, the lymph stagnates, and inflammation appears and, as a result, enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Mononucleosis as a factor in the appearance of inflammation

This disease was first described by the father of Russian pediatrics, N.F. Filatov. The disease belongs to acute contagious viral diseases. Along with an enlargement of the liver and spleen, changes in blood and metabolic processes, enlargement of lymph nodes also occurs. The causative agent of the disease is the Epstein-Bar virus, which is transmitted by contact through the air and saliva.

Key manifestations of the disease

It is quite easy to detect enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area. Round formations can be noticed by the baby himself, his parents, or the doctor during examination. Changed lymph nodes in the neck of a child can be placed both behind and in front, depending on the source of the lesion. In some cases, they hurt when pressing on them or when turning the head, in others they do not cause the child the slightest concern.

Often at the same time, body temperature increases, chills, weakness and other signs of intoxication occur. Normally, in completely healthy children, lymph nodes in the neck area can be palpated. Such formations do not exceed 1 cm in size and always remain painless. You need to worry if the lymph nodes enlarge and become more than 1.5 cm in diameter. If such formations hurt and slightly move relative to the skin, you should definitely go to the doctor and try to find the causes of this condition.

Not only the size, but also the composition of the changed lymph nodes is of great importance. For inflammatory process the appearance of enlarged elastic formations is typical. Dense lymph nodes in a child’s neck appear when tumor cells metastasize. Cohesion with each other and with surrounding matter is characteristic of malignant tumors and tuberculosis. Residual lymphadenopathy deserves some attention. This phenomenon appears after the baby gets sick with the flu, ARVI or other infectious disease. Enlarged lymph nodes in the baby’s neck may remain for a month after recovery. Specialized treatment in this case it is not carried out.

Methods for diagnosing the disease

What to do if a child has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck? First of all, it is necessary to understand what could cause such a condition. If your baby quickly suffers from the flu or another illness, there is no need to worry. It is likely that the enlargement of the nodes in the neck was due to a common infection of the oral cavity and nasopharynx. In this case, there is no need to cure inflamed lymph nodes. Within 4 weeks after healing, the formations on the neck will disappear on their own without any additional medical therapy. There are conditions in which there is no need to delay a visit to the doctor.. It is imperative to consult an expert when:

To look for a factor in lymph node enlargement, the doctor may suggest performing a biopsy of the formation. The procedure is certainly carried out if the baby’s situation does not improve, despite all the treatment. In addition, a biopsy is indicated for lesions larger than 2.5 cm and if a tumor is suspected. Biopsy in children, as a rule, is carried out under local anesthesia. The doctor disinfects the skin, makes a cut and eliminates the affected lymph node. The formation is sent to the laboratory for analysis. According to the results of the analysis, the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment for the patient.

How to treat lymph nodes in a baby’s neck?

Has your child's lymph node in his neck become inflamed? How to treat lymph nodes in a child’s neck? Treatment of lymph nodes in children does not make sense. Before treating one or another inflamed lymph node, it is necessary to find out the cause of its appearance. Inflammation of a neoplasm is only the result of some process:

• infectious;
• autoimmune;
• tumor.

It is necessary to treat the disease itself, which led to the proliferation of lymph tissue in the neck.

What to do if changes in lymph nodes are accompanied by signs infectious disease? If due to enlarged lymph nodes If there is an infection, the doctor may prescribe bactericidal or antiviral drugs. Therapy lasts from 5 to 14 days, after which the doctor evaluates the results of the therapy performed. During this time, all the key signs of the disease should go away, and along with them, the lymph nodes should shrink. If the treatment does not bring results, you need to think about a biopsy of the formation and other additional ways examinations.

If cancer is detected, the child must be treated by an oncologist. The treatment regimen itself depends on the type of tumor, its prevalence and the general condition of the patient. Autoimmune and endocrine diseases, in addition, must be dealt with by appropriate experts. Surgical treatment is done quite rarely and only if the inflammation process is localized strictly in the affected lymph node. The formation is removed under local or general anesthesia. After the procedure conservative treatment using broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Round lumps have appeared on the child’s neck, which are easily identified by touch and sometimes visually noticeable. Parents, as usual, immediately panic, because everyone knows from biology lessons in school that lymph nodes are no joke. However, enlarged cervical nodules in childhood occur more frequently than in adults, and are not always a cause for parental worries and worries. Famous pediatrician and author of books for adults children's health Evgeniy Komarovsky tells what enlarged nodes on the neck can mean, and how caring and loving parents should treat this.

About the problem

In medicine, this unpleasant phenomenon has a very specific name - cervical lymphadenitis. It is generally accepted that lymph nodes enlarge in response to penetration of the lymphatic system pathogens(viruses or bacteria).

• Sometimes the disease is independent, but it is usually preceded by infected wounds, abscesses, boils. This disease is called specific.
• Quite often, cervical lymphadenitis is not an independent disease, but one of accompanying symptoms some infectious and other diseases. Their list is incredibly large - from tonsillitis and influenza to tuberculosis and oncological problems. This disease is called nonspecific.

Lymph nodes are an integral part of the body's defense system - the immune system. It is not surprising that for any pathological process in the body, small nodules react as part of the vanguard of immunity - among the first. This especially applies to children, immune system which as a whole is not mature, perfect and strong. It is for this completely physiologically explainable reason that lymphadenitis in children is much more severe than in adults.

The symptoms are quite easy to recognize at home, without any prior medical preparation. In the child, the submandibular and cervical nodes, as well as the nodes located between the lower jaw and ear, and the occipital nodes enlarge. The increase can be either significant or small, barely noticeable to the touch.

In some cases, the child’s body temperature rises, appetite disappears, and severe lethargy is observed. Upon palpation, he feels noticeable discomfort (and even pain).

Acute lymphadenitis with severely reduced immunity and improper treatment in children it can become purulent. Chronic lymphadenitis is almost never purulent. We can talk about a chronic form of the disease if the child has colds The cervical lymph nodes are enlarged.

Often, a child's lymph nodes may become inflamed in response to a special infection - Bartonella - entering the body. Its carriers are dogs and cats. It is clear that Bartonella enters the bloodstream through cat scratches on the skin, which is why it is called cat scratch disease.

You can often notice enlarged lymph nodes in a baby during teething. This is due to the increased work of nodules as part of the entire immune system during this difficult time for the child.

About cervical lymphadenitis

Parents often turn to a well-known pediatrician with complaints about enlarged lymph nodes in their child’s neck. Before answering the question of how to treat this unpleasant illness, Evgeniy Olegovich advises to carefully understand the possible true reasons enlargement of nodules. Determining this is not as difficult as it seems. It all depends on the location of the enlarged node:

1. According to the pediatrician, the increase in so-called retropharyngeal nodes(located at the junction of the lower jaw and the edge auricle) is most often caused by pathogenic microbes that live in the pharynx.
2. If the lymph nodes are swollen under the lower jaw, This is most likely due to infections of the mouth and face. If there is no inflammation in the indicated areas, then Komarovsky advises considering the option of infection with atypical mycobacteria.
3. Nodules on the neck (side or back) may indicate the presence of a source of infection in the immediate vicinity (inflammation of the respiratory tract, larynx, skin infections).

Enlarged occipital nodes Komarovsky considers it a sign of successful functioning of the immune system in the process of the body’s fight against various viral pathogens. If a child has suffered from ARVI, influenza, or adenovirus, then such an increase cannot be considered an independent illness. This increase does not require treatment and usually goes away on its own within 2-3 weeks.

Bilateral inflammation - alarming symptom, which may accompany infectious mononucleosis, toxoplasmosis, secondary syphilis and others serious illnesses. If the nodule is inflamed on one side, there is no need to worry. According to Komarovsky, this may indicate that this particular node works as part of the immune system a little more actively than its other counterparts, taking on an additional “load.” Its increase cannot be considered a sign of disease.

Most common reasons emergence cervical lymphadenitis, according to Evgeniy Komarovsky, lie in numerous lymphotropic viral infections, which even include the familiar herpes, adenoviral infection and others.

In any case, the doctor says, parents should not panic and immediately drag their poor child to a variety of medical specialists. Urgent and emergency treatment in most cases it is not required, and often the inflamed lymph node returns to normal on its own, without any effort on the part of doctors, mothers, fathers and grandmothers. You should not immediately go to the pharmacy for antibiotics. But you definitely need to visit a pediatrician and get a referral for tests.

Treatment according to Komarovsky

Before prescribing treatment, Evgeniy Olegovich recommends that parents find the opportunity to get tested in a good virology laboratory. It is its specialists and modern high-precision laboratory equipment that will help to most accurately determine which virus is causing the enlarged lymph nodes.

In most cases, the usual is sufficient clinical analysis blood, in which the leukocyte formula is determined.

If lymphadenitis is recurrent and comes back again and again, then Komarovsky considers it sufficient to do such a blood test 2-3 times a year. This, he said, is quite enough to control the situation.

If the viral etiology of cervical lymphadenitis is confirmed, treatment makes no sense at all, emphasizes Evgeny Komarovsky. The illness will pass independently - as the immune system completely copes with the foreign agent. If the culture gives positive result on

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

The article below will teach parents how to independently diagnose enlarged lymph nodes in a child, and will tell about possible consequences and will 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 human body are responsible for cleansing the lymph continuously circulating through the vessels. The need for timely diagnosis, as well as finding out the reason for the increase in this kind of “filters” is due to the vital work they perform important function in the body, including children.

Inflamed lymph nodes in a child’s neck most often occur in the following cases:

• emergence viral disease colds in a small body;
• damage to the throat area by infections of various origins (measles, rubella, and so on);
• integrity damage skin cat's claws, provoking an inflammatory process in the child's body due to the entry of strong animal into circulatory system;

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

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

Diagnosis of inflamed lymph nodes in the neck in children

It is possible to determine enlarged lymph nodes in the neck at home by examining the child externally and checking the site of potential inflammation for pain.

First of all, for the initial diagnosis of the presence of “deviations” in the area under consideration, it is necessary to evaluate appearance neck.

If you detect “suspicious” redness or “bulging” areas, lightly press on the inflamed areas, paying attention to the degree of their hardness and the child’s reaction associated with possible painful sensations upon palpation of 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 centimeters or more on the examined area of ​​the body.

Enlarged lymphatic “filters” become hard to the touch, and when you press on them, the baby will most likely complain of sharp pain. The skin around the inflamed area turns red, becomes more sensitive, and may begin to peel.

Sizes of lymph nodes: norms and deviations

Normally 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. This state of lymphatic “filters” can persist for a long time (up to a year), or can remain for life, without causing any discomfort to the child.

The following should be cause for concern and immediate consultation with a specialist:

• “poor” general blood test against the background of an enlarged “filter node” in the neck;
• dysfunction of the lymph nodes identified during ultrasound examination;
• progressive increase in height inflamed lymph node or a sharp increase in pain upon palpation.

Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes

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

Significant changes are observed in the child’s usual behavior when an inflammatory process occurs in the lymph nodes, the following appears:

• weakness, lethargy;
• apathy, drowsiness;
• loss of appetite due to painful sensations 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 their child’s body.

How to treat lymph nodes in a child’s neck

Inflamed lymph nodes in a child’s neck can be treated only if the cause of their occurrence is correctly determined. 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 positive dynamics in a state of swollen lymph node, Physical treatment and, in rare cases, even surgical intervention may be required.

Drug treatment of enlarged lymph nodes

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

UHF therapy

UHF therapy is a physiotherapeutic method of treating inflammatory processes in the cervical region of a child using ultra-high frequency electromagnetic fields.

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

The average duration of the procedure varies from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the build of the small patient and the “neglect” of the disease. This time, even at its maximum, is acceptable for the child to remain motionless with electrode plates attached to his neck.

Surgical intervention

Surgical intervention to solve the child’s health problem under consideration is extremely rarely prescribed. This fact due to the need to perform the operation under general anesthesia, a difficult child's body, weakened during a progressive inflammatory process.

If the doctor discovers that the affected area of ​​skin on the neck has become suppurated, special manipulations are carried out to open the purulent focus. Having removed the non-functioning parts of the lymph nodes and the pus accumulated in this area, the surgeon treats the “working” surface and then carefully applies a suture.

If necessary, a medical tube may also be placed in the operated area to suck out any remaining pus from the inflamed area.

Treatment of enlarged lymph nodes with folk remedies

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

To reduce the size of a lymph node in a child’s neck, the following is traditionally used:

• garlic(pour 2 heads of garlic into 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 meals);

• blueberries(pour fresh berries warm water in a ratio of 1:5, crush and leave for 3 hours. Due to the maximum naturalness and “gentle” properties of the main ingredient, the resulting mixture can be taken in as much quantity as the child wants);
• chamomile leaves(Add 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers to 200 ml of water and bring to a boil. After “keeping” the tincture on the 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 improvements occur).

What not to do if you have swollen lymph nodes

To avoid complications and sharp deterioration condition of the child, parents with lymphadenitis are highly discouraged from:

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

Otherwise, infectious “causative agents” of the inflammatory process will sharply become more active in their spread throughout children's body, affecting organs, circulatory and nervous system and even the brain.

When and which doctor should you contact?

If you find swelling in your child’s neck, you should contact him 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, and prescribe competent treatment, through modern methods diagnosis of this type of disease.

Possible complications of inflammation of the lymph nodes

If you fail to apply in a timely manner medical care or ill-prescribed treatment of lymphadenitis in children, the likelihood of complications increases several times, in particular:

• weakened immunity;
• febrile conditions;
• purulent inflammation affecting nearby lymph nodes, muscles and skin;
• spread of “swelling” to the face and other sides of the neck;
• a sharp increase in body temperature that is not amenable to antipyretic drugs;
• the emergence and development of neutrophilia.

Prevention of inflammation of the lymph nodes in a child

To ensure that the child never experiences inflammation of the lymph nodes, parents It is necessary to follow the basic rules for preventing the occurrence of lymphodenitis and accustom your child to this:

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

Inflamed lymph nodes in the neck may indicate both a natural “post-infectious” process suffered by the child’s body and not requiring treatment, or the presence malignant neoplasms. Timely diagnosis and clarification of the cause of inflammation, as well as the prescription of correct treatment are guarantors favorable outcome the current situation.

Video about inflammation of the lymph nodes in children, causes and methods of treatment

Enlarged lymph nodes in children, opinion of Dr. Komarovsky:

How to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes:

Enlarged lymph nodes are always a cause for concern. In some cases it is justified, in others it is not. To avoid unnecessary worry, parents need to know the reasons that cause their increase and learn to recognize the symptoms of serious disorders.

What are lymph nodes needed for?

All organs of the lymphatic system, including the lymph nodes, closely interact with the bloodstream. A clear liquid (lymph) continuously moves through the lymphatic vessels, the purpose of which is protect the circulatory system from the entry of decay products of viruses and other harmful substances into it .

The “filtration” process occurs directly in the lymph nodes, which are located throughout the body and are conventionally divided into several groups. Lymphocytes, the main cells of the immune system, are also formed here. Thus, lymphatic system performs a protective and barrier function.

There are about 500 lymph nodes in the human body, but in normal condition only the axillary, submandibular and inguinal nodes. Their size should not exceed a pea, in addition, when pressed, they can move slightly to the side.
When there are too many bacteria in the body, they settle on the lymph nodes, which causes their enlargement and inflammation. .

The effect of reduced immunity on the state of the lymphatic system

Considering that the immune system of a child under 10 years of age is not yet fully formed, many children often experience causeless enlargement of lymph nodes.

But in order to exclude other reasons that caused this condition, the child needs to be shown to a doctor even when they do not cause obvious concern.

If the size of the node does not exceed 1 cm and does not cause discomfort to the child, then most likely we're talking about about individual characteristics body. This is typical for some children. Besides, small children under 3 years old are actively studying environment. Therefore, their immune system works in enhanced mode , fighting foreign substances, which is why the lymph nodes always look enlarged. If after visiting the doctor no violations were identified, parents should not worry.

In this case, there is no need to make any attempts at treatment - ointments and compresses will not have a positive effect.

Situations that provoke enlarged lymph nodes

When the size of the lymph node increases to 2 cm or more, parents should be observant so as not to miss the onset of a serious illness. However, in 90% of cases, enlarged lymph nodes do not pose a threat.

The most common causes of lymph node growth in childhood are:

1. Sluggish inflammatory diseases ENT organs – sore throat, laryngitis, pharyngitis, otitis media. Therefore, having noticed a child’s throat, you must first examine his throat. Any disease of the nasopharynx may be accompanied by enlarged cervical and submandibular lymph nodes. As a rule, after recovery everything returns to normal.
2. Dental problems . If a child’s tooth integrity is compromised, this can provoke microbes to enter the body, and the lymph node located nearby will be the first to respond to them.
3. For ARVI Several groups of lymph nodes may enlarge at once, as a result of an overly violent reaction of the immune system.
4. Teething in upper jaw sometimes leads to an increase in nodes behind the ears.
5. Reaction for some medications.
6. Complication after the BCG vaccine.
7. Due to the entry of germs from wounds and cuts . There are cases where the lymph node has become enlarged due to an inflamed hangnail.

If the child in all these cases does not feel pain when palpating the lymph node, you can observe his condition for several days.

If there is no improvement, and the child begins to feel worse, you should definitely visit a pediatrician.

Enlarged lymph nodes as a sign of a dangerous disease

When inflammation of the lymph node (lymphadenitis) is not associated with reduced immunity, most likely the body is affected by serious diseases:

• Immune – lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus.
• Infectious – (glandular fever), mumps, scarlet fever.
• Some skin diseases — exudative diathesis, pyoderma.
• TO infectious diseases The cause of lymphadenitis is a rather unusual disease - felinosis. Its peculiarity is that this infection enters the body after contact with an infected cat, and especially after scratches and bites. In this case, the baby will experience an elevated temperature.
• Also, lymph nodes may be the first to respond to various tumor cells , but their size increases slightly with a tumor, so it is quite difficult to determine them in a child on your own. The presence of a tumor can only be suspected if the lymph node above the collarbone is enlarged. In all other cases they are detected during ultrasound.

In what cases should you consult a doctor?

The first thing you should pay attention to is the size of the lymph node:

• Does not exceed 1 cm - there is no reason to worry.
• From 1 to 1.5 cm – a suspicious symptom that requires careful monitoring of the child.
• From 2 to 2.5 cm – dangerous condition, requiring immediate medical consultation.

It is also very important to understand the difference between an enlarged and inflamed lymph node:

1. An enlarged lymph node does not cause pain to the child . Touching it can cause a tickling sensation and laughter in the child for the reason that the skin in this place becomes very sensitive due to stretching. In such a situation, you can not immediately run to the doctor, but take a wait-and-see approach and observe the child for several days.
2. An inflamed lymph node, in addition to its increased size, worries the child , touch causes pain, the skin in this area becomes red. The condition is especially dangerous when the node rapidly increases during the day. This may indicate suppuration and requires immediate medical attention.

You also need to pay attention to the following symptoms:

• All groups of lymph nodes throughout the body are inflamed (in armpit, under the knee, in the groin).
• The lymph node is enlarged for more than 5 days (not associated with sore throat).
• The surrounding skin is red or blue.
• The skin feels hot to the touch (due to a bacterial infection).

Each of these symptoms indicates that the child needs urgent medical assistance. Until the cause is determined, any medications and warm compresses are prohibited.

Doctors' task – determine what reason provoked their increase and prescribe adequate treatment. A general blood test, ultrasound of the abdominal cavity (liver, spleen) and ultrasound of the lymph node, if it is large, will help clarify the situation.

As you can see, there are many reasons that cause enlarged lymph nodes. After carefully examining the baby, parents in most cases can understand what led to this condition. But consulting a doctor will be useful in any case, especially if the child has other symptoms .

Dr. Komarovsky - the child’s lymph nodes are enlarged, why and what to do?