Lymphadenitis

Lymphadenitis is inflammation of the lymph nodes. The disease is secondary, arising in connection with the presence of an inflammatory process in a particular area of ​​the body. Very rarely observed primary purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes. It is caused by streptococci and other pathogenic microbes, but more often the flora is mixed. Lymphadenitis occurs when microorganisms, their toxins and tissue decay products with lymph from the primary focus are brought into the lymph nodes. Microbes can penetrate through damaged skin, mucous membranes, hematogenously.

There are serous, purulent and productive inflammation of the lymph nodes. When the process spreads to the surrounding tissues, periadenitis develops, which is characterized by the immobility of the inflamed nodes. The course of lymphadenitis can be acute or chronic.

Acute lymphadenitis proceeds in different ways. With the early elimination of the purulent focus, hyperemia disappears, the exudate resolves, the lymph nodes decrease, their pain disappears. With a particularly virulent flora or with reduced body resistance, purulent lymphadenitis may develop.

Purulent lymphadenitis begins with catarrhal-hyperplastic lymphadenitis, then purulent infiltration of the node occurs and the formation of a number of small foci, which merge, lead to the melting of the lymph node. Involvement in the purulent process of its capsule and surrounding tissues leads to the development of adenophlegmon. With putrefactive phlegmon of the oral cavity, paradentitis, gangrenous tonsillitis, and other lymph nodes can be affected by a gangrenous process with putrefactive decay (putrefactive lymphadenitis).

Treatment of lymphadenitis . It is determined by the therapy of primary and secondary foci of inflammation and the general effect on the body. Treatment methods can be divided into three groups:

• inhibition of microflora in the primary focus and lymph nodes – the use of antibiotics, sulfonamides, nitrofurans, etc.;
• surgical – opening and drainage of the primary purulent focus and purulent lymphadenitis;
• an increase in the body’s defenses and a decrease in intoxication. The use of antibiotics for lymphadenitis sometimes achieves a quick cure.

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