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Swollen lymph nodes - swollen lymph nodes
Lymph node enlargement is often harmless
Lymph node swelling (lymphoma) can be local, ie in a specific body region or generalized, i. (almost) occur on the entire body. They also vary in size, shape, consistency, and soreness, which may give the diagnostician initial clues to the causes. In most cases lymphomas are benign, e.g. in the context of a cold or inflammation. However, if there is no obvious cause of a lymph node enlargement over several weeks, a visit to the doctor for clarification is strongly advised.
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- Lymph node enlargement is often harmless
- Lymph nodes: The "filter station" for tissue water
- Causes of lymphadenopathy
- Lymph node swelling in autoimmune diseases
- Malignant lymphomas
- Treatment for swollen lymph nodes
- Naturopathy with enlarged lymph nodes
Lymph nodes: The "filter station" for tissue water
The so-called lymph nodes are flat-round or lenticular nodules, which act as a collection point and filter stations for the lymph fluid ("tissue water"). They belong to the human lymphatic system (also called "lymphatic system"), which in turn is part of the immune system.
Lymph nodes are important filter stations for tissue fluid throughout the body. (Image: lom123 / fotolia.com) In addition to the defense or fight against pathogens, foreign substances and pathologically altered cells (such as tumor cells), the lymphatic system has other important tasks: The return of the lymph fluid from the body tissues in the bloodstream and the transport of dietary fats.
Lymph nodes (with the exception of the central nervous system) are present everywhere in the body and each responsible for the uptake and filtering of the tissue water of a specific body region (regional lymph nodes). They are commonly found on the neck, under the armpits, neck, chest and abdomen as well as in the groin area.
Usually the small nodules are not visible or palpable in healthy people. Exceptions are in some cases the groin, in children and people with a very slender neck, they can sometimes feel there. Normally, the nodes measure about five to twenty millimeters. In the case of infection, however, they form to combat these increasingly immune cells and therefore swell (lymph node hyperplasia). If the lymph nodes are more than two centimeters tall, this is a sign that they are busy with the defense against diseases.
The location of the swelling often already provides information about the cause of the disease - especially if more typical symptoms occur. In tonsillitis, for example, the enlarged lymph nodes laterally, in the front of the neck, which is accompanied by sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and a lump in the throat.
Swollen lymph nodes often appear in the course of a cold. (Image: glisic_albina / fotolia.com) Causes of lymphadenopathy
Swollen lymph nodes are usually caused by bacterial and viral infections. Most commonly it comes in the context of common infections such as a cold and inflammation such. An inflammation of the throat or tonsils leads to benign lymphadenopathy in the area of the neck, lower jaw and / or neck.
In bacterial or viral infectious diseases and colds, the lymph nodes hurt, feel soft and can be moved well with your fingers. The same applies, for example, in the case of tonsillitis (tonsillitis), in scarlet fever and an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (Pfeiffer's glandular fever).
Other possible causes include blood poisoning (sepsis), drug intolerances (such as penicillin or quinidine), the highly contagious viral diseases of rubella and measles, tuberculosis and the worldwide venereal disease syphilis (lues).
In rare cases, the cause of the symptoms lies in an infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which causes the so-called toxoplasmosis. Tropical diseases such as malaria and dengue fever are also typically associated with enlargement of the lymph nodes.
In the area of the lymphatic drainage area of a strong local inflammation, it can also cause inflammation of the lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes themselves. These are often caused by bacterial infections of skin wounds (especially streptococci or staphylococci), but also e.g. by fungal infections (mycoses) or as a result of limited wound healing in diabetes.
The cause of lymph node swelling may e.g. to be a foot fungus. (Image: Alexander Raths / fotolia.com) Soft lymphomas around the neck and the back of the head with a small spot rash and moderate fever indicate rubella. If the enlarged lumps occur on at least two parts of the body (excluding the groin!), They are easily painful under pressure, and if left over for more than three months, can be a contagious HIV infection (AIDS).
Lymph node swelling in autoimmune diseases
A rare cause are autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (short: SLE) or rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the rarely occurring sarcoidosis (also called "Boeck's disease") comes into consideration. It is an inflammatory disease in which, due to a defect in the immune system, tiny nodules can form in organs and thereby restrict their function. In principle, these so-called granulomas can infect any organ, but especially often the lungs and the lymph nodes between the two lungs are affected.
In addition to the enlargement of the nodes, in this case usually further complaints typical of inflammatory diseases occur. These include above all fever, a general malaise and tiredness.
Malignant lymphomas
Lymph nodes that are painless, hard, and non-translucent (but "baked" to the environment) may indicate malignant disease. For example, in breast cancer (breast cancer), lymph node metastasis may develop in the armpit, which becomes palpable as a nodule under the axilla.
If the axillary lymph nodes are swollen, this can indicate breast cancer in an emergency. (Image: Uwe Grötzner / fotolia.com) If lymphoma is found on the neck or in several parts of the body, and if there is an additional conspicuous weight loss and heavy night sweats, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia and tuberculosis should be excluded.
Treatment for swollen lymph nodes
If a relatively harmless cause (such as a common cold) is present, lymph node swelling does not usually require special therapy. Because the swelling is in this case an expression of a healthy and normal defense and goes back to fading of the infection by itself. To relieve the symptoms, depending on the clinical picture, for example, effective home remedies for sore throat such as gargling with herbal tea or Schüssler salts can be used.
If a more severe disease is the trigger, the focus is on the treatment of the underlying disease. In viral infections such as pfeiffer glandular fever, rest, sleep and physical well-being are usually essential to support the body's self-healing powers. If necessary, symptoms such as fever or headache, e.g. with antipyretic drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Bacterial infections, e.g. a bacterial tonsillitis, often require the administration of antibiotics. In addition, effective home remedies for tonsillitis can be used to accelerate healing. Good conditions include pads with healing earth or lemon, quark wrap or garlic with sage tea.
In the case of malignant lymphomas (Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, etc.), a specially coordinated tumor treatment with chemotherapy and radiation takes place.
Naturopathy with enlarged lymph nodes
In addition to conventional medical approaches, various naturopathic measures can be considered for benign lymphomas. The lymphatic system is considered a major expectorant in natural healing practice, which is involved in the treatment of various physical ailments. These include increased susceptibility to infections, allergies, skin diseases such as Eczema, gout and diabetes mellitus.
Exuding procedures such as cupping can be an effective aid in stimulating lymphatic flow. (Image: Kzenon / fotolia.com) The aim of the alternative medical treatment is to support the body's own detoxification and purification and to relieve the lymphatic system, so that it can regenerate and the lymphatic flow can get going again. There are various methods and means available for this.
For example, diversion procedures have proven useful, by which the lymphatic flow is stimulated and the body becomes balanced again. Cupping, the application of Cantharid patches, the leech therapy and Baunscheidtherapie are used here in particular.
A very effective approach to the treatment of the lymphatic system is manual lymphatic drainage. This is a form of physical therapy performed by specially trained masseurs and physiotherapists. As part of a special kind of massage, the flow of the lymph is stimulated by various movements and gripping techniques, thereby improving the drainage of fluid congestion in the tissue.
In order for the lymphatic system to function properly, it is important to drink plenty of water (at least 2 liters a day). For the stimulation of the lymphatic system also various medicinal plants are available. Stone clover promotes lymphatic drainage and counteracts edema, therefore, the herb is also known as a proven home remedy for water in the legs.
Recipe for stone clover tea:
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A tea with stone clover is an effective home remedy for promoting lymphatic flow. (Image: Heike Rau / fotolia.com) Other medicinal plants that contribute to a well-functioning lymphatic system include the horse chestnut, stinging nettle and yarrow.
A change in diet and adequate sleep help relieve the entire metabolism. Exercise should have a permanent place in everyday life, because nothing brings the flow of the lymph so much as physical activity. Whether yoga, qigong, walking, dancing, swimming, crosstrainer or easy hopping on a small trampoline - it is important that you enjoy the movement and you perform this regularly. (Non-medical practitioner Jeanette Viñals Stein, nr, last updated 02.02.2017)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)