Everyone knows the blood circulation of the human body. But the second largest circulation system is only known to a few: the lymphatic system. Put simply, it is the cleansing system of our body. The lymphatic system removes various waste products and drains the tissues. If it gets out of balance, the lymph nodes swell.
What causes lymph nodes to swell?
Lymph nodes are small glands that are particularly easy to identify and feel in various parts of our body. These include the lymph nodes on the neck, groin, above the collarbone, armpits or the back of the knees. If we are healthy, the small nodes with a size of 5 to 10 millimeters are not so easy to feel. In case of disease, on the other hand, they often swell to many times their size. You have certainly noticed the swollen lymph nodes on your neck during the course of a cold.
The function of the lymph nodes
There are about 600 lymph nodes in our body. In the lymphatic system they are responsible for making various pathogens, cancer cells or foreign substances harmless. Each lymph node is responsible for a specific area in the body. In the lymph nodes the lymph is filtered and from there it is passed on to the next lymph node. Normally, we do not notice this process. If the body has to deal with a particularly large number of pathogens, the lymph nodes swell. The lymphatic system now runs at full speed.
Swollen lymph nodes during a cold
During a cold, the lymph nodes swell because the body's immune system is challenged with fighting viral or bacterial pathogens. In the course of the cold, the lymph nodes on the neck can even become larger than two centimeters. The swelling of the lymph nodes is a natural reaction of the body, which disappears when the infection subsides. If the lymph nodes are still swollen after about two weeks, it is important to check that there is no serious illness.
Besides a simple cold, there are other situations in which the lymph nodes swell. This is often the case with serious diseases, such as disorders of the immune system or cancer. In addition, certain medications or sexually transmitted diseases can also lead to swelling of the lymph nodes.
If you notice swelling of lymph nodes without having a cold it is important to consult a doctor promptly.
Overview: Causes of swollen lymph nodes
Viral infections:
- HIV/AIDS
- Rubella
- Measles
- Pfeiffer's glandular fever
- Cytomegaly
Bacterial infections:
- Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)
- Diphtheria
- Syphilis
- Chlamydia
- Tuberculosis
- Actinomycosis
- Lyme disease
- Infections of the mouth and throat
Rheumatoid diseases:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus erythematosus
Cancer diseases:
- Leukemia
- Malignant lymphomas
- Lymph node metastases
Other causes:
- Toxoplasmosis
- Lymphedema
Recognizing swollen lymph nodes
Recognizing swollen lymph nodes can be simple or complicated, depending on the area of the body. For example, they can be easily palpated in certain areas of the body, such as the neck or groin. When swollen, they can be the size of a pea or a cherry pit.
In addition, swollen lymph nodes can also cause pain. This is the case, for example, when the lymph nodes on the neck and jaw are swollen. Movements with the mouth/jaw can then be painful. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area, sometimes cause pain when walking.
In addition to swelling of the lymph nodes, the following symptoms may occur:
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
How are swollen lymph nodes treated?
The lymph nodes usually swell in the course of a weakening of the immune system. The body has to deal with foreign pathogens such as viruses or bodies, so swelling during a cold or flu is one of the most common symptoms. In such a case, the swelling disappears all by itself with the end of the cold or flu. Occasionally, however, it also happens that the lymph nodes remain swollen after the cold. In this case, you do not have to worry at first. If the swelling has not subsided after about one to two weeks after the cold, you should consult your doctor.
Author: Physiotherapist Marvin Seidel
Source: Clubsante
Image Source: #409936909 megaflopp / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 6 September 2022