What is Lymphadenitis?

Lymphadenitis is a non-specific inflammation caused by acute and chronic inflammation of the draining area to which the lymph node belongs, such as infections of the upper limbs, breasts, chest wall, back, and abdominal wall above the umbilicus; axillary lymphadenitis; lower limbs, abdominal wall below the umbilicus, perineum, and Infection of the buttocks can occur with inguinal lymphadenitis; infections of the head, face, mouth, neck, and shoulders cause lymphadenitis in the submandibular and neck areas. Lymphadenitis can be divided into acute and chronic lymphadenitis according to the onset of acute onset and duration.

Basic Information

English name

lymphadenitis

Visiting department

surgical

Common causes

Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus

Common symptoms

The lymph nodes are locally red, swollen, hot, and painful. Urgent onset with fever

Contagious

no

Causes of lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis is the invasion of pathogenic bacteria from damaged or ruptured skin or mucous membranes, or from other infectious lesions, such as plantar and tinea pedis, and enters the lymphatic vessels through the lymphatic space of the tissue, and then affects the lymph nodes, resulting in non-specific lymph nodes. Heterosexual inflammation. Pathogenic bacteria are often Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic streptococcus.

Clinical manifestations of lymphadenitis

Acute lymphadenitis has the characteristics of acute inflammation such as local redness, swelling, heat, and pain. It has an acute onset and is often accompanied by fever. The enlarged lymph nodes are soft and tender, and the surface is smooth without adhesions. The swelling stops to a certain extent. Redness and swelling subsided after timely anti-infective treatment. It can also develop into an abscess with exacerbations, accompanied by systemic infection symptoms.

Chronic lymphadenitis has a long course, mild symptoms, harder lymph nodes, mobility, tenderness is not obvious, and eventually the lymph nodes can shrink or resolve.

Lymphadenitis

Blood routine; ultrasound; if necessary, pathological biopsy of lymph nodes.

Lymphadenitis diagnosis

The diagnosis is usually clear based on the patient's clinical manifestations, signs, and auxiliary examination results, especially when there is a primary infection. Note that other diseases that cause lymphadenopathy should be excluded. If necessary, pathological biopsy of the lymph nodes can be used to help confirm the diagnosis.

Differential diagnosis of lymphadenitis

It is mainly distinguished from other diseases that cause lymphadenopathy, including:

Specific lymphadenitis

Such as lymph node tuberculosis.

2. Malignant tumor lymph node metastasis.

3. Infectious diseases

Viral infections such as infectious mononucleosis and AIDS, bacterial infections such as brucellosis, etc.

4. Hematological diseases

Such as acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, malignant histiocytoma and so on.

5. Connective tissue disease

Such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, and sarcoidosis.

Lymphadenitis treatment

Acute lymphadenitis: mainly for the timely treatment of the primary lesion; the application of antibiotics; pay attention to rest; incision and drainage should be performed when an abscess is formed locally.

Chronic lymphadenitis usually does not require special treatment.

Lymphadenitis prevention

Exercise and enhance immunity; for those with primary infectious lesions, such as skin and mucosal wounds, tonsillitis, dental caries, and athlete's foot infection, the original lesions should be treated in a timely manner.