About this topic
A lymph node is a pea-shaped part of the lymph system that helps defend our body from germs. Lymph nodes are found all over our bodies. They help trap foreign material and other cells that do not belong inside the body. ‚
A swollen lymph node means there is an infection or disease in the body. When the lymph nodes are swollen for a long time, it is called chronic lymphadenitis. ‚
Treatment for this condition depends on the cause. Most often, drugs are given to treat the illness. Surgery may also be done if needed. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Follow your doctors orders.
- Pay attention to any pain and write down answers to the following questions to share with your doctor:
- How often does it happen?
- What brings on the pain?
- Describe the pain. Is it throbbing, stabbing, dull, sharp, or aching?
- How long does it last?
- Does it spread to other areas? If so, where?
- What makes the pain go away?
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- If your doctor tells you to use heat, put a heating pad on your painful area for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Never go to sleep with a heating pad on as this can cause burns.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Treat an infection
- Treat the illness that causes the lymph nodes to swell and be painful
Will physical activity be limited?
- Physical activities may be limited due to the pain that you have. Take your drugs to manage the pain.
- If you had surgery, avoid driving and lifting heavy things for a few weeks.
What problems could happen?
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Go to your doctor for proper treatment of infections right away.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Avoid getting too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Avoid sharing your towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Clean commonly handled things like door handles, remotes, toys, and phones. Wipe them with a disinfectant.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Lymph nodes that stay enlarged for a few days
- Lymph nodes seem to be getting bigger
- Night sweats
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, my lymph nodes stay large or seem to be getting bigger, or I have trouble breathing or swallowing.
Where can I learn more?
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/dictionary/l/az-lymphadenitis.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚