Content:
- Causes of pathology
- Signs of inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes 1.1. First stage 2.2. Second stage 2.3. Third stage
- How to cure an enlarged lymph node in the submandibular area
- Prevention of the inflammatory process
Inflammation of the submandibular lymph node is one of the most common types of lymphadenitis.
Its development is caused by inflammatory processes occurring in the oral cavity and less often in other parts of the body. Often the problem occurs with advanced caries, pulpitis, gingivitis, and inflammatory lesions of the tonsils. It is also caused by throat diseases. Let's take a closer look at why the submandibular lymph nodes are enlarged and what should be done to normalize the situation.
Treatment methods
If the lymph node under the jaw is inflamed, how to treat it? The choice of treatment method is influenced by the cause of the pathology and its neglect. In mild cases, if the cause is eliminated, the inflammation will stop and the lymph node will return to its previous size. If complications are detected, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medications, painkillers, antipyretics and antihistamines. It is also necessary to take vitamins to strengthen the body's defenses. Traditional medicine will help speed up the healing process and eliminate unpleasant symptoms. The course of therapy takes a week and a half.
If a purulent infection occurs, then there will be a need for surgical intervention, during which the surgeon will open the inflamed lymph node and pump out the pus. Fortunately, this situation is extremely rare.
This article is for informational purposes only, please consult your doctor for details!
Causes of pathology
If the lymph node changes its size, it can be assumed that a viral or bacteriological infection has spread. Taking into account the localization of the lesion, the doctor understands exactly where the source of the disease is located and which organs need urgent medical attention.
Among the dental provocateurs of enlarged submandibular lymph nodes:
- inflammation of the salivary glands;
- gingivitis;
- pulpitis;
- flux;
- stomatitis;
- alveolitis;
- periodontitis;
- deep caries;
- inflammation occurring under the crowns.
But the violation is not always associated specifically with dental diagnoses. Its reasons are:
- Respiratory diseases: pharyngitis, laryngitis, rhinitis.
- Pathologies related to the bone structures of the skull: damage to the bone structures of the lower jaw, damage to the temporomandibular joint, articular capsule.
- Infections: sore throat, measles, tonsillitis, otitis media, chicken pox, mumps. In all these cases, the lymphatic tissues swell a few days after the first symptoms of the disease appear.
- Specific pathologies caused by pathogenic pathogenic agents: toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea.
- Oncological neoplasms. Lymphatic tissue always reacts very sharply to tumor growth. Enlarged submandibular lymph nodes sometimes indicate the presence of a neoplasm in the area of the tongue, neck, or salivary glands.
- Autoimmune disorders. Always associated with disruptions in the functioning of the immune system. Then, by mistake, lymphocytes begin to treat healthy cells as dangerous pathogens. They destroy them, causing inflammation of the lymph nodes.
- Hyperthyroidism. With an exacerbation of this disease, the neck and cheek area swells, the lymph nodes become more voluminous.
In young children, parents may notice large round “balls” under the jaw during the period of active teething. This often causes an increase in body temperature. There is no need to be afraid of such symptoms. It is associated precisely with the inflammatory process provoked by the eruption of milk units. But, if the situation does not return to normal within three to five days, it is still worth showing the baby to a pediatric dentist, surgeon or pediatrician.
Survey
Enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes, which is not accompanied by other symptoms, is an indication for consultation with a hematologist. When lymphadenopathy is combined with signs of damage to the respiratory and digestive systems, consultation with other specialists may be required. Diagnosis involves assessing the condition of pathologically changed lymph nodes and identifying the cause of the condition. The most valuable are:
- Ultrasonography
. Ultrasound of the lymph node is performed to study the morphological structure of the affected tissue; the method allows you to detect hyperechoic and hypoechoic zones. Additionally, ultrasound of the thyroid gland and sonography of the thymus are recommended to determine the root cause of lymphadenopathy. - Blood tests
. Infectious and hematological diseases, in which enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes is possible, are characterized by changes in blood counts. Patients are prescribed a standard general analysis, biochemical study, and determination of the level of acute phase indicators. - Lymph node biopsy.
Collection of cytological material from the affected organ followed by histological examination is recommended to verify the diagnosis. The method is primarily used for differential diagnosis of malignant tumors of lymphoid tissue and metastases with other diseases. - Lymphography
. A radionuclide study of the lymphatic system using the introduction of a special radiopharmaceutical is prescribed to study the pathways of lymphatic drainage and exclude oncopathology. The method is widely used for the neck area, since standard radiography is difficult.
A further list of studies is formed taking into account the patient’s complaints. Often an examination of the upper respiratory tract is required - pharyngoscopy, rhinoscopy, laryngoscopy. To confirm the infectious etiology of the process, specific serological reactions are performed (RIF, ELISA, PCR). If a connection between lesions of the cervical lymphatic structures and pathology of the thyroid gland is suspected, a blood test for triiodothyronine and thyroxine and scintigraphy with radioactive iodine are performed.
Signs of inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes
How the disorder manifests itself depends on how far the disease process has progressed. If you do not carry out the necessary therapeutic measures, one stage will quickly pass into another.
First stage
The size of the lymph nodes changes very slightly, but the person already feels that they hurt when pressed. Discomfort occurs when turning the head. Body temperature often rises and a sore throat appears. A tickle or dry, unproductive cough is annoying. Pain occurs only on one side of the neck or on both sides at once. The first case is more likely if it is a viral disease.
Second stage
It is called “acute lymphadenitis”. Now the lymph node can be distinguished visually - it becomes convex and protrudes forward. Externally it resembles a subcutaneous ball. Its diameter reaches three centimeters, but can be more impressive.
The node is painful to the touch. Because of this, it is difficult for the patient to turn and tilt his head, and open his mouth wide. The mobility of the upper and lower jaw is significantly limited.
The pain may radiate to the cheek or ear. Body temperature increases. Overall performance decreases.
Third stage
Called purulent lymphadenitis. Here, the inflammatory process even affects structures adjacent to the lymph node. The patient complains of pain in the throat, collarbone, armpit, and head. The nerve endings of the teeth may become inflamed. Then acute toothache occurs.
Pus formed in lymphoid tissues consists mainly of necrotic cells. If it gets into the blood (and such a possibility always exists), the outcome can be extremely unfavorable, so the inflammatory process should not be started.
Patients can understand that the submandibular lymph node is inflamed and needs treatment as soon as possible by the following signs:
- the “ball” enlarges and becomes red or bluish;
- every day it becomes more dense and solid;
- the skin located above the lymph node takes on a red tint and is hot to the touch;
- the lower jaw area swells.
Periostitis in children
In children, the inflammatory process usually develops as a result of untreated caries of baby teeth, infectious diseases or injuries. Due to the peculiarities of the physiology and anatomy of the child’s body, as well as due to the immaturity of the child’s immune system, the pathology develops quickly and rapidly, and the infection quickly spreads through the bloodstream and lymph flow, so multiple lesions can form.
Periostitis of the upper jaw in a child requires special attention, which, when localized in the palate, may not change facial features - swelling forms inside the oral cavity and can only be noticed by the characteristic convex swelling on the palate. The abscess gradually grows, capturing the mucous areas of the pharynx and tongue, which causes pain when swallowing and chewing. If a child develops symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, or painful swallowing, it is imperative to check whether such a condition is caused by developing gumboil.
How to cure an enlarged lymph node in the submandibular area
Therapy must be carried out under medical supervision. Its main goal is to eliminate the infection that caused the disorder. If the root cause of the condition is not established, it will not be possible to be completely cured.
If the problem is related to an oral disease, mandatory treatment is carried out. For severe inflammatory pathologies of internal organs, antibiotic therapy is carried out. For pathologies of a viral nature, patients are prescribed antiviral drugs.
If the examination reveals that pus has accumulated inside the tissues, it is drained using a drainage tube. Additionally, a puncture is taken to recognize the pathogen and understand whether the disease has a benign or malignant course.
As soon as the infectious focus disappears, the lymph nodes begin to shrink, stop hurting and gradually reach their normal state.
Diagnostic measures
Detecting the problem is very simple - the doctor just needs to feel the area under the chin and carefully examine it. To establish the exact cause of the disease, you need:
- Take blood and urine tests. From them you can understand the nature of the “provocateur” (viral or bacterial).
- Donate blood biochemistry.
- Get an ultrasound of the lymph nodes.
If the doctor suspects oncology, the patient is referred for a computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scan or a puncture biopsy. These diagnostic measures allow you to make a correct diagnosis and select adequate treatment.
Prevention of the inflammatory process
To reduce the risk of developing lymphadenitis, you must strictly follow the recommendations:
- Have annual preventive examinations at the dental clinic. Treat all emerging oral diseases in a timely manner. Avoid caries and take care of your gums.
- Do not ignore the presence of infections and treat them. During therapy, strictly follow all medical prescriptions.
- For any damage to the skin, treat wounds with antiseptics. This minimizes the risk of contracting an infectious disease.
- If you feel unwell, consult a doctor and get laboratory tests. This simple measure allows you to detect violations at the earliest stages.
It is necessary to understand that using “grandmother’s” methods for inflamed lymph nodes is dangerous. So, under no circumstances should you heat the inflamed area or apply cold compresses to it. It is unacceptable to massage him or put pressure on him. All of these actions can make the situation worse. Then it will be much more difficult to reverse the disease.
