Causes Of Swollen Lymph Nodes
A mild bacterial or viral infection is the most common factor causing swollen lymph nodes. Some examples of such minor infections are glandular fever, colds, throat infections, tonsillitis, dental infections, ear infections, and skin infections (cellulitis). Swollen lymph nodes from these infections are usually accompanied by pain. In addition, sometimes people also experience fever, cough, and sore throat.
In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes can also be caused by:
In cases of swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer, usually the swelling is seen to remain non-deflating for several weeks, and may even grow slowly. In addition, the gland feels hard to the touch, but does not hurt. Patients with this condition also usually will lose weight and often sweat at night.
Examples of types of cancers that can cause swollen lymph nodes are chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both types of cancer attack white blood cells. Swollen lymph nodes can also occur due to other types of cancers that grow in any organ, but then spread to the lymph nodes.
Complications can occur if infections causing swollen glands are not treated immediately. These complications include:
In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes can also be caused by:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease that attacks joint tissue lining)
- Lupus disease (autoimmune disease that attacks blood cells, joints, skin, and organs)
- Measles (a viral infection characterized by symptoms of red spots on the skin)
- Sarcoidosis (a disease with symptoms of swollen and red lumps of tissue or granulomas in the organs of the body)
- Tuber cultivation (a bacterial infection characterized by persistent coughing symptoms)
- Rubella (a viral infection with symptoms of a skin rash consisting of small reddish spots)
- Syphilis (a sexually transmitted infection of the bacteria)
- Cytomegalovirus (a viral infection that is commonly transmitted through saliva or urine)
- HIV (a viral infection that attacks the immune system)
- Cancer
Examples of types of cancers that can cause swollen lymph nodes are chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both types of cancer attack white blood cells. Swollen lymph nodes can also occur due to other types of cancers that grow in any organ, but then spread to the lymph nodes.
Complications can occur if infections causing swollen glands are not treated immediately. These complications include:
- Formation of an abscess. Abscess is a collection of pus due to infection. The pineapple itself consists of white blood cells, dead tissue, bacteria and fluids. If this happens, it is necessary to be given antibiotics and drainage is done to free the fluid abscess that was trapped earlier. Abscesses trapped near vital organs can cause significant damage.
- Bacteraemia (infection in the bloodstream). Untreated infection increases the risk of bacterial inflammation into the bloodstream and causes sepsis. This is very dangerous because it can lead to organ failure and death. Patients with sepsis need to be hospitalized for antibiotic therapy through blood vessels.