|  | Conditions Treatments | Infectious Diseases

Signs & Symptoms of Infection in Lymph Node

The purpose of the lymphatic system is to keep the liquid portion of the body healthy by filtering out impurities and creating some of the white blood cells that fight infections. Lymph nodes are responsible for producing antibodies that attack and destroy bacteria and viruses. The lymph nodes that you can feel are found in various parts of the body, including the neck, the groin and the armpit. Lymph nodes that you cannot feel are found in the chest, pelvis and abdomen. When there is an infection, the lymph nodes will respond with certain symptoms and signs.

  1. Pain in Lymph Node

    • When one of the lymph nodes is painful when touched or palpated, it indicates that the node itself is inflamed due to an infection that has triggered the immune response. The node increases in size when it has been activated to create additional white blood cells. Pain and tenderness could also indicate that the node is hemorrhaging due to a malignancy in the node. Since pain can indicate either one of these conditions, it is difficult to diagnose the problem without further examination.

    Swelling in Lymph Node

    • A swollen lymph node or nodes indicates an infection, but not the severity. When the lymph node swells quickly, it is most likely because of a traumatic injury or sudden infection like an abscess. If a lymph node becomes enlarged over time, it probably indicates a growing tumor. Other diseases related to swollen lymph nodes are mononucleosis, rubella, TB, ear infections, mumps, dental infections, AIDS, leukemia or lymphoma. If enlarged lymph nodes decrease after a week or two, the infection has likely cleared up, but if the swelling continues, an in depth medical examination is required.

    Consistency of Lymph Nodes

    • When examining lymph nodes, the consistency indicates certain diseases or conditions. Very hard nodes usually are symptomatic of cancer. Nodes that are hard, but not rock-hard generally are a sign of lymphoma, and nodes that are softer indicate an infection. A virus will make lymph nodes feel like tiny pellets beneath the skin. If multiple nodes feel like they are all connected together in one mass, they are known as matted. This is a symptom of TB, sarcoidosis or a malignant cancer.

Infectious Diseases - Related Articles