Some Common Knowledge On Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Found Some Common Knowledge!

It is common knowledge that an enlarged lymph node usually means there is an infection in the area of the lymph node and the body is doing what it was designed to do, which is fight it off. Bacteria, viruses, debris, cancer cells, and other foreign substances that are in the lymph are filtered through the nodes.

When the nodes become overwhelmed they will begin to swell and enlarge. They can also become painful. The node will reduce in size when the infection has run its course or responds to treatment.

In the event of other health issues, it will remain large until treated successfully.

Harmless Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Body

There are 500-700 lymph nodes in the body and many of them will swell unnoticed as they do their job of protecting the body from harmful debris that is traveling through the body. The white blood cells will reproduce to fight off infections and when they are successful they will return to normal numbers and the swelling will be reduced. The white blood cells are known as lymphocytes. Harmless causes of enlarged lymph nodes include the following:

• Minor bacterial
• Mild viral infection
• Some fungi

When the lymph node remains swollen and there are other health problems or symptoms, there could be a more serious cause for the swelling

Enlargement from Serious Health Issues

Not all lymph nodes will shrink down to their normal size, which is the size of a pea. Some will remain swollen and be an indicator there may be a serious health issue that will need to be addressed. Due to the seriousness of cancer, if that is the cause of a lymph node that remains inflamed, a medical professional should examine the node and do tests to determine the cause. Only a healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause of the swelling.

Some of the serious health issues:

• Cancer
• MRSA
• Lymphoma
• Syphilis
• HIV/AIDS

Some of the less serious causes include:

• Chicken pox
• Skin infection
• Alcoholism
• Cold
• Infected tooth

Most of the time swollen lymph nodes are nothing to be concerned about, it is just the immune system doing its job. When there are other symptoms, medical care should be sought.

Schedule a Doctor Appointment

When a lymph node remains enlarged for over two weeks, is painful to the touch, hard, or the skin is red or inflamed an appointment with the doctor should be scheduled and the node should be checked by a doctor. Other indicators that a doctor should examine a lymph node include night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, and prolonged fever.

Relief from painful lymph nodes can be relieved with compresses and over the counter pain relievers.

10 Ways Lymph Nodes Can Help You Live To 100

Not everyone wants to live to be 100 because there are visions of wrinkles, pills, tubes, and adult diapers. There was a time when people lived a simpler life, lived long, and were healthy until their last days. Even if you don’t want to live to be a hundred but want to live longer and healthier you can do so with the help of your lymph nodes. The fewer toxins in the body, the better health you’ll have. Moving lymph through the nodes to be filtered by the lymph nodes will keep the cells in the body healthy and clean.

#1 REDUCE INFLAMMATION IN THE BODY

When there is inflammation in the body the nodes are working harder to fight off pathogens and remove toxins. Inflammation from injury is often temporary but illness, disease, and infection (More about Infections – TheMRSA.com) can cause chronic infection.

#2 DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Massage can encourage the lymph to move through the body. This will allow the nodes to filter any pathogens out more quickly and feed the cells. Special training is necessary to do this type of message correctly and effectively.

#3 DEEP BREATHING

Doing vigorous exercise can do this or it can be done doing deep breathing exercises or yoga. Oxygen is important to cellular health.

#4 PHYSICAL MOVEMENT AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE

The muscles that are used during exercise will stimulate the lymphatic vessels to push the lymph through the nodes so that they can filter the pathogens. While the lymph washes over cells and cleans them it will also make sure the cells have the necessary nutrients.

#5 LAUGH AND LAUGH SOME MORE

A good laugh from deep in the belly will cause the lymph to be pushed through the vessels into the nodes where it can filter out any debris by causing pressure on the central lymphatic vessels. If you want to help make people laugh, check out “20 Ways to Make People Laugh!”

#6 HAVE HEALTHY BLOOD VESSELS

Blood vessels are located along side of the lymphatic vessels so when the blood vessels pump blood through the body it stimulates the lymphatic vessels. Moving lymph prevents fluid buildup.

#7 AVOID STRESS

Stress can cause the lymph to move sluggishly through the lymphatic system and the lymph nodes. The chemistry can cause lymph congestion.

#8 DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Since the lymph is a fluid that goes through the body, hydration is very important. Dehydration can cause the lymph to move slowly from node to node.

#9 EAT FOODS THAT ARE HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants will help keep the body free of pathogens and reduce the debris in the body that must be filtered through the lymph nodes. A good diet provides more nutrients for the body to use to maintain cell health.

#10 INCREASE CIRCULATION IN THE BODY

Brushing the limbs with a dry brush in the direction of heart before a shower can encourage circulation. This should be done for about 5 minutes.

To find out more about lymph nodes can be found at TheLymphNodes.com. When lymph doesn’t move through the body toxins can build up in the cells and aren’t nourished properly. Healthy cells contribute to a long and healthy life. When inflammation is present it can cause a large number of health issues that can shorten a person’s life span and quality of life, which makes it harder to make it to 100 years old.

Can Lymph Nodes Cause Pain On The Upper Spine Of Neck?

Common places to find enlarged lymph nodes are on the neck and in the groin. The ones along the back of the neck are the cervical lymph nodes and occipital lymph nodes. These nodes are along the spine in the back of the neck.

Swollen lymph nodes aren’t always painful but once they are discovered and no matter what the cause is, enlarged lymph glands can cause concern and create anxiety because of their association with cancer. Generally they are responding to an infection in the body and will go about their business without the need of interference or treatment.

When the cause is a serious infection like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) or other illness, it will need to be treated. When the lymph nodes on the neck are near the spine and they swell, it can cause pressure and pain along the spine. It is rare, but the cause may be from lymphoma, which will need to be treated before the pain and pressure from the lymph nodes will be relieved.

Causes of Pain in Upper Spine in Neck

Swollen lymph nodes can cause pain in the neck region but it is not the only cause. There are other ailments that may be the reason for pain in the upper spine. When lymph nodes swell it can be from an infection in the area or from lymphoma, which is cancer of the lymph nodes. Other causes include the following:

• Meningitis (spinal or aseptic)
• Disc that is degenerating
• Strained muscle
• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Cervical spondylosis
• Lyme disease
• Bone spurs
• Infection of throat or ears
• Whiplash
• Viral or bacterial infection

All cancers can cause lymph node involvement, which can include the nodes on the back of the neck near the spine. When they are normal size they will not cause pain but when they are distended, there can be discomfort on the spine. In addition to swelling that persists there may be other signs that lymph nodes need to be checked by a healthcare professional.

When to have Lymph Node Checked and Treated

The lymph nodes will naturally swell and return to their normal size as they perform their function of filtering debris and circulating lymph. When they have a job that is too big to handle like a serious illness, infection, or disease then treatment of the cause will be necessary before the nodes will return to normal size. When the following symptoms of lymph node occur it could be a sign of a serious health issue:

• Painful
• Hard, fixed
• Tender nodes
• Rapidly growing
• Rubbery
• Sudden appearance

Only a healthcare professional will be able to diagnose the cause of the above symptoms. There may be additional symptoms that may accompany lymph node symptoms like sudden weight loss, flu-like symptoms, fever, night sweats, difficulty breathing, and infection. If a physician doesn’t find that the cause is an infection, a virus, or other illness the diagnosis may be lymphoma. To find out more about the relationship between lymph nodes and cancer, go to thelymphnodes.com.

Lymphoma and Painful Nodes on the Neck

Though an uncommon cause of pain on the upper spine is from lymph nodes that are swollen from lymphoma, it is possible it may be the cause. Only a physician can diagnose cancer after a thorough exam and the results of testing are received. When this is the case, the affected lymph nodes will need to be removed and a biopsy (dissection) will be done. Removal of a lymph node is called a lymphadenectomy and it is often done as an outpatient procedure.

There are many causes of spinal pain in the neck and one of those causes can be from swollen lymph nodes. The cause of the nodes enlarging is often just a minor infection but it may be from a serious health issue. When concerned about lymph node symptoms a physician should be consulted.

How Do Allergies Affect the Lymph System?

In some cases, the body’s immune system, which comprises the lymphatic system, can overact to certain allergens such as pollen, certain medicines/chemicals, and even certain foods. When the body notices an allergen for the first time, it normally produces the necessary antibodies including IgE antibodies and B memory cells to fight it. However, when the same allergen appears again, the body is likely to respond by releasing excess antibodies to fight it, especially the IgE antibodies that attach themselves to mast cells and trigger the production and release of histamine, which eventually causes inflammation in certain parts of the body. It is probably important to note that for some people, the release of histamine and its subsequent inflammatory action can lead to anaphylactic shock, which is a life-threatening condition.

Tips

Allergies compromise the lymph system in the following ways:

• Limit the ability of the lymph system to collect and transport tissue fluids from various body tissues to the blood stream.
• Affect the supply of plasma proteins to the bloodstream.
• Affect the transportation of digested fats to the blood stream.
• Interfere with the manufacture of vital antibodies in the lymph system, and consequently affects the effectiveness of the entire immune system.
• Compromises the ability of the lymphatic system to put up an effective defense against infections and harmful micro-organisms in the body.

Advice

• It is important to establish which foods and substances you are allergic to and avoid them in order to avoid compromising your immune system. Some of the common symptoms of allergic reactions that you should look out for include wheezing, itchy eyes, running nose and itchiness in the eyes. However, symptoms of allergic reactions may vary depending on various factors including the particular allergen, the quantity of the allergen ingested or inhaled and how the immune system reacts to the allergen.

•  Although allergies are more common in children, adults too are susceptible to allergic reactions. Therefore, it is important to be aware of allergies that run in your family and take precautionary measures to avoid compromising the ability of your immune system to function effectively development of allergies.

Conclusion

Once you establish that you are allergic to certain substances, you should avoid such substances in order to protect your overall health. In case you have a history of life threatening reactions to allergens such as anaphylactic shock, ensure you see a doctor immediately if you ingest or inhale an allergen.

Citations

• http://medicalcenter.osu.edu/patientcare/healthcare_services/allergy_asthma/about_allergy/allergies_immune_system/Pages/index.aspx – Allergies and the Immune System
• http://www.thelymphnodes.com/lymph-node-system.php – 7 Harmful Organisms Filtered By The Lymphatic System
• http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/allergies/allergy-basics/allergies-and-immune-system.htm – LYMPHATIC SYSTEM AND IMMUNITY