Located behind the ears, they can provoke diseases of other internal organs located in the neck and head. It can be a consequence of ordinary hypothermia, chronic tonsillitis, inflammation of the outer, middle or inner ear, as well as inflammatory processes in the throat - sore throat, pharyngitis or laryngitis. Sometimes the posterior ear lymph nodes become enlarged during an exacerbation; it happens that the cause is herpes or inflammation of the maxillary sinuses - sinusitis. Manifestations of allergies, dental problems and oral diseases can also be accompanied by lymphadenopathy.
In addition to painful sensations in the lymph nodes, inflammation is accompanied by their enlargement and, in the acute course of the disease, increased temperature and redness of the skin around or above the lymph node. As a rule, acute illness occurs with a simultaneous deterioration in general health, including headache, weakness throughout the body, drowsiness and loss of strength.
In general cases, inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes clearly indicate a decrease in the level of immunity.
First aid for inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ears
First of all, if you yourself cannot detect and eliminate the cause of inflammation, you need to consult a doctor. Timely treatment of inflammatory processes in the ears and mouth reduces the risk of inflammation in the lymph nodes. Along with the medications that the doctor prescribes, as a rule, these are antibiotics, try to use those methods that are known in traditional medicine.In this case, heat is very useful, so you need to warm up the inflamed area, using a bag of heated iodized salt or a warm bandage with a woolen scarf or scarf. Brew fresh or dry celandine leaves with boiling water and, when they have cooled slightly, place them on the inflamed lymph node and the area of skin around it. Adults and children can apply celandine leaves as a compress, covering them with plastic wrap and making a bandage from a woolen scarf.
If the lymph node does not hurt, but becomes hard to the touch or ulceration of the skin over the node and purulent discharge from it are visible, consult a doctor immediately.
Take care of increasing your immunity and take more care of your own health, avoiding colds and hypothermia. Include foods rich in natural vitamins in your diet. If there is a deficiency, it would be useful to take synthetic vitamin complexes. In the acute form of the disease, when symptoms similar to poisoning are observed, it is necessary to drink a lot of warm liquid - herbal teas, rosehip infusions, raspberry leaves, echinacea flowers.
The lymph nodes They are a kind of biological filters. They are located in different parts of the body. The function of these peripheral organs of the immune system is to delay bacteria and viruses circulating in the lymph flow, analyze them and signal the need to develop a specific immune response. However, in some cases, this mechanism does not work entirely accurately; bacteria begin to multiply directly in the nodes. Then the inflamed node increases.
Strictly speaking, certain groups of lymph nodes are responsible for the inflammatory process in certain areas of the body. In particular, inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ears usually indicates an infectious process localized in the head and neck area. Therefore, if the nodes behind the ear have increased, you need to do the following.
1. Examine your scalp. You may find large pimples, which could cause enlarged lymph nodes. In this case, boils must be treated with special ointments, if they have not yet opened, and after opening. Posterior ear lymph nodes become enlarged when the outer, middle, or inner ear becomes inflamed. You may need to visit an ENT doctor.
2. Sometimes inflammatory diseases of the throat, such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis, can lead to an increase behind the ears, or behind one ear. If there is no pain in your throat, examine it. Enlarged tonsils and redness indicate the presence of an inflammatory process. In this case, you also need to make an appointment with an ENT specialist. You can gargle at home with a solution of soda, diluted calendula tincture, special antiseptic solutions, and irrigate the throat with special medicines. This also includes herpes. Yes, it also sometimes causes the development of lymphadenopathy.
Numbers 1,2,3,4 indicate groups of ear lymph nodes3. Inflammation of the maxillary sinuses- sinusitis can sometimes also be the cause of enlarged lymph nodes behind the ears. A consultation with an ENT specialist and specific therapy are indicated here.
4. Oral diseases may cause enlarged lymph nodes behind the ears. Rule out inflammation of the gums - gingivitis, stomatitis of various natures, caries.
5. Allergic diseases may also be accompanied by lymphadenopathy.
If you discovered If you have any of these infectious diseases, your lymph nodes are most likely enlarged because of them. In this case, treat the diseases that cause the enlargement; normally, the nodes will decrease over time. However, if the signs of the disease have disappeared, the lymph nodes may remain enlarged for some time. If they have been abnormal in size for more than two weeks, after the underlying disease has been cured, they begin to hurt more, or grow even larger, be sure to consult a doctor.
Also need examine and the posterior auricular lymph nodes themselves. Normally, when they are filled with pus as a result of an infectious process, the lymph nodes are painful, but mobile, that is, they are not fused with the surrounding tissues. During an infectious process, they usually increase to 3 - 5 cm, there are no excessively protruding areas, there are no roughness on the nodes. Redness or a rash may appear on the skin above the node, which usually also indicates an infection lodged inside. It is good if the lymph node is soft and elastic.
Absence soreness and stone hardness- not always a good sign. Sometimes lymph nodes become enlarged when the cancer process is advanced. Metastases that enter the lymph flow are retained by the nodes and begin to grow there, which leads to enlargement, but is not usually accompanied by pain. Then you should not hesitate to go to the hospital, as well as in case of ulceration of the skin over the node and the discharge of pus from it. There is no need to apply any lotions to the enlarged lymph nodes themselves, as this can aggravate the course of the inflammatory processes. The main tactics include 3 points:
1) Treatment of the underlying disease. If it is caries, then you need to treat your teeth. If there is a boil on the scalp or, use Vishnevsky’s liniment or ichthyol ointment, they promote the discharge of pus, the “breakthrough” of the abscess. Then apply bandages with methyluracil ointment or levomekol ointment containing an antibiotic. By the way, there are also more severe purulent diseases of the subcutaneous tissue of the head and neck - phlegmon and carbuncles. They also cause swollen lymph nodes behind the ears. They just need to be treated by a surgeon, but not at home. Be sure to treat sore throats, pharyngitis, laryngitis, sinusitis and otitis media. It is ideal if the treatment is prescribed by a doctor. Also, minimize allergic reactions by taking allergy medications prescribed by your doctor.
2) Monitor the condition of enlarged lymph nodes. As you recover from the underlying disease, they should also decrease in size. If there is no pain or infection, consult an oncologist or general practitioner. He will examine the enlarged node, if necessary, take the contents from it for analysis - punctate, and determine whether there are bacteria or metastases in the node. An ultrasound examination of the lymph nodes is also performed and a piece of tissue is taken for a biopsy. If the presence of cancer is confirmed, the doctor decides on further research in order to establish the depth of development of the process and determine the method of treatment.
3) Strengthen your overall immune system. To do this, you can drink immunostimulants: tincture of echinacea or eleutherococcus, ginseng.
Inflammation of the lymph node with lymphadenitis is a defensive reaction of the body in response to the introduction of infectious agents into it or to the active manifestation of aggression from the inside - oncological processes. Normally, lymph nodes are inconspicuous, small in size and not subjectively felt in any way. When inflamed, these formations become painful, increase in size and, upon palpation, are defined as rounded compactions located under the skin.
About lymph nodes
The postauricular lymph nodes stand in the way of lymph outflow from the parietal, temporal, and occipital regions of the head. In addition, they participate in the filtration of lymph coming from the oral cavity, teeth, and ENT organs.
Most often, inflammation of the postauricular lymph nodes signals the presence of pathological processes in these areas, as well as in the area of the mastoid process. Or is it a signal of diseases of the organs of hearing and balance.
Enlarged lymph node
Causes of inflammation
The following conditions may be the causes of regional postauricular lymphadenitis:
Symptoms of lymph node inflammation are nonspecific signs of the disease. To establish the exact cause of lymphadenopathy, specialists pay attention to accompanying symptoms indicating the localization of the primary pathological process:
| Diseases | Sign |
| Enlarged spleen |
| Joint syndrome:
|
| Presence of skin lesions |
| The presence of inflammation of the mucous membrane or choroid and retina of the eye |
| Damage to lung tissue and pleura |
| Feverish syndrome resistant to antibacterial drugs |
When determining the cause of postauricular lymphadenitis, the patient’s age is also important. In particular, infectious mononucleosis is more often observed in children and adolescents, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia is more often observed in elderly patients.
In addition, examination, anamnestic data and patient complaints play a great role in determining the causes of the disease. With otitis media, in particular, the patient will complain of ear pain, and the specialist will visually determine that the ear has increased in size, is swollen and hurts.
Postauricular lymphadenitis with otitis externa
For odontogenic (associated with inflammatory diseases of the teeth and adjacent tissues) causes of postauricular lymphadenitis, lymphadenitis will be recorded in the neck area on one side (on the affected side).
The size of the lymph nodes in lymphadenitis usually has no diagnostic value and does not facilitate the diagnostic search for the cause of lymphadenopathy.
Soreness of the lymph node signals a rapid increase in the anatomical formation in volume. This situation occurs when the inflammatory process is accompanied by suppuration or hemorrhage. Soreness of the lymph nodes has no differential diagnostic value.
The consistency of the lymph nodes may vary depending on the etiology of the lesion. Based on this indicator, the following conclusions can be made about the causes of the pathological process:
Treatment
In case of occurrence of postauricular lymphadenitis, treatment has the following directions:
- identifying the sources of the inflammatory process and selecting appropriate treatment for the underlying disease;
- relief of an acute or chronic process in the lymph node itself.
Uncomplicated cases should be treated at home.
Treatment tactics for postauricular lymphadenitis will depend on the results of the diagnostic stage and the identified pathological processes.
The following groups of pharmaceuticals are used for treatment:
| Group of drugs | Purpose of application | List of drugs |
| Antibacterial drugs | Elimination of microbial contamination | System:
For local use:
in the form of eye and ear drops |
| Antiviral agents | Destruction of an infectious agent of a viral nature |
|
| Antifungal antibiotics | Therapy for fungal tissue infections |
|
| Histamine receptor blockers | Elimination of allergic reactions - swelling and redness |
|
| Symptomatic drugs (analgesics, antipyretics, antitussives, expectorants, mucolytics) | Used in the presence of appropriate symptoms to eliminate them and improve the patient’s condition | For pain relief:
Antitussives:
For a productive cough:
|
| Immunomodulatory and immunostimulating drugs and vitamin therapy | Increasing the activity of the immune system, strengthening the body’s own defenses, improving the patient’s condition |
|
| Antiseptic solutions for topical use | Fighting infection directly at the source |
|
The choice of medications is made taking into account the patient’s tolerability. And in the case of antibacterial and antifungal drugs, in addition, the sensitivity of the pathogen to a particular drug is important. Before receiving the results of tests on the susceptibility of microorganisms to antibiotics, broad-spectrum medications are prescribed. Preference should be given to drugs that are protected from the effects of enzymes secreted by microorganisms.
Treatment regimens for some diseases accompanied by postauricular lymphadenitis
Inflammation of the lymph node itself is not an independent disease. This is a secondary condition caused by the primary infection.
Therefore, first of all, treatment is aimed at eliminating the primary focus as the cause of the pathological condition.
External and media otitis
The vast majority of cases of otitis externa have a bacterial etiology. Therefore, antimicrobial therapy is an integral part of treatment. In the case of uncomplicated external otitis, local treatment is highly effective, so prescribing systemic antibacterial therapy in this case is not advisable. For the treatment of uncomplicated external otitis, the following drugs are used in the form of ear drops:
- Dancil;
- Tsipromed;
- Combinil-Duo;
- Otipax;
- Otofa.
Prescribing systemic antibiotic therapy makes sense in the treatment of patients with post-radiation external otitis, patients with concomitant pathologies such as diabetes mellitus or who are in a state of immunosuppression, regardless of its etiology.
In addition to etiotropic therapy, the standard treatment of otitis externa includes adequate pain relief with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. These include:
- Paracetamol;
- Ibuprofen;
- Ketoprofen;
- Dexketoprofen.
Regular sanitation of the external auditory canal is also necessary.
Therapy for otitis media involves:
- systematic sanitation of the nasal cavity using isotonic sodium chloride solution or sea water;
- use of vasoconstrictors - decongestants:
- Oxyphrine;
- Xylometazoline;
- Galazolina;
- Naphazoline;
- use of intranasal glucocorticosteroid drugs;
- use of mucolytic and secretolytic agents:
- Acetylcysteine;
- Rinofluimucil;
- local antibacterial therapy.
Local and systemic medications are used to relieve pain.
Drug therapy regimens:
For systemic treatment of acute otitis media, the drugs of choice are amoxicillin-based drugs, provided that the patient has not taken such drugs in the last 30 days. If the effect of treatment with amoxicillin is insufficient after three days, it is necessary to replace the drug of choice with a combination of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid or an antibacterial agent of the 3rd generation cephalosporin class (Cefixime, Pancef, Ceftibuten), which are protected from the effects of β-lactamases produced by pathogenic microorganisms.
Taking a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate is recommended in oral form.
ARVI
Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections is carried out on an outpatient basis or in a hospital, depending on the severity of the patient’s condition. Patients suffering from a severe form of the disease or complications from it, or for epidemic reasons, are subject to hospitalization.
Treatment goals:
- stop the spread of the pathological process;
- prevent and stop the development of complications of the disease;
- prevent the development of residual effects;
- prevent the formation of recurrent and chronic disease.
The following medications are used to treat acute respiratory viral infection:
| Direction of therapy | Drugs |
| Antiviral agents | Umifenovir |
| Interferons | Interferon-α intranasal |
| Other immunomodulators |
|
| Nucleoside group drugs | Acyclovir |
| Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs |
|
| Antimycotics (if a fungal infection is attached) |
|
| Antibacterial drugs (if a microbial infection is attached) |
|
| Glucocorticosteroids (in case of severe and moderate course, accompanied by drug allergies or the development of infectious-toxic shock) |
|
| Adrenergic agonists |
|
Sinusitis
In severe and moderate forms of sinusitis, the use of systemic antibacterial therapy is recommended. The selection of drugs is carried out based on the suspected pathogen or their combination.
In the case of mild sinusitis, antibiotic therapy is prescribed only in cases where the upper respiratory tract infection is recurrent and the duration of clinical symptoms is more than 5 - 7 days. Antibacterial therapy is also indicated for patients with severe concomitant somatic pathologies, for example, diabetes, as well as patients in a state of immunodeficiency.
The main goal of therapy for acute sinusitis is complete eradication (destruction) of the infectious agent that provoked the disease. In this regard, when prescribing antibiotics, preference should be given to agents that have the fastest bactericidal effect. The criterion for the effectiveness of the therapy used is the dynamics of clinical symptoms. If there is no noticeable effect within three days, the drug should be replaced without waiting for the end of the course.
The drug of choice is Amoxicillin, administered orally in the following regimen: from 500 to 1000 mg twice a day.
Alternative drugs are:
In case of intolerance to β-lactam antibiotics, the following drugs are used:
If initial therapy is ineffective or if the infectious agent is resistant to it, a combination of amoxicillin and clavulanate is used orally at 625 mg 3 times a day or 1000 mg 2 times a day.
Alternative means are:
- Levofloxacin;
- Gemifloxacin;
- Moxifloxacin;
- Cefditoren
in individually selected doses.
The antibacterial drug must be selected taking into account contraindications and the patient’s tolerability of the medications. If the infectious agent is resistant to initial therapy, it is recommended to analyze the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics and select therapy based on the results of the study.
The use of local anticongestants improves nasal breathing and aeration of the paranasal sinuses.
Mastoiditis
Conservative treatment of mastoiditis involves early initiation of systemic antibiotic use. Antibiotic therapy should be started from the very beginning of the disease, without waiting for a bacteriogram. As the results of bacteriological testing for the sensitivity of the infectious agent to antibiotics are ready, adjustments to antimicrobial therapy may be necessary.
Antibacterial drugs for this disease are administered parenterally at regular intervals. Cancellation of antimicrobial treatment does not occur until the patient’s complete biological recovery, that is, complete eradication of the pathogen that caused the disease.
In order to cover the widest possible list of suspected pathogens, it is advisable to prescribe at least two antibacterial drugs during initial therapy.
The drugs of choice are β-lactam antibacterial drugs, which are administered into the body slowly intravenously or in the form of drip infusions.
Good results show:
- combination of ticarcillin and clavulanate;
- Cefuroxime;
- Cefotaxime;
- Ceftriaxone;
- Cefoperazone.
Severe mastoiditis is associated with dehydration and severe intoxication syndrome. To correct these pathological conditions, isotonic sodium chloride solution is used. In order to prevent thrombosis of the sigmoid sinus, anticoagulants are included as a component in the therapeutic regimen. Of the direct ones, sodium heparin and Fraxiparine are most often used, and of indirect ones - Phenindione.
Mumps
The disease is more common in children than in adults.
When treating mumps (mumps), several problems must be solved simultaneously:
- elimination of intoxication syndrome;
- preventing the spread of the infectious process (the surrounding tissues cannot be allowed to become inflamed);
- prevention of complications of the disease from other systems and organs;
- prevention of the development of residual effects of the disease.
The first priority is:
- pathogen eradication;
- detoxification;
- desensitization of the body in order to improve the patient's condition.
Mild cases of the disease are treated on an outpatient basis.
Drug therapy involves the use of the following groups of drugs:
| Group | Drugs |
| Means of etiotropic therapy | Antibacterial drugs:
|
| Pathogenetic therapy |
|
| Symptomatic treatment |
|
| Immunocorrection |
|
Brucellosis
Treatment of patients with suspected brucellosis, as well as with an established diagnosis, is carried out in a hospital setting.
This is necessary to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the patient.
Rubella
Simultaneously with the inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ear during rubella, the lymph nodes located in the occipital region also enlarge.
In the case of an uncomplicated course of the disease, symptomatic therapy is prescribed on an outpatient basis, child care, and general strengthening measures as the symptoms of rubella fade. Taking a complex of vitamins is indicated.
In the case of the development of rubella encephalitis, the use of pathogenetic therapy is indicated, which involves the use of anti-inflammatory, vasoactive, neuroprotective and antioxidant drugs.
Etiotropic therapy consists of the use of interferon drugs, which are prescribed if there are signs of damage to the central nervous system.
Registration of a bacterial infection is an indication for the prescription of antibiotics.
With the development of rubella arthritis, the main role in treatment is played by the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - both in systemic forms and in the form of topical agents.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions that do not threaten the patient’s life, are not associated with swelling of the upper respiratory tract, do not impede breathing, or cause suffocation, can be treated on an outpatient basis. To relieve allergic conditions, h1-histamine receptor blockers are used. The choice of drug is determined by the patient’s age, the severity of the symptoms of the disease, and the patient’s tolerance to drugs from the antihistamine group.
In case of severe symptoms, accompanied by urticaria, itching and burning, increased nervousness, it is advisable to use 1st generation antihistamines as initial therapy:
- Diphenhydramine;
- Suprastin;
- Tavegil.
The advantage of these drugs is an additional sedative effect, as well as the possibility of parenteral administration if necessary.
The downside is the short duration of action, as a result of which the frequency of use is 2-3 times a day.
Antihistamines of the latest generations do not have a pronounced sedative effect and can be used by patients of working age without fear for the ability to concentrate and speed of psychomotor reactions.
Another advantage is the long-lasting effect of such drugs - 12-24 hours. In some cases, a single dose per day is sufficient.
In order to avoid contact with the allergen in case of food and drug allergies, the use of enterosorbents is indicated, which include:
- Polysorb;
- Smecta;
- Enterosgel.
Infected soft tissue injuries or skin rashes
In these cases, antiseptic solutions are used to disinfect wounds, and, if necessary, aseptic dressings.
To treat infected elements of a skin rash, aseptic solutions and antibacterial ointments are used. At the same time, the problem of identifying the cause of the rash, diagnosing and treating a skin disease or allergic reaction should be solved.
Immunodeficiency
The choice of treatment in this situation depends on the cause of the pathological condition. In the case of the viral nature of immunodeficiency (HIV), antiviral agents are used that block the replication of RNA viruses.
In case of the infectious nature of immunodeficiency, immunomodulatory agents, interferon inducers, vitamin therapy, and general strengthening measures are prescribed.
Oncological processes
The method of therapy is selected after determining the nature and cellular composition of the tumor.
For various types of neoplasms, chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical treatment are effective.
When is hospitalization necessary?
Indications for emergency hospitalization are the following conditions:
- acute serous-purulent lymphadenitis;
- acute inflammation with abscess formation or phlegmon of the lymph node;
- chronic productive inflammation;
- chronic abscess process.
Patients subject to planned hospitalization are:
- with long-term (more than a month) chronic lymphadenitis;
- with post-vaccination lymphadenitis, for example, after BCG in children;
- with the initial stage of chronic specific lymphadenitis.
The formation of a dense, painful lump in the back of the head on one or both sides is one of the symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ears. Timely treatment, prescribed after confirming the diagnosis and identifying the causes of the disease, reduces the likelihood of complications and unpleasant consequences.
A dense formation behind the ear is most often lymphadenitis
Location of the postauricular lymph nodes
The lymphatic parotid nodes are located in the area of the posterior auricular vein, located close to the lymphatic vessels. In a normal state, they are practically not palpable with your fingers, but in an inflamed state, they become very noticeable, dense, and painful.
Lymph nodes in the human body play the role of a natural filter through which blood cells pass, being cleansed of toxins, pathogens and other contaminants.
With the help of lymph, cells of the immune system are formed- lymphocytes that fill blood vessels.
Lymph nodes are a natural filter for lymph
By creating a natural barrier on the way of unwanted guests, the lymph nodes take the entire negative blow and become vulnerable to inflammatory processes if serious health problems arise.
Why do the lymph nodes behind the ears become inflamed?
Mostly, the cause of the development of the inflammatory process in the postauricular lymph nodes is diseases of one of the organs, which is located directly next to the node.
These include otolaryngological diseases:
- inflammation of the middle ear (otitis);
- furunculosis of the auditory canal;
- inflammation of the salivary glands;
- chronic sinusitis;
- tubootitis – functional disorders of the auditory tube;
- pharyngitis - a disease of the pharynx with damage to its mucous membranes;
- inflammation of the auditory nerve;
- caries, oral infections;
- abnormalities of the ear structure - prearicular sinus or cyst;
- diseases of the tonsils (tonsillitis).
An inflamed lymph node can be a consequence of a severe cold, sore throat, flu, viral infection, accompanied by acute rhinitis. often manifests itself in infectious diseases in children, observed in mumps, scarlet fever, rubella, mononucleosis, measles.
With scarlet fever, lymphadenitis may appear
Serious problems such as tuberculosis, HIV, syphilis, various sexually transmitted diseases and cancers in the lymphatic system also affect the development of pathological processes in the lymph nodes behind the ear and in other parts of the body.
Exacerbations are provoked by allergic reactions to certain medications, including Captopril, Phenytoin, Quinidine, and members of the penicillin group.
If, after treatment of the underlying disease, signs of inflammation in the lymph node disappear without subsequent complications (pain, sepsis), this phenomenon is considered as the body’s reaction to the penetration of infection into it.
Symptoms of lymphadenitis behind the ear
Severe pain, increase in size, swelling and hardening of the area under the ear indicate inflammation of the lymph node itself - lymphadenitis, which was caused by infection of other infected organs.
The painful condition is accompanied by:
- increase in temperature;
- headache in the temporal region, which radiates to the ear;
- increase in size and swelling of the parotid lymph node;
- the formation of a dense, immobile lump under the earlobe;
- changes in skin color, redness of the area behind the ear;
- sleep disturbance;
- fatigue, lethargy, weakness;
- capricious behavior in a child;
- pustular rashes near the ear.
When the behind-the-ear lymph node is inflamed, the temples often hurt, the pain is transmitted to the ears
A hard lymph node, painful to the touch, is a sign of an acute inflammatory process of an infectious nature that has begun in the body.
In this case, begin treatment immediately to reduce the likelihood of possible complications.
Which doctor should I contact?
If your ear is swollen and hurts, make an appointment with a doctor immediately, don’t hesitate.
The nature of inflammation of the lymph nodes is different, be sure to consult a therapist
- A lymph node behind the ear can be a consequence of diseases of the ear, nose or throat, in which case it is necessary.
- The presence of teeth in the oral cavity damaged by caries or another disease requires a visit.
- Suppuration of the affected area will be treated.
- Appearing skin defects, rashes on it -.
Diagnostics
Questions that the doctor will ask based on your medical history:
- What medications has the patient taken recently?
- Does the patient have any concomitant chronic diseases?
- What signs of pathological illness worried the patient in the previous period.
- The presence of symptoms of an inflammatory process in the throat, nose, ears, and mouth.
To make a diagnosis, it is important to find out all the circumstances surrounding the occurrence of the disease.
Laboratory research methods in a hospital setting include:
- analysis of general blood serum parameters;
- general urine analysis;
- examination using ultrasound, in severe cases - MRI;
- if oncological processes are suspected, a biopsy of material from the inflamed node.
If all the results are available, they will make an accurate diagnosis and determine how to treat the lymph nodes.
Treatment of swollen lymph nodes behind the ears
Start anti-inflammatory therapy immediately after confirmation of the diagnosis. The main method of treatment is the use of medications, which are prescribed taking into account the reasons that caused the development of lymphadenitis.
Medicines
If the cause of the disease is bacteria, antibiotics are used; diseases of viral etiology are treated with antiviral drugs. In addition to tablets or injections, topical preparations are used, which are applied directly to the sore spot.
Immunity boosters will speed up recovery
Immunomodulating agents and vitamin-mineral complexes will help you cope with the problem faster so that the body activates its forces to fight the disease.
| Drug groups | Action of the medicine | Name |
| Antibiotics | Destroy the structure of pathogenic bacteria, block their reproduction and growth | Amoxiclav, Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone, Zatsef, Tsiprolet, Augmentin, Ofloxacin, Norfloxacin, Ceftazidime, Spiramycin, |
| Anti-inflammatory drugs | Relieves pain, reduces swelling, lowers temperature | Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Nimesil, Nise |
| Anti-inflammatory external agents | Relieves swelling, accelerates the flow of blood and lymph in the affected area, dilates blood vessels, reduces inflammation | Heparin ointment, Ketoprofen, Dexomethasone, Dimexide, Piroxicam |
| Immunostimulants | Increases the body's natural defenses and strengthens the immune system | Immunal, echinacea tincture, Estifan, Immunorm. |
| Antiviral drugs | Prevents the spread of the virus, stops reproduction, activates the production of interferons | Amiksin, Immunoflazid, Anaferon, Novirin. |
Surgery
If the course of the disease is complicated by purulent discharge, surgical intervention is required. The operation can be performed in an inpatient setting at a medical facility.
The procedure is performed under anesthesia. Using incisions, the purulent areas of the inflamed nodes are exposed. Pus and dead tissue are removed from wounds.
After cleaning, tampons with antimicrobial and analgesic drugs are placed into the incisions, or drainage is installed to drain the purulent mass.
If drug treatment is not possible, surgery is performed
After the surgical procedure, a course of antimicrobial therapy is prescribed to reduce the risk of re-infection.
If the presence of oncology is suspected, material removed from the lymph node is sent for further examination.
Physiotherapy
To stimulate blood circulation and lymph outflow in the inflamed lymph node, physiotherapeutic procedures are used.
These include:
- Laser therapy. The effect of a laser beam on the area near the ear will help relieve pain and promote rapid healing and regeneration of the skin in the affected area.
- Ultrasound. After these procedures, cellular blood clots with lymph impurities formed during inflammation dissolve, and the pain goes away.
- UHF.
- Warming up the sore spot will help eliminate pain, hyperemia of the skin, and reduce the inflammatory process.
Electrophoresis.
This method, in combination with hydrocartisone ointment, is used so that the medicine penetrates deep into the tissue and affects the source of inflammation from the inside.
Parotid lymphadenitis can be dangerous for both children and adults. Delayed treatment or refusal of it poses a threat to human health.
The inflammatory process will gradually spread to neighboring tissues, affecting and infecting them. The diseased node will lose its functional ability to create a barrier to the penetration of infections, viruses and bacteria into the body.
Purulent lymphadenitis creates a risk, after the rupture of the abscess, of movement of purulent masses through the vessels to the heart and brain. This condition can be fatal.
If inflamed lymph nodes are not treated, the immune system can be greatly weakened.
A disease that has become chronic will bother a person with regular exacerbations. Impaired circulation of lymphatic fluid in the body is fraught with constant swelling that does not go away for a long time, damage to the veins, deterioration of the skin, and decreased immunity.
The development of inflammation of the behind-the-ear lymph nodes is caused by various colds, diseases of the ENT organs, and dental disorders. Effective treatment of lymphadenitis depends on correct identification of the source of pathology and adequately selected therapy.
The human body has many protective barriers, the main one of which is the lymphatic system. It comes into play in cases where the immune system is unable to cope with infectious, viral or oncological processes. When a patient has enlarged lymph nodes behind the ear, the reasons may be different, so only a specialist can determine the diagnosis. However, everyone should know the main factors causing pain in this area.
Possible causes of enlarged postauricular lymph nodes
- tuberculosis bacteria;
- chlamydia;
- coli;
- streptococcal and staphylococcal bacteria;
- treponema pallidum (syphilis contagium);
- Francisella (the causative agent of tularemia);
Remember! If the lymph nodes behind the ears are enlarged, this does not mean that the patient is seriously ill. Such symptoms can be caused by ordinary hypothermia in the winter. Incorrectly selected outerwear, lack of hats - all this can cause a cold reaction, and as a result - postauricular lymphadenitis. In addition, enlargement of nodes behind the ear is accompanied by some other diseases:
- conjunctivitis;
- caries;
- pharyngitis;
- acute reaction to bacteria;
- adenoviral infection;
- stomatitis;
- inflammation of the salivary glands;
- psoriasis;
- ARVI;
- severe runny nose;
- long-term allergies;
- dermatitis of various types;
- complications after infectious diseases;
- postoperative period.
Experts do not recommend immediately panicking if the lymph node behind the ear is enlarged in an adult. It is also undesirable to self-medicate. The thing is that lymph nodes almost always react to the slightest disturbances in the functioning of the whole organism. Normal - the size of the node does not exceed 5 mm, can be easily palpated and does not cause pain. Otherwise, you should consult a doctor.
Diseases accompanied by enlargement of the postauricular lymph nodes
There are indicators that can cause isolated lymphadenitis - an enlargement of the lymph node behind the ear on one side.
An isolated type of postauricular lymphadenitis can occur when:
- abrasions and wounds, inflamed scratches, scalp damage, boils (boils), acne and acne;
- as a result of infected cat scratches located on the head, back of the head or neck;
- as a consequence of otitis media/externa;
- as a result of inflammation of the mastoid process of the temporal bone (mastoiditis);
- as a symptom after metastasis in cancer tumors of various etiologies;
- tuberculosis;
- after encephalitis tick bites (in the temporal, parietal zone);
- with lymphogranulomatosis;
- when the body is affected by syphilis (an extremely rare occurrence);
- with actinomycosis (infectious disease of the scalp);
There is also purulent inflammation. This course of the disease occurs very often during systematic damage to the lymphatic system. This enlargement of the lymph nodes behind the ears occurs in adults with the following diseases:
- adenoviral infection;
- rubella;
- malignant formations of the lymphatic system;
- changes in blood composition;
- fever;
- infection of the pharynx;
- mononucleosis;
- HIV infection.
Compared to other types of swelling of nodes, purulent lymphadenitis is a rather serious pathology. Most often, the lymph node on one side behind the ear is enlarged for a long time. Then swelling appears symmetrically on the other side.
It is important to distinguish and identify this particular type of lymphadenitis, so you should immediately contact a specialist if the following symptoms appear: 
- Severe swelling of the lymph node. A large accumulation of lymph during the inflammatory process fills the cavity and stretches the node.
- Fever. Due to overly active processes, blood flow in the body's cells increases. In this regard, a feeling of heat and an increase in local temperature appear.
- Hyperemia. Due to inflammation, all blood vessels tend to dilate. The lymph node cavity is too small to support the enlarged vessels. As a result, severe redness and burning of the skin may appear around the inflamed node.
- Pain. When the postauricular lymph node is enlarged, compression of the nerve endings occurs, and then pain occurs.
There are also cases when the lymph node itself is enlarged, but there is no pain behind the ear. Most likely, this is a residual phenomenon after an infectious disease: ARVI, bronchitis, purulent tonsillitis, or other respiratory diseases. Experts believe that the longer the swelling of the lymph node remains after an illness, the weaker the immune system. Often, with such symptoms, the patient is recommended to take a course of vitamins that strengthen the body's defenses.
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