KOMPAS.com – When you are not feeling well, a number of people commonly see a lump in the neck or other body parts.
These lumps generally feel soft, tender, and sometimes a little painful.
These lumps are known as swollen lymph nodes. In the medical world, this condition is known as lymphadenopathy.
Also read: Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Reporting from Cleveland Clinic, swollen lymph nodes is a common condition when the body is attacked by disease or infection.
Lymph nodes can swell as a sign that the immune system is working to clean germs, both viruses and bacteria.
Lymph node function is like a filter that helps the body filter and get rid of germs, cells, and foreign objects through lymph fluid.
This lymph fluid consists of white blood cells, protein and fat.
The human body has at least 600 lymph nodes that are scattered in many parts of the body.
Not only in the neck, swollen lymph nodes It can also be felt in the armpits, under the jaw and chin, behind the ears, back of the head, and in the groin.
Also read: Can You Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes Without Surgery?
Diseases that cause swollen lymph nodes
After the patient feels better, the swelling of the new lymph nodes decreases. Generally, it may take several weeks for the gland to fully recover.
Launch Mount Sinai, here are some prickly diseases of swollen lymph nodes:
Infection is a disease causes of swollen lymph nodes the most common.
Some types of infections that can make lymph nodes swell include:
- Toothache such as abscess and impact
- Ear infection
- Colds, flu, and similar infections
- Swollen gums or inflammation of the gums
- Mononukleosis
- Sprue
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Tonsillitis
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Skin infection
Also read: Glandular Tuberculosis: Symptoms, How to Treat, How to Prevent
Immune disease or autoimmune disease can cause lymph nodes to swell.
Among others are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Several types of cancer can also cause swollen lymph nodes, namely:
- Leukemia
- Hodgkin’s disease
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- And several other types of cancer
The use of several types of drugs can cause swollen lymph nodes, such as drugs to treat seizures and typhoid immunization.
Swollen lymph nodes generally depending on the cause and the part of the body that is affected.
Also read: Causes and Ways to Overcome Inflammation of the Lymph Nodes
Illustration.- Swollen lymph nodes that appears suddenly and is painful is usually the result of injury or infection.
Meanwhile, swollen lymph nodes that occur slowly and do not cause pain can be a sign of a tumor or cancer.
Swollen lymph nodes are dangerous or not depending on the results of the examination from the doctor.
You need to consult a doctor if:
- The lymph nodes are swollen for several weeks or continue to get bigger
- Swollen lymph nodes are hard, irregular in shape, and swollen at one location
- Frequent fever, dry out at night
- Weight loss will be followed by fatigue and constant tiredness
- Swollen lymph nodes are more than one centimeter in diameter
The doctor will usually recommend a physical examination and tests to make a diagnosis.
Some of the recommended tests include blood yes, lymph node tissue sampling (can be taken with fluids or biopsy), chest x-rays, scan liver and spleen.
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