KONTAN.CO.ID – Lymph nodes are small glands that filter fluid from the lymph tissue system. Launch Healthline, lymph nodes function like checkpoints.
These glands act as filters to prevent bacteria, viruses, or abnormal cells from invading the body. Lymph nodes also store immune cells such as white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for killing organisms that attack the body.
The position of the lymph nodes is located all over the body. These glands can be felt in the armpits, under the jaw, side neck, groin, and above the collarbone.
Lymph nodes in normal conditions are the size of pea seeds. However, these glands can swell from the size of a cherry to a larger size.
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Swollen lymph nodes are sometimes painful to touch or make certain movements.
Apart from swelling and pain, other symptoms that accompany swollen lymph nodes include:
- Cough
- Fatigue
- High fever
- Chills
- Cold
- Frequent night sweats
The causes of swollen lymph nodes can range from infections to tumors. Here are some of them:
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1. Infection
Launching the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection, especially viral and bacterial infections. Some common infections that can make lymph nodes swell include flu, sore throat, measles, ear infections, cavities, mononucleosis, and HIV.
Types of infections that are not common, but can make lymph nodes swell, namely tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, toxoplasma, to infection due to cat scratches.
2. Disorders of the immune system
Problems with the immune system can also cause swollen lymph nodes, including:
Lupus
This chronic inflammatory disease attacks the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This chronic inflammatory disease can attack the entire tissue lining the joints.
3. Cancer
The cause of swollen lymph nodes which is quite rare is cancer. There are two types of cancer that commonly affect the lymph nodes, namely lymphoma and leukemia or blood cancer.
There are several other types of cancer that spread (metastasize) to the lymph nodes and trigger swelling in these glands.
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4. Side effects of certain drugs
Another cause of swollen lymph nodes is a side effect of medications. Several types of drugs such as anti-seizure drugs and drugs to prevent malaria can cause swollen lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes require immediate medical attention.
See a doctor if the lymph nodes are swollen and painful for several days. Swollen lymph nodes that are not treated properly can lead to complications from the formation of an abscess.
An abscess is a collection of pus caused by an infection. The pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria. To determine the cause of the swollen lymph nodes, the doctor will recommend a physical exam, blood test, scan (CT scan), or biopsy. (Mahardini Nur Afifah)
This article has been published on Kompas.com with the title “Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes“
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