Swollen lymph nodes probably knows each of us. What they mean and how you get rid of them, you will find out here.
Swollen lymph nodes: Introduction
Lymph nodes are not felt in normal condition. They belong to the immune system of the body and each person has up to 700 nodes , which are distributed over the whole body.
Their task is to filter the water in the tissue, the so-called lymph . The local identification of the swollen lymph nodes also makes it easier to narrow the underlying disease.
Lymph nodes are located in the following regions, for example:
- strip
- neck
- armpits
- knees
- Front on the stomach
Swollen lymph nodes: causes
Potential causes of swelling of the lymph nodes range from fever to leukemia. Mostly, the trigger of the swelling is harmless and the symptoms disappear after a few days. Possible causes can be:
- Respiratory or tissue infections
- Lymphoma cancer (probably less than 1 percent of those affected)
- tuberculosis
- Measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox
- Problems with the thyroid gland
- Salivary gland disease
- Otitis
- tonsillitis
- hernia
- thrombosis
- appendicitis
Swollen lymph nodes: 3 practical home remedies
- Oil: Rinizius oil can inhibit inflammation and strengthen the immune system. This lymph nodes swell faster. Massage the oil several times a day around the swollen lymph nodes.
- Warmth: Keep swollen lymph nodes, for example on the neck, warm. You can use grain pillows, damp cloths or special heat pads.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The all-rounder among home remedies, which almost always helps: Apple cider vinegar has an antibacterial effect and the knots swell better. Mix the vinegar with water (1: 1) and drink a cloth in this mixture. You can now put this on the swollen lymph nodes.
Swollen lymph nodes: treatment at the doctor
- If your lymph nodes are swollen for several weeks , you should always consult a doctor. Also for knots with a diameter of 2.5 cm or a purulent, hard lymph node, the doctor should be consulted.
- The doctor will first ask questions about existing symptoms to rule out potential causes. The doctor then performs a physical examination to detect signs of infection or swelling.
- In some cases, the causes of lymph node swelling may be due to other diseases that need to be treated. Thus, tonsillitis, fever, general inflammation or infection can cause the swelling.