Each of those living at least once suffered from an acute respiratory illness. Many carry this disease, as they say, on their feet.
Few people would think that a commonplace cold could lead to dire consequences, but this is still so. One of the complications of acute respiratory viral infections is lymphadenitis. Simply put - inflammation of the lymph nodes.
It is a serious pathology, in the absence of treatment, it is quite capable of leading to disastrous consequences. To prevent this from happening, it is important to arm yourself with medical knowledge.
What is submandibular lymphadenitis, and what is the mechanism of its development
Lymphadenitis, as already mentioned, is an inflammatory lesion of the local lymphatic system. It develops according to a simple scheme. The human lymphatic system consists of special lymphatic vessels. In many parts of the body there are special capsule seals - lymph nodes. These nodes are responsible for protecting the body from dangerous "intruders."
At a certain point after an acute respiratory viral infection or in the presence of a focus of chronic inflammation, infectious agents enter the lymph nodes with a blood stream. The body reacts immediately, causing inflammation. Figuratively speaking, the lymph nodes, like biological filters, retain pathogens and are “clogged”, which is why lymphadenitis develops.
Contrary to the possible idea of the harmlessness of the described pathology, it must be stated that this is not so. In the absence of competent treatment, that ailment is quite capable of leading to death. Therefore, it is so important to recognize the disease on time and conduct thorough treatment.
Causes of submandibular lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis can be characterized as a polyetiological disease, since there are many possible reasons for the development of this disease. Among the most common:
• A history of throat diseases. Tonsillitis, chronic tonsillitis. All these diseases are quite capable of becoming the trigger mechanism for the formation of lymphadenitis.
• The presence of ear diseases. First of all, we are talking about otitis media (inflammation of the eardrum), etc.
• Dental problems. In this case, we can talk about the pathologies of the dental profile as a whole: carious teeth, gingivitis, periodontitis, all these diseases are quite capable of causing lymphadenitis.
• Recently transmitted infections without characteristic localization. ARVI, tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and other diseases of an infectious nature may be triggers of lymphadenitis.
• The presence of distant foci of chronic inflammation. Sexually transmitted diseases are especially dangerous. Immediate damage to the submandibular lymph nodes often occurs due to unprotected oral contact.
• The presence of tuberculosis. Koch's wand does not always lead to an inevitable tuberculosis process. Some people may not be aware of their own infection. In this case, the microorganism is in a "sleeping", depressed state. However, in some cases, even inactive bacteria can infect lymph nodes.
This is not an exhaustive list of the causes of submandibular lymphadenitis. However, the factors described above are most common.
The first symptoms of submandibular lymphadenitis
• The first and most common symptom of submandibular lymphadenitis is pain. The pain syndrome is localized in the lower part of the head, immediately under the lower jaw. The pains are intense, aching, pulling. Strengthened by chewing, yawning, during turns and other head movements. With the further progression of the disease, the pain becomes constant, barking, without the possibility of self-control of the syndrome.
• Feeling of fullness in the area under the tongue. This symptom of submandibular lymphadenitis occurs due to severe swelling and inflammation of the lymph node.
• Inability to swallow, speak normally. It feels like this condition is an attempt to swallow too large a piece of food. Both of these manifestations are caused by inflammation of the lymph nodes.
• Respiratory problems may occur. In this case, the skin of the face acquires a bluish tint. In addition, cyanosis of the nasolabial triangle is formed.
• Visually observed seal just below the cheek. Its size directly depends on the severity of the current pathological process. This may be a minimal tumor formation, or maybe a "swollen" lymph node the size of a chicken egg.
• Hyperthermia. Otherwise, an increase in body temperature. As a rule, the temperature rises significantly, up to 39-40 degrees.
• Feeling of goosebumps.
• Headache.
• Sweating.
In the complex, these signs of submandibular lymphadenitis are most common.
Diagnostic measures
The first thing to do is consult a doctor. As a rule, the treatment of lymphadenitis is carried out by otolaryngologists, therapists and surgeons. First of all, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner. He will help determine the further diagnosis. The examination, as a rule, does not present any particular problems. It all starts with a medical history: clarifying the nature of complaints, their duration, etc. Even a novice doctor will accurately determine lymphadenitis. There are a number of characteristic manifestations that help identify the disease already at the stage of the initial examination.
• An enlarged lymph node (or several lymph nodes at once).
• Feeling of soreness during palpation.
• Rapid development of the disease, while the lymph nodes grow especially fast.
• A feeling of tightness on the lymph nodes during palpation.
• Redness in the area of the affected node. It indicates an inflammatory process in the surrounding structures.
• Irradiation of pain in the ear, throat, eyes.
• The presence of body temperature.
All these signs are easily revealed during the history and physical examination (palpation).
Treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis
Treatment should be comprehensive. At the first stage, lymphadenitis is treated with conservative methods. Therapists are surgeons, dentists. The essence of the treatment is to solve two problems: sanitizing the focus of chronic infection, as well as eliminating the pain syndrome. For these purposes, special drugs are prescribed:
• Antibacterial agents. Most often, lymphadenitis is of bacterial origin.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs. Help relieve inflammation. The type of drug is selected exclusively by the doctor.
• Analgesics. Help relieve pain.
At the end of the acute period, physiotherapy is indicated. Preference is given to currents, electrophoresis, heating.
Remediation of pathological foci is somewhat more difficult. Often, this is what dentists do (open abscesses, treat carious teeth). In exceptional cases, it is impossible to do without opening the lymph node.
Treatment of submandibular lymphadenitis should be comprehensive. Only then will the therapeutic effect be achieved.
Prevention of submandibular lymphadenitis
Prevention of submandibular lymphadenitis is aimed at eradicating the factors that can cause this disease. Among the events:
• Timely treatment at the dentist. Any damage to the oral cavity is a potential source of infection, and therefore the risk of developing lymphadenitis increases.
• Also, timely rehabilitation of foci of chronic infection: tonsillitis, otitis media, laryngitis, tracheitis, all these diseases have an extremely negative effect on the state of health in general. And in particular, submandibular lymph nodes suffer.
• Compliance with bed rest and all the recommendations of a doctor during ARVI. In any case, it is impossible to carry the disease on its feet.
The complex of these measures is enough to prevent the formation of the disease.
Frequently asked Questions
Is it possible to recover without visiting a doctor?
Not. Lymphadenitis is too dangerous a disease. You shouldn’t flirt with him, you need to treat him. Only a doctor can do this. On your own, you can remove some symptoms, but no more. The process will continue, and this is fraught with complications, such as sepsis, etc.
Is lymphadenitis really that dangerous?
Yes, this is not a harmless disease.
Is it possible to warm the affected lymph node?
In no case. This is a direct path to sepsis and other complications, since blood circulation at the site of the lesion improves dramatically. It is also impossible to freeze the lesion site.
Lymphadenitis is a common and dangerous disease. This means that you need to take it seriously. Otherwise, negative consequences cannot be avoided.
