Inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes under the arm. Why does inflammation develop in the armpit?

Lymph nodes are located in different places of our body, there are about 150 formations. Their greatest accumulation is in places that are most often attacked by germs and bacteria: in the groin, near the armpits, on the neck.

Human lymphatic system

Of these, the lymph nodes located in the armpit are most susceptible to attacks, so they are most often inflamed. At the same time, it is important to know how to treat the pathology so as not to harm the body.

The human lymphatic and immune systems are closely related. Therefore, any even slight increase in lymph nodes may indicate the presence of any disease that requires emergency treatment... But in order to prescribe the correct therapy, you need to find out what the inflammation is associated with.

The reasons may be different:

Colds and viral diseases. Most often, inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits is associated with throat diseases such as tonsillitis, SARS, flu and other viral infections. Before treating lymphadenitis, it is worth first of all to eliminate the underlying disease, and the lymph nodes themselves will then recover;
Viruses and bacteria. The most common causative agents of inflammation in the lymph nodes are staphylococci and streptococci;
Oncological diseases. Here Special attention worth looking at for breast cancer. But the body can also react to tumors in the lungs or in the throat. In a similar way... In rare cases, the cause may be malignant tumor lymph nodes;
Thrombophlebitis. With very thick blood blockage of veins may occur, which contributes to inflammation of the nearby lymph nodes;
Poisoning with toxins. In case of poisoning, the body tries to remove poisons, including through the sweat glands, the largest number which are under the armpits. Because of this, lymph nodes in this area may increase;
Allergy. The same principle applies as with toxin poisoning. The most common culprit is antiperspirant deodorant;
Increased sweating. With very heavy sweating the sweat glands are attacked by many bacteria. The lymph nodes that guard the order sometimes do not cope with their task, and their inflammation may occur;
Furunculosis. Inflammation hair follicles it can also lead to an increase in lymph nodes.

Note! With oncology of the lymph nodes, not only those where the tumor is located are often inflamed, but also others: in the groin, near the ears.

When the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, how to treat it will only tell qualified doctor... He will determine the cause of the inflammation and prescribe correct treatment, aimed at eliminating the disease that caused the enlargement of the lymph nodes.

If the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, than an experienced doctor will tell you to treat

With an increase and soreness of the lymph nodes, doctors recommend observing the following measures for the therapy of inflammation:

Do not load diseased lymph nodes, especially in the early stages;
Apply A complex approach in treatment - physiotherapy, compresses, ointments, etc.
Take antibiotics only under the supervision of your doctor;
Improve immunity.

Be careful! If the lymph nodes in the armpits are systematically inflamed, this may indicate a serious illness. Therefore, before treating them, you need to make sure that the selected drugs will help cope with the pathology.

Antibiotic therapy for inflammation of the lymph nodes

If the disease of the lymph nodes is associated with viral infection then for successful treatment the doctor must prescribe antibiotics that help inhibit the inflammatory process. They are most often used on early stage diseases.

Amoxicillin

If the inflammation is not specific, penicillin antibiotics will suffice:

Benzylpenicillin;
Oxacillin;
Amoxicillin.

Antibiotic therapy usually lasts from 10 to 14 days, during which time the lymph nodes decrease or their inflammation subsides altogether. If an increase in lymph nodes occurs with tuberculosis, treatment must be carried out in a hospital.

Local treatment with anti-inflammatory ointments

Since there are many causes of inflammation, the drugs that eliminate these causes are also used differently. As a rule, after the cure of the underlying disease, inflammation in the area of the lymph nodes subsides by itself. But if the treatment is applied complex, then the result will come much faster. So, in addition to injections and tablets, they also use local treatment- compresses and ointments that relieve inflammation.

Most often, the following anti-inflammatory ointments are used to treat an enlarged lymph node:

Boric petroleum jelly;
Troxevasin;
Heparin ointment.

The use of Chlorethyl to relieve inflammation in the lymph nodes

Not everyone knows what to do and how to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes. Doctors often recommend the use of Chlorethyl. This drug not only well eliminates the inflammatory process, but also anesthetizes the area around the affected lesion.

It is applied topically, it is enough to spray the area of the inflamed lymph node, and the skin around it will become numb.... To completely prevent inflammation, a few sessions are enough.

Physiotherapy for the treatment of armpit lymph nodes

Physiotherapeutic procedures have a beneficial effect on the lymphatic system, so doctors very often prescribe them as an addition to the treatment of the underlying viral disease.

This is mainly electrophoresis using drugs and ultrasound therapy in the area of the affected lymph node, which not only helps to relieve inflammation, but also reduces pain.

Traditional recipes for the treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes

In some cases, folk remedies help well with inflammation of the lymph nodes. Among the medicines traditional medicine aimed at treating the inflammatory process in the lymphatic system, the main ones are anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating agents.

Herbal tinctures - effective remedy against inflammation of the lymph nodes

The name of the folk remedy	Prescription for taking a medicine	What is the drug focused on
Echinacea tincture	The tincture should be taken three times a day after meals for 0.5 tsp, diluted in ¼ tbsp. water	Prevents not only inflammation of the lymph node in the armpit, but also promotes the treatment and elimination of some viral diseases what caused the inflammation
Aloe juice	Aloe juice, honey and red wine are mixed in the same proportion, infused for a week. Should be taken in 1 tbsp. l. before meals	Good antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent
Beet juice	Squeeze the juice from the beets, refrigerate for 5 hours, and only then you can drink it in 0.5 tbsp. on an empty stomach for 7 days	Antiviral and immunostimulating action
Calendula	Brewed like tea, and taken 50 ml 4 times a day, but not more than 10 days	Outputs pathogenic microorganisms from lymph
Tansy	Brew like tea, insist 4 hours, drink 20 minutes before meals 3-4 times a day. You can mix tansy with calendula flowers	Anti-inflammatory action
Garlic tincture	Insist 2 heads of garlic in 1 liter of water for 3 days. Take 1 dessert spoon 3 times a day.	Strong antiviral agent
Vitamin C	It is recommended to take 200 ml three times a day. There are more foods that contain this vitamin - citrus fruits, cabbage and others.	It is especially prescribed if the inflammation has arisen as a result of sore throat, flu or ARVI, since in this case the immunity increases.
Decoction of flowers of calendula, elderberry, lavender, wormwood and currant leaves	Two tablespoons of a mixture of dry plants are poured into 1 liter of boiling water and insisted overnight. Then take during the day. The course of treatment is up to two months.	Fortifying, immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory

Important to remember! You can't let the disease take its course. Lymph node disease is dangerous because it can, without the right treatment, go to chronic form, and this will lead to constant exacerbations.

Surgery as a way to treat inflamed lymph nodes

Basically, the treatment of inflamed lymph nodes is carried out conservatively. Surgery should be resorted to only in cases of purulent lymphadenitis. The operation is carried out urgently, in order to eliminate the accumulated pus.

Also surgery used for malignant tumors of the lymph nodes. In this case, the affected lymph node is removed completely, and special anti-cancer drugs are prescribed.

Inflammation of the lymph node in the armpit. How to treat and which doctor to contact?

If the lymph node is inflamed in the armpit, it is better to see a doctor than to try to treat it yourself.

First of all, you should come to an appointment with a family doctor - therapist... He will order tests to determine if the inflammation is a consequence infectious disease or it could be something more serious. To identify more serious illnesses mammography and ultrasound are prescribed, as well as tests for oncological markers.

The next doctor to visit is the surgeon. He examines the inflammation and draws a conclusion regarding the need for surgery.

If inflammation of the lymph node is accompanied by increased fatigue and poor appetite, in this case, you should definitely visit an oncologist in order to identify or refute the appearance of a malignant tumor in time.

With lymph node cancer, in addition to weakness, characteristic feature shortness of breath and pallor of the skin.

Since the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes are different, then the treatment will be applied in each case specific. In one case, doctors recommend immunostimulants and vitamins, in the other, antibiotics are indispensable.

But under any circumstances, increasing immunity, which is directly related to the human lymphatic system, will significantly help.

Take care of yourself and your health, because health is the most important thing!

How to treat inflammation of the lymph node under the arm. Inflammation causes

What to do if the lymph node is inflamed under the armpit, on the neck or in other places. Tips on how to treat an ailment:

An excerpt from the TV show, which deals with the lymph nodes, the causes of their inflammation, the methods of treatment:

What causes inflammation of the lymph nodes:

About the cervical and axillary lymph nodes from the doctor:

The human body has many glands with various important functions... Sweat apocrine glands do not participate in the process of thermoregulation, they begin to work during puberty, and until the end the significance of the composition they release has not been reliably described by scientists. The sweat produced by the glands is very quickly exposed to bacterial activity, which leads to an unpleasant odor. Because of this, there is a high risk of an inflammatory process called hydradenitis.

Reasons for the appearance of axillary hydradenitis

Hydradenitis (popularly " bitch udder») – inflammatory disease, which affects the human apocrine glands, which can take several forms. The most common form of hydradenitis is under the armpits, since the largest number of apocrine sweat glands is concentrated in this area.

Video: what is hydradenitis

Doctor's note: the ailment has a specific age range - from about 15 to 50-60 years, since its occurrence is associated with the activity of certain glands, and they begin their functioning during puberty and their activity gradually fades with age (in women up to before menopause). Therefore, it is people in this age range that are at risk.

The apocrine glands are especially active during human puberty

Hydradenitis develops as a result of tissue penetration and activity of pyogenic bacteria, in particular staphylococcus. A problem can form in the presence of certain factors in the patient's life, which create favorable conditions for the inflammatory process:

diseases of the central and autonomic nervous systems;
improper diet, eating junk food or starvation;
illness chronic type, especially associated with the processes of absorption in the stomach;
strong emotional stress;
disruption of the endocrine system;
hormonal disorders and long-term treatment strong hormonal drugs;
decreased immunity;
frequent exposure to x-rays;
incorrect depilation of the axillary zone, due to which multiple micro-lesions are formed in this area;
neglect of banal hygiene rules.

Features in a child

Hydradenitis in children is a direct consequence of protracted infectious diseases, eczema, diaper rash, heavy sweating... Parents need to monitor how often their child washes their hands and how well they maintain personal hygiene.

Symptoms of the disease

The first manifestation of hydradenitis under the armpit is the formation of one or more dense nodules under the skin, which can be up to 3 centimeters in size. They are characterized by a gradual increase and often a color change - from red to rich crimson tones. The inflammation gradually spreads, affecting more and more healthy sweat glands. Patients feel clearly localized itching and soreness in the affected area.

Axillary hydradenitis can gradually increase, acquire dark color

Specialist's note: the manifestations of hydradenitis in the early stages are similar to the formation of boils, however, with purulent hydradenitis, the formation does not have a rod and can be round or irregular in shape.

With the development of hydradenitis, other symptoms appear, including:

an increase in the size of the nodules;
the formations are soldered to the skin and their shape becomes pear-like;
around the nodules - pronounced swollen areas;
increased pain, with significant lesions, it is even difficult for the patient to move his hand;
the nodes noticeably rise above the skin and visually resemble a dog's nipples - because of this, the ailment got its popular name "bitch udder";
formations gradually begin to merge with each other;
the nodes can spontaneously open, the nature of the discharge is pus, sometimes with blood impurities;
after opening, the ulcer gradually begins to scar;
at the stage of inflammation, hydradenitis provokes severe malaise, weakness in the body and a significant increase in temperature.

The disease can be unilateral or affect the armpits on both sides of the body.

Diagnosing the problem

Diagnosis of the disease is not difficult; for this, a visual examination by a specialist will suffice. However, several tests can be done to confirm hydradenitis:

blood test - shows an increase in the level of leukocytes due to the development of an inflammatory process of a purulent type and a decrease in erythrocytes, which indicates the formation of inflammatory foci;
to determine the causative agent of the disease, it may be necessary to collect the contents of the formed node;
a protracted form of the disease may require additional research on the state of the patient's immunity.

The effectiveness of treatment is largely determined by the timeliness of visiting a doctor. This should be done when the first signs of hydradenitis are detected: the appearance of pain in the armpit and the formation of small purulent nodules.

Treatment

Drug therapy: antibiotics, ointments

There are several ways to treat hydradenitis. Necessarily drug treatment, it implies the appointment of the following groups of drugs:

antimicrobial therapy to neutralize the activity of the causative agent of the disease (erythromycin or tetracycline);
antiseptic preparations for local treatment of lesions under the armpits (boric alcohol, tincture of iodine, Neomycin ointment, Vishnevsky ointment, etc.);
in some cases, it may be necessary to prescribe glucocorticoids (steroid hormones) to influence the inflammatory process;
local application of ointments containing (Levomekol, Erythromycin, etc.) or to accelerate the processes of skin regeneration;
with prolonged hydradenitis, immunotherapy is required (most often, the administration of a special staphylococcal vaccine is prescribed).

Important! It is better not to practice treatment at home in order to avoid serious complications.

Photo gallery: drugs prescribed for hydradenitis

Boric alcohol a fairly common remedy, but it is better not to use it without consulting a doctor Levomekol - ointment white for outdoor use Tetracycline - the drug has antibacterial action wide range Erythromycin - bacteriostatic antibiotic for external use

Surgical intervention

At neglected form necessary surgical intervention, however, it does not exclude drug therapy... The operation consists in opening the focus and completely cleaning it from purulent contents. This is necessary for prevention dangerous complications hydradenitis. If the inflammatory process is very common, then it may be necessary to remove a large area with subsequent skin transplantation.

With hydradenitis under the arm, it is strictly forbidden to independently open the formed nodes, as this can provoke the spread of infection and aggravate the situation. Also, do not bathe in the bathroom and allow a large amount of moisture to get into the affected area - this will create additional conditions for the development of infection.

The use of folk remedies at home

As part of the fight against hydradenitis, folk remedies are often used. The main essence of the treatment of the disease is to neutralize the pathogen, so that antibiotic therapy cannot be abandoned, however, folk remedies can be used as additional ones. The following recipes will be relevant:

in the early stages good effect gives an overlay cabbage leaf at night;
aloe juice provokes the opening of the abscess, as if sucking out pus. For the procedure, you need to take a leaf of the plant, cut it lengthwise and attach it to the place of suppuration;
celery leaves are crushed into gruel and applied to the armpit for half an hour. The procedure can be repeated up to 5 times a day;
you can rinse the opened node herbal decoction from the collection of chamomile, sage, calendula and eucalyptus. Herbs are brewed in a standard proportion - a tablespoon to a glass of boiling water.

Possible complications

From the point of view of possible complications, hydradenitis is very dangerous disease... Lack of necessary treatment measures can cause a number of difficult situations:

large-scale spread of the inflammatory process;
formation ( purulent abscess at the site of inflammation);
the formation of fistulous passages (abnormal connections between hollow organs, skin and organs, etc.);
spread of infection, up to sepsis (general infection of the body).

Most high risk complications in patients with reduced immune defense.

Disease prevention

Neutralization of factors that form favorable conditions for its development will help to minimize the likelihood of developing hydradenitis.

Table: preventive measures

Lifestyle aspect	Prevention measures
	The diet should be balanced, it is worth avoiding junk food that provokes obesity. From the diet, you should exclude fried and too fatty foods, fast food, excessive amounts of flour and sweet, smoked meats. It is also worth making sure that the body is provided with all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
	The underarms area should be washed regularly, especially with daily use of deodorants. Neat depilation.
Health	Timely treatment of all diseases, maintaining a high level of immunity.
	Clothing should not be too tight or made of synthetic materials. Wearing natural fabrics is preferable, especially in the heat.
Cosmetics	Moderate use of deodorants, preferably using natural remedies neutralizing unpleasant odors but not clogging the glands.

Hydradenitis is a rather complex problem that is associated with a whole list of unpleasant symptoms for the patient, ranging from simple pains, ending with active discharge of pus. It is possible to cope with the disease in the early stages with the help of drug therapy; with complex forms, surgical intervention will be required.

Lymph nodes in the human body play an important role. They are the foundation immune system and are actively involved in cleansing the body of bacteria, viruses, as well as bad (cancer) cells. There are more than one hundred such nodes in the human body. However, sometimes they become painful and take the form of bumps. This suggests that inflammation of the lymph nodes has begun under the armpit, on the neck, or in the groin. More details about the causes of this process in women and men and its symptoms, as well as ways to eliminate it, will be discussed in this article.

Symptoms and causes in women

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpit area is more susceptible to women. And they should be extremely careful about this - immediately consult a doctor as soon as they notice painful bumps.

Several can provoke inflammation in the lymph nodes in women. different factors, which include:

Diseases that weaken the immune system and overload the lymphatic system - acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, as well as chronic diseases;
Changes in the structure of the mammary glands, the formation of fibroids, cysts or cancer cells;
Microtrauma sensitive skin in the armpits, contributing to the ingress of a bacterial infection;
External irritation leading to inflammatory processes in sebaceous glands and hair follicles;
Purulent inflammation that develops in the sweat glands leads to hydradenitis - their clogging and the appearance of seals in the armpits.

The factors listed above provoke the formation of inflammatory foci near the lymph nodes, which makes their condition worse. However, not in every case the seal that appeared in armpit, is an enlargement of the lymph node. In order not to be mistaken, it is necessary to navigate the symptoms that are characteristic of the inflammatory process:

Soreness in the armpit, aggravated by pressure;
Redness or swelling of the skin on one or both sides;
Lethargic state, severe weakness;
Increased body temperature, characterized by persistence.

The inflamed lymph node is outwardly easily distinguishable from wen, boils, hydradenitis and folliculosis, since it is a painful red lump with a walnut size, hard or soft to the touch.

As for the other named formations, then:

Fat is a soft formation under the skin, without redness and soreness.
A boil is a red-purple abscess, the diameter of which does not exceed 2 cm.
Hydradenitis is a large lump accompanied by initial stage itchy, and firm to the touch.
Folliculosis is a skin rash that consists of small, red inflammations.

As it turned out, it is not so difficult to independently determine the inflammation of the lymph nodes, but only a specialist can identify the causes and correctly cure it.

Symptoms and causes in men

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in men in most cases is diagnosed only at the moment when it already causes a feeling of discomfort, and the disease passes to another stage, more severe.

Since the male follicles are larger in size and the skin of men is fatter, they sweat. more women, as a result, abscesses appear on their skin. In addition, in the process of shaving the armpits, men are more likely to injure skin covering... One way or another, but the appearance of pain in the armpits may indicate an ongoing inflammation in the organs located next to them. Lymph nodes in men can become inflamed by different reasons, the main of which are:

SARS, flu, purulent tonsillitis;
Blocked sweat glands
Poisoning of the body;
Folliculitis;
Purulent skin lesions;
Decreased immunity at certain times of the year;
Bursitis of the shoulder, wrist and elbow joints;
Thrombophlebitis;
Oncology;
Excessive sweating.

The nodes themselves increase in size gradually, therefore the symptoms developing disease appear with a delay. That is why men turn to a specialist at the moment when the disease progresses to a severe stage.

The onset of weakness;
Persistent temperature rise;
Headache;
Chills;
Redness in the armpits;
Painful sensations when pressing on the lymph node;
Pain that appears when moving the arm;
I can't sleep on my side where there is inflammation.

When the body temperature rises above 38 ° C, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, purulent inflammation can be suspected. In this case, the patient needs urgent help specialists to prevent the development of lymphadenitis, which will be much more difficult to cure and will take more time.

How to relieve inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit

If the lymph node under the armpit is inflamed, then before you understand how to remove it, you will need to put accurate diagnosis and identify the nature of the disease. This is important because acute, purulent, chronic, local, generalized, specific and nonspecific lymphadenitis are treated in different ways. If there is an infection in the patient's body, then he will have to pass tests and undergo an ultrasound scan to identify a complete clinical picture and selection of the most effective therapeutic method.

You can easily relieve inflammation with the help of physiotherapy methods. The most effective of them are UHF therapy and electrophoresis. They bring the lymph flow back to normal and restore functions lymphoid tissue. Excellent results are achieved by electrophoresis using heparin. From this pain syndrome decreases, the functioning of the lymphatic system improves and the production of blood cells is activated.

UHF therapy is indicated for lymphadenitis in the stage of inflammation, as well as for the rehabilitation of the patient after surgery. This method relieves inflammation and activates the immune forces human body... Thanks to the UHF effect, microcirculation in the inflamed area improves and damaged tissues begin to regenerate. The healing process itself is accelerated, and the risk of re-infection is minimized.

How to treat

After the sick will be examined, a treatment regimen will be drawn up for him, the purpose of which is to suppress the primary source of the inflammatory process. For a while, while the treatment lasts, the patient will have to moderate his physical activity and take medications as prescribed by the doctor.

Axillary lymphadenitis is treated with:

Home treatment

You can supplement the main course of treatment folk methods treating inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm at home. It is only important to discuss this point with your doctor first.

Echinacea is very popular, it helps to strengthen the body's defenses, activates the immune system, and general condition a person who has a beneficial effect. Its tincture is suitable for:

Ingestion. Diluted 10 drops of tincture in 100 ml of water and taken 0.5 tsp. Three times a day.
Compresses. Mix 1 part of the tincture with 2 parts of water. The prepared solution is moistened with gauze and applied to the inflamed lymph nodes.

Calendula, which has an anti-inflammatory effect, has proven itself well. From tincture diluted in water, lotions are made, from decoctions - compresses for the whole night, and from infusions made from dried flowers of calendula and tansy - a remedy for ingestion before meals three times a day.

To eliminate redness and puffiness, you can prepare compresses from:

Oven baked onions. Make mashed potatoes from it and pour in pharmacy tar (1 tbsp. L.). Apply the gruel to gauze, apply to the sore spot for at least 8 hours.
Alcohol tincture from the leaves walnut... The leaves are poured with alcohol and left for 5 days to infuse. Ready tincture used for compresses overnight.

Which doctor to contact

If there is an inflammation of the lymph node, it is better to trust the doctor than to treat yourself. Many people ask themselves the question: which doctor should they make an appointment with with such a problem? It is always worth starting with a therapist. He will issue a referral for the delivery of the necessary tests, which will help to identify whether the inflammatory process is a consequence of an infectious disease, or whether something more serious has become the reason. Additionally, the therapist can send you for tests for tumor markers, ultrasound and mammography.

Next, you should go to the surgeon who examines the inflammation to see if it is necessary surgery or you can do without it.

An oncologist will be needed if, with an inflamed lymph node, the patient feels tired, he is pale, with shortness of breath and lack of appetite. This doctor will help to timely detect a malignant tumor or deny its presence.

Since the lymph nodes become inflamed for various reasons, the course of therapy in each case will be specific. If in one case it will be possible to get by with vitamins and immunostimulants, then in the other it is possible to cure the patient only with antibiotics. But in any case, it is very important to increase immunity, because it is interconnected with the human lymphatic system.

Surgical intervention

In most cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes lends itself conservative treatment... But it happens that you cannot do without surgical intervention. We are talking about purulent lymphadenitis. If he was diagnosed, then an operation is required urgently. Having opened the abscess, exudate is released from it, the wound is cleaned antiseptic solutions, and put a drainage in the diseased node to remove the purulent substance outside.

Another disease for which surgery is indicated is a malignant tumor of the lymph nodes. Carry out complete removal a sick node, and treat patients with special anti-cancer medications.

The role of the lymphatic system

Per healthy state the human body is responsible for the immune system, an important organ of which are the lymph nodes. They are in the body of every person and are a kind of filter through which lymph flows from the peripheral organs of the body. This is a kind of a factory of lymphocytes (white blood cells) that protect our body from "aggressors" ( various infections). They are able to remember and recognize infections that a person has previously encountered, and they can also produce antibodies, providing us with protection from viruses. It is in the lymph nodes that memory cells "live" that protect a person from repeated infectious diseases. Based on this, it becomes clear why the condition of the lymph nodes is so important for each of us.

Axillary lymph nodes

Where are the lymph nodes located? There are about 150 groups of them in the human body. One of the many groups is found in the armpit. Their main function is to cleanse the body from various inflammations and infections. If there is an inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit, this may be a signal of an emerging disease of nearby organs. You need to take this signal very seriously, because this can mean only one thing: the number of harmful microorganisms... The lymph node begins to work in an emergency mode, which leads to its inflammation, which is accompanied by an increase and painful sensations with pressure or sudden hand movements. This is inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm.

The main causes of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes

They can be various diseases:

The reason is hygiene

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit can also be caused by the use of antiperspirants in the absence of proper hygiene. Antiperspirants block pores, preventing bacteria from escaping from them, which leads to inflammation. There are times when there is only one way out - surgical intervention.

What is folliculitis

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit may result from folliculitis. Signs of inflammation include pain, induration, and redness in the armpit. Visual changes are often accompanied by headache, chills, rapid fatigability, lack of appetite, nausea and vomiting.

Cancer or just a lump

If a lump appears in the breast at the same time as the lymph node changes, it may be symptoms of breast cancer or inflammation. In order not to make a mistake in the diagnosis and start on time necessary treatment, the visit to the doctor does not need to be postponed.

Other reasons

The causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes can also be trauma, allergies, lipomas. Only a doctor can identify the source and take measures to eliminate it.

How to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpits

Typically, treatment is directed at eliminating the source of infection with antibiotics. Their use cannot be postponed so as not to lead to more serious complications:

meningitis;
decay of bones;
toxic shock syndrome;
viral blood poisoning.

Treatment situation

Treatment with antibiotics and other medications is carried out under the strict supervision of a physician. Sometimes axillary nodes filled with cancer cells, which they cannot cope with on their own. The result can be cancer of the lymph node. This requires a long and complicated treatment in the walls medical institution... If inflammation of the lymph node under the arm caused an increase, but is not accompanied by pain, then you can resort to a simple folk remedies... The most commonly used infusion of echinacea. The infusion of this herb simultaneously relieves inflammation and helps to reduce the size of the lymph node. As a rule, two weeks of treatment is sufficient. If during this period you did not manage to achieve positive results, then self-medication must be discontinued and make an appointment with a doctor.

Since the lymph nodes are the basis of the immune defense, the inflammation of the lymph nodes under the armpit cannot be ignored. It is better to seek medical advice immediately in such situations. The doctor professionally examines the problem, finds the cause of the inflammation. But you must know what is lymphatic system and why the nodes can become inflamed.

The first call about viral or immune problems in our body is usually given by the lymphatic system. In the lymph nodes, the main "officers" of the immune system are formed - white blood cells, in other words - lymphocytes. Lymphocytes must identify the enemy when it comes to infection, and send an antiviral "blow" to him. A separate lymph node passes through the lymph, filled with antibodies, bacteria and other harmful cells, and completely cleans it.

If the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, then the cause needs to be treated, and the consequence will be eliminated at the will of our wise body. The lymph node becomes inflamed most often slowly. At first, there may be a small "ball" in the armpit, then there is hyperemia (redness of the skin) and pain. And if several nodes become inflamed at once, then the pain can be acute.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes does not occur from scratch. This is necessarily preceded by some pathological process in body.

There can be many reasons why the lymph node is inflamed, namely:

infection with an infection - measles, severe flu, rubella, hepatitis, and tuberculosis begins in the same way;
blood poisoning due to a wound on the arm;
allergic reactions to the medications used or allergies of other origin;
folliculitis;
immune problems (like lupus erythematosus);
thrombophlebitis (can be both cause and effect);
lymphogranulomatosis (cancer).

Therefore, when a person comes to a doctor, it is necessary to tell him about all the ailments and past illnesses. This is how the doctor collects an anamnesis (collection of all information about a person's health) in order to determine the underlying problem by exclusion. Then tests are carried out to confirm or refute the doctor's verdict. This stage is very important. And it is necessary to give the doctor all the comprehensive information. If there are no signs of inflammation and autoimmune problems are not confirmed, then the therapist gives a referral to oncology.

To find out the reason for this condition of the lymph nodes, the joint work of the doctor and the patient is needed. Only then will the inflammation leave you without leaving any trouble.

Symptoms of the disease

The lymph node under the arm is "designed" to defend the entire body, not allowing infected lymph to pass through to the vital important bodies... It is necessary to identify the main symptoms, when they appear, you need to immediately react. So, if the nodes under the armpits absorb inflammation, then what a person feels:

armpit pain and a noticeable increase in one or more nodes;
weakness and chills;
headache, as during acute respiratory infections;
a moderate rise in temperature is possible;
redness of the tissue around the knot;
rash is sometimes observed.

Signs of inflammation cannot be confused with anything. Pain and swelling in the armpits will “demand” attention.

Doctors subdivide several forms of lymphadenitis: catarrhal, hemorrhagic and purulent.

Catarrhal form - inflammation of one node. There is no intoxication, and the tissues surrounding the knot are not affected.
Hemorrhagic form - the walls of the vessels around the node become inflamed at the same time. This is a consequence of untreated minor inflammation. The swelling may be colored like a small hematoma.
With a strong purulent inflammation lymph nodes there is a sharp and severe pain in the axillary region, a significant rise in temperature and the development of a purulent process. This condition clearly threatens the development of sepsis.

In order to prevent purulent lymphadenitis, that is, a condition when the node has become inflamed to an unthinkable state and pus has appeared, you need to start on time adequate treatment the main problem.

Inflammation of the node under the armpits in a child

Inflammation that occurs in the area of the hands of a child manifests itself instantly. Often in children, this happens after they have been scratched by a yard cat. Their skin is tender, the dirty claws of the animal immediately carry the infection into the wound. Another inflammation provokes a tick bite.

But, most likely, this is a childhood infection. For example, children's Infectious mononucleosis, measles, rubella or mumps. And the protection is still weak, because the number of lymph nodes increases with age. An adult has from 400 to 1000 lymph nodes. childhood personal immunity is not yet fully formed, there is not enough filtration, and the nodes can become inflamed faster. There are less than 400 nodes. Therefore, the infection causes a sharp reaction, and the lymph node becomes inflamed instantly.

The same reaction occurs with child's body with flu with high temperature... A weak body is not yet able to resist the invasion of viruses. And the lymphatic system sounds the alarm to somehow identify the severity of the threat. If the child's temperature rises above 38.5 ° C, then it is necessary to bring it down first and then immediately consult a doctor.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpit in pregnant women

A woman during pregnancy feels that the body is being rebuilt. Because of this restructuring, inflammation of the lymph nodes is likely for other, non-infectious and non-oncological reasons. Sometimes this happens due to the reaction of the mother's immune system to the proteins of the fetus, sometimes due to mammary glands who are preparing for the birth of a baby.

But at the same time, signs of inflammation of the nodes can speak of more serious problems with health. A woman's immunity is weakened, and pregnancy can be complicated due to viruses that have entered the bloodstream. And such infectious disease how rubella is dangerous for the unborn child.

What should a woman do when, after all, the node is inflamed? Everything possible complications needs to be nipped in the bud as early as possible. Therefore, before childbirth, you need to eat well and increase immunity, eating with food essential vitamins... And for any suspicion of a slight lymph node compaction under the armpits, immediately consult a doctor.

In addition to all of the above reasons, in women, the node under the armpit can become inflamed due to mastopathy.

The treatment should not be delayed, because the immunity at this time is weak due to the double load. And all the consequences of inflammation are reflected in the health of the child.

After childbirth, the woman's body is very weak, and the lymph nodes will even resist acute respiratory infections. It often happens that there is a lot of milk after childbirth, and it "seeps" into the area of the armpits and causes inflammation. And it happens that a woman's sensitivity disproportionately increases during this period, and an allergy to body care products begins.

Some women, both during pregnancy and after childbirth, often use antiperspirants without knowing their contraindications. The main harm of all antiperspirants is their ability to block the pores through which sweat comes out. Frequent use leads to inflammation under the armpits, and the lymph nodes are bound to react. To reduce unpleasant swelling and inflammation, it is enough to stop using synthetic skin care substances.

Treating inflammation

Treatment inflamed node depends on the degree of their defeat and the reason that caused such a reaction. The patient needs to wait for the results of many laboratory research... Without them, an accurate conclusion cannot be made. The doctor, in addition to the anamnesis, needs to accurately see the picture of inflammation and its cause. It is required to find out the consistency of the seals. And find out if there is adhesion of nodes with other surrounding tissues or not. A woman is required to undergo an ultrasound scan of the breast in order to exclude mastopathy.

In the early stages, when discomfort are just beginning to appear, effective use of ointments, electrophoresis. At the beginning of the inflammation, it is recommended to spray the nodes with chloroethyl. This is called chloroethyl blockade.

It is desirable for inflammatory process reduce physical activity and get more rest, especially if chills and fever are present. If the inflammation is accompanied by abscesses, the help of a surgeon will be required. Small suppuration is removed through a drainage pipe. This procedure is simple. Only the deposits collected in the nodes are removed, and an antiseptic is injected. Profuse pus with severe pain have to be removed when local anesthesia... The surgeon must open all abscesses and remove pus from the nodes. Then painkillers are necessarily prescribed, and detoxification therapy is carried out. Sometimes even a blood transfusion is needed to remove the infected lymph from the body.

Antibiotics can be used as directed by a doctor. Drugs such as Ampicillin and Ceftriaxone are effective and safe for treatment. These products are also suitable for pregnant women.

Only antibiotic treatment during pregnancy is required to be carried out strictly under supervision in order to avoid any deviations in the development of the unborn child.

The course of antibiotics often lasts 10 days, sometimes longer. And in addition to such treatment, you can take vitamin C to increase the body's ability to fight, as well as compresses with heparin or troxivazine. You can also treat minor inflammation at home. Another great remedy for relieving inflammation is ichthyol ointment... After rubbing, you can wrap the area under the arm with a gauze bandage.

If the inflammation is caused by a skin infection, then a streptocide or salicylic ointment is prescribed. This is especially true for children. Salicylic ointment accelerates skin healing and eliminates inflammation. Be healthy!