The lymph system is a network of lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph vessels, and organs that produce and move a fluid called lymph from tissues to the bloodstream.
The lymph glands, or nodes, are small structures that filter the lymph fluid. There are many white blood cells in the lymph nodes to help fight infection.
Lymphadenitis occurs when the glands become enlarged by swelling (inflammation), often in response to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The swollen glands are usually found near the site of an infection, tumor, or inflammation.
Lymphadenitis may occur after skin infections or other infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus orStaphylococcus. Sometimes it is caused by rare infections such as tuberculosis or cat scratch disease(Bartonella).
Symptoms
Red, tender skin over lymph node
Swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes
Lymph nodes may feel rubbery if an abscess has formed or they have become inflamed.
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This includes feeling your lymph nodes and looking for signs of injury or infection around any swollen lymph nodes.
A biopsy and culture of the affected area or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. Blood cultures may reveal spread of infection to the bloodstream.
Treatment
Lymphadenitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin promptly.
The adenoids are lymph tissue that sit in your upper airway between your nose and the back of your throat. They are similar to the tonsils.
Enlarged adenoids means this tissue is swollen.
Structures of the throat include the esophagus, trachea, epiglottis and tonsils.
Causes
Enlarged adenoids may be normal. They may grow bigger when the baby grows in the womb. The adenoids help the body prevent or fight infections by removing bacteria and germs.
Infections can cause the adenoids to become swollen. The adenoids may stay enlarged even when you are not sick.
Symptoms
Children with enlarged adenoids often breathe through their mouth because their nose is blocked. Mouth breathing occurs mostly at night, but may be present during the day.
Mouth breathing may lead to the following symptoms:
Enlarged adenoids may also cause sleep problems. A child may:
Be restless while sleeping
Snore a lot
Have episodes of not breathing during sleep (sleep apnea)
Children with enlarged adenoids may also have more frequent ear infections.
Exams and Tests
The adenoids cannot be seen by looking in the mouth directly. The health care provider can see them by using a special mirror in the mouth your mouth or by inserting a flexible tube (called an endoscope) placed through the nose.
