Is lymphadenitis serious? What are the dangers?

Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the area where the lymph nodes are located and a non-specific inflammation of the lymph nodes. Lymphadenitis is prone to occur in places such as the upper body, back, breasts, head, and neck. Depending on the duration of the disease and the severity of the cause, lymphadenitis can be divided into acute lymphadenitis and chronic lymphadenitis. So is lymphadenitis serious?

1. Causes

Lymphadenitis is a nonspecific inflammation of the lymph nodes caused by pathogenic bacteria invading from damaged or ruptured skin or mucous membranes, or from other infectious lesions such as boils and tinea pedis, entering the lymphatic vessels through the lymphatic spaces of the tissues, and then affecting the associated lymph nodes. The pathogens are often Staphylococcus aureus and hemolytic Streptococci.

2. Clinical manifestations

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 swollen lymph nodes are soft and tender, with a smooth surface and no adhesion. The swelling stops when it reaches a certain extent. The redness and swelling can subside after timely anti-infection treatment. When the condition worsens, it may also develop into an abscess, accompanied by systemic infection symptoms.

Chronic lymphadenitis has a long course, mild symptoms, hard and movable lymph nodes, and no obvious tenderness. Eventually the lymph nodes may shrink or disappear.

3. Inspection

Routine blood test; ultrasound examination; lymph node biopsy if necessary.

4. Diagnosis

The diagnosis can usually be made based on the patient's clinical manifestations, signs, and auxiliary examination results, especially when a primary infection lesion is present. Be careful to exclude other diseases that cause lymph node enlargement. If necessary, a lymph node biopsy can be performed to help confirm the diagnosis.

5. Differential Diagnosis

The main need to be differentiated from other diseases that cause lymphadenopathy, including:

1. Specific lymphadenitis

Such as lymph node tuberculosis.

2. Lymph node metastasis of malignant tumor.

3. Infectious diseases

Viral infections such as infectious mononucleosis and AIDS; bacterial infections such as brucellosis; spirochete infections such as syphilis and leptospirosis; protozoan and parasitic infections such as kala-azar and filariasis.

4. Blood system diseases

Such as acute and chronic leukemia, lymphoma, malignant histiocytoma, etc.

5. Connective tissue diseases

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

6. Treatment

Acute lymphadenitis: mainly timely treatment of the primary lesion; application of antibiotics; rest; incision and drainage when local abscess forms.

Chronic lymphadenitis usually requires no specific treatment.

7. Prevention

Exercise to enhance immunity; for those with primary infectious lesions, such as skin and mucous membrane wounds, tonsillitis, dental caries, tinea pedis infection, etc., the primary lesions should be treated in time.