lymphatic system
problems
Infections of the Lymphatic System: lymphadenitis and lymphangitis
Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis are two possible and often combined types of lymphatic system infections. The first affects one or more lymph nodes, while the second concerns the lymphatic vessels.
The most common symptoms of lymph node infection, lymphadenitis, are pain, swollen lymph nodes and fever. Furthermore, lymphadenitis can occur in two forms:
Focal lymphadenitis
Focal lymphadenitis, occurs mainly in mycobacterial infections (both tuberculosis and non-tuberculosis), staphylococcal and streptococcal.
Multifocal lymphadenopathy
it is common in the presence of secondary syphilis and infectious mononucleosis.
As for Lymphangitis, however, the symptoms include headache, severe pain, redness and a sensation of heat in the affected area, oedema, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes and tachycardia.
Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis: the causes of infections of the lymphatic system
Lymphadenitis occurs becauseof infections caused by bacteria (both streptococci and staphylococci) andas a result of less common infections, such as tuberculosis.
Streptococcus also trigger lymphangitis, but they are not the only causative bacteria, other pathogensincluding staphylococcican also trigger this infection of the lymphatic vessels.
Treatments for infections of the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system
The intake of antibiotics (initially broad spectrum) is the therapy, as it certainly helps and promotes the elimination of staphylococci and streptococcus. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, then are useful for reducing pain and inflammation respectively. In the most advanced, serious and complicated stages, surgery may be necessary: this is when the infection spreads and culminates in an abscess for the patients at risk of thrombosis, theuse of anticoagulants is recommended.
Generally speaking,itis good to keep in mind that proper hygiene and careful care are essential.
