Lymphadenitis Treatment

Lymphadenitis, also known as a lymph node infection, lymph gland infection and localized lymphadenopathy, is an infection of the lymph nodes. Often occurring due to a bacterial infection such as streptococcal and staphylococcal bacterium, lymphadenitis arises due to the inflammation of the glands and are typically found around the location of an underlying tumor, infection or inflammation. Though bacteria is a primary cause, the infection can be caused by viral, fungal and protozoal infections as well. Treatment is dependent on the cause of the lymphadenitis, and the prognosis is typically excellent for those who begin treatment early.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of lymphadenitis include swollen, tender and hard lymph nodes. This is often accompanied by red and tender skin in the area of the lymph node. If an abscess (collection of pus) has formed in the affected area, the lymph nodes may feel rubbery.

  Other symptoms include those associated with whatever might have caused the lymphadenitis. Given that a main cause of lymphadenitis is a streptococcal infection, other "body-encompassing" symptoms can include fever, chills, headache and an overall feeling of unwell.

Treatment

• Given lymphadenitis's tendency to spread incredibly quickly (sometimes within hours), it is recommended that treatment through a physician upon first sight of symptoms is sought out immediately.

  Should the lymphadenitis be the result of a bacterial infection, the primary method of treatment is antibiotics. These will treat the underlying infection as well as the infection of the lymph nodes. Antibiotics used to treat lymphadenitis include penicillins, nafcillin, cephalosporins (fungal-based alternative to penicillin) and erythromycin.

  A number of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, combined with cold compresses to the affected area are recommended to help reduce pain and swelling. Analgesics (pain relievers such as Tylenol) can be used to relieve associated pain.

  Although rare, surgery may be required to drain any abscesses that may have formed. This is often used in conjunction with antibiotics.

Complications

• In addition to the formation of abscesses, possible complications and secondary conditions include the formation of cellulitis, sepsis (an infection of the blood stream), gangrene, thrombophlebitis (blood clots) and fistulas. The formation of fistulas typically occurs when the infection is due to complications with tuberculosis.

  Though lymphadenitis typically clears up with little to no complications, the patient may suffer from residual or persistent swollen lymph nodes.