Chronic Lymphadenitis
Definition
Chronic lymphadenitis is when one or more lymph nodes are infected or inflamed for a long time. Lymph nodes help the body get rid of bacteria and viruses.
They are found in the neck, armpits, and groin.
Causes
Lymphadenitis is usually caused by an infection in the skin, ear, nose, or eye. It then spreads to the lymph nodes. Other causes are:
Risk Factors
This problem is more common in children under 12 years of age. Things that may raise the risk are:
- Having an infection that causes it
- Being in close contact with someone who has an infection that causes it
- Having contact with animals
Symptoms
A person may have:
- Swollen, painful, or hard lymph nodes—may be one or many nodes, in one area of the
body or widespread
- Skin over a node that is red and warm to the touch
-
Fever
- Problems swallowing or breathing
- Neck stiffness
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical
exam may be done. There are many things that can cause lymph swelling. Tests to find a
cause may include:
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to get rid of the infection and inflammation. How this is done
depends on what is causing it. Treatments may be:
- Medicines such as:
- Antibiotics to treat infection
- NSAIDs to reduce inflammation (kids should not take aspirin as it can cause
serious health problems)
- Home care such as hot, moist compresses to help relieve pain
- Surgery to drain pockets of pus
Prevention
The risk of this health problem may be lowered by:
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Washing hands regularly
- Treating infections early
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov
Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://www.familydoctor.org
Canadian Resources
AboutKidsHealth
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca
References
Lymphadenitis. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lymphadenitis. Accessed May 19,
2022.
Lymphadenopathy in adults—approach to the patient. EBSCO
DynaMed website. Available
at:https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/lymphadenopathy-in-adults-approach-to-the-patient.
Accessed May 19, 2022.
Tzankov A. and Dirnhofer, S. A pattern-based approach to
reactive lymphadenopathies. Semin Diagn Pathol, 2018; 35(1): 4-19.