In studying the Lymphatic System, I looked up causative factors. Various causes are infections, viruses, inflammation, cancer, and cancer of the blood. Infections are usually caused by an increase in white blood cells, which respond as a result of foreign substances in our bodies, antigens. Lymphocytes perform their phagocytoses function, by eating up these foreign objects that are causing the infection.
B Lympocytes produce specific antibodies, immunoglobulins, to provide humoral immunity. These immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM) act by neutrlaizing bacterial toxins, neutralizing viruses, phagocytizing bacteria, and activating the inflammatory response. Several types of T lymphocytes provide cellular immunity, including cytotoxin, helper, and supppressor T cells. The functions of T lympocytes are to kill cells infected by viruses, including tumors and transplanted tissue: activate the inflammotory response, and stimulate production of more B and T Lymphocytes.
Then there are viruses. The immune system responds to an infection in the body, which can occur with the onset of a common cold, however, it can also occur with HIV.
Inflammation is another causative factor of the lymph nodes. There is infiltration of the inflammatory cells that occur during and infection or inflammation in the region of the lymph node.
Cancer can cause enlarged lymph nodes. Infiltration with malignant cells, (metastases) brought to the node with lymph flowing from an area of certain types of cancer can cause swelling of the lymph nodes. Cancer of the blood causes uncontrolled, malignant multiplication of lymphocyctes as in lymphoma or leukemia.
The symptoms of swollen lymph nodes depend upon the location and cause of the enlargement. Symptoms can include runny nose, sore throat, and fever with an infection. The lymph nodes will be slightly tender under the skin around the ears, and under the chin, or on the upper part of the neck. Skin infection or redness can occur, causing an enlarged node in the vicinity tracking toward the heart. Swelling of lymph nodes deep inside the body may have different consequences from swelling of those under the skin. The blockage in the flow of lymph from swelling in a deeper node may cause a swelling of a limb. Swelling of lymph nodes in the lungs could case a chronic cough. You may not be able to feel a swollen node in that location. With the infection of mononucleosis, HIV, and fungal or parasitic infections, these may cause generalized swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body.
Some immune disorders, such as lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis, may also cause generalized lymph node swelling. There can be a node or group of nodes that grow rapidly and become hard and can not be easily moved around under the skin.
Best thing to do with swollen lymph nodes is to inspect and describe the nodes, to allow a doctor to determine what would be the next step in determining how we can treat the problem. An infection can be treated with antibiotics, and medications to control fever and pain. However, the more serious problems required further investigation and more intense treatments. Only lab work, MRI’s, CT scans, etc. will allow the doctor on how to proceed in treating the lymph node problem.
References:
Health Assessment for Nursing Practice, 3rd Ed, 2005, Wilson and Giddens, Chapter 12, page 204.
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/swollen_lymph_glands.
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Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes
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