Lymphadenitis

Also known as: Lymph node infection, Lymph gland infection or Localized lymphadenopathy

Definition

Lymphadenitis is an infection of the lymph nodes (also called lymph glands). It is a common complication of certain bacterial infections.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The lymph system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels (or channels) that produce and move a fluid called lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. For more information on this part of the body, see lymph system.

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 inflammation, usually in response to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The swollen glands are usually found near the site of an underlying infection, tumor, or inflammation.

Lymphadenitis may occur after skin infections or other bacterial infections, particularly those due to streptococcus or staphylococcus. Sometimes it is caused by rare infections such as tuberculosis or cat scratch disease (Bartonella).

Symptoms

• Swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes
• Red, tender skin over lymph node

Lymph nodes may feel rubbery if an abscess has formed.

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam, which 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.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics to treat any underlying infection
• Analgesics (pain killers) to control pain
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Cool compresses to reduce inflammation and pain

Surgery may be needed to drain any abscess.

Expectations (prognosis)

Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually results in complete recovery, though it may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear. The amount of time until recovery occurs will vary depending on the underlying cause.

Complications

• Abscess formation
• Cellulitis (a skin infection)
• Sepsis (generalized or bloodstream infection)
• Fistulas (seen in lymphadenitis that is due to tuberculosis)

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphadenitis.

Prevention

Good general health and hygiene are helpful in the prevention of any infection.

References

Armitage JO. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 174.

See also:

• Disease

  Sepsis

  

  Sepsis is a severe illness in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria.

• Disease

  Lymphangitis

  Lymphangitis is an infection of the lymph vessels (channels). It is a common complication of certain bacterial infections. See also:

• Symptoms

  Swollen lymph nodes

  

  Lymph nodes are found throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germs, infections, and other foreign substances. The term “swollen glands” refers to enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. In a child, a node ...

• Special Topic

  Acute

  

  Acute means sudden or severe. Acute symptoms appear, change, or worsen rapidly. It is the opposite of .

• Disease

  Cellulitis

  

  Cellulitis is a common skin infection caused by bacteria. See also:

• Disease

  Thrombophlebitis

  

  Thrombophlebitis is swelling (inflammation) of a vein caused by a .

• Nutrition

  Protein in diet

  

  Proteins are complex organic compounds. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids.

• Special Topic

  Systemic

  Systemic means “affecting the entire body,” rather than a single organ or body part. For example, systemic disorders such as or systemic diseases such as affect the entire body. An infection that is in the bloodstream is called a systemic infection. An infection that affects only ...

• Disease

  Abscess

  An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body that, in most cases, causes swelling and inflammation around it.

Review date:

May 30, 2009

Reviewed by:

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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