Young children are constantly exposed to infection due to their weak immune system, and one of the diseases that can affect them is swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are part of the immune system that act as small filters. They fight viruses and bacteria through white blood cells. They also produce substances that help kill infection-causing microbes. But is the swelling of the lymph nodes in children dangerous? In this article, we are going to discuss the causes, symptoms and ways to treat swollen lymph nodes in children, so stay with us until the end of the article. How is lymph node swelling in children? Just as the body has a pathway for blood circulation, it also has a pathway for lymph circulation in the body so that immune cells can pass through the lymph pathway. This substance is a milky substance that has its own small vessels. Sometimes these vessels become enlarged like other vessels in the body, which is called lymphoderm. These glands are small in size and cannot be touched under the skin normally, unless there is a factor that has caused these glands to become too large. Is enlarged lymph nodes dangerous in children? These glands are generally a type of reaction to external factors or a reaction against autoimmune diseases. Also, the size of the lymph nodes can be a reaction against diseases such as cancer. But the size of the lymph nodes is not always a dangerous factor, especially in children, which affects only the neck and respiratory tracts. If the lymph nodes are accompanied by pain, it means that the disease is not serious. Usually, if the swelling of the lymph nodes is painless, the possibility of malignancy increases significantly. Causes of swollen lymph nodes in children
Swollen lymph nodes often occur when the child's body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection with a sore throat or fever. The main cause of enlarged lymph nodes is usually the cause of swelling, which are:
### ↲ Virus infections
Sometimes viral factors cause lymph nodes to enlarge. In this situation, no special treatment is needed, and parents should increase the consumption of liquids in their children's diet so that this virus can be removed from the body in a short period of time. ### ↲ Bacterial infection
Sometimes microbial infections are the reason for enlarged lymph nodes. For example, a sore throat in children that is purulent, but this sore throat is not accompanied by cold symptoms. In this situation, the child usually has a fever, and after a pediatrician's examination, it is determined that the lymph nodes are enlarged. In a situation where bacterial and microbial infection is diagnosed, it is necessary to prescribe penicillin to shrink the lymph nodes. ### ↲ Skin lymph node infection
Some young children with eczema always have swollen lymph nodes. This is because germs enter the body more easily through their inflamed skin, and the lymph nodes help get rid of them. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes in children include the following:
- Parasitic infections
Kawasaki disease
- Chronic bacterial infections such as Hesba and Malt fever
- Abrasion or wounds
- Burn
- Skin infections
- Skin rash
- Insect bites
Epstein-Barr virus
- Lupus in children
Cancer is a rare cause of swollen lymph nodes in children. Signs and symptoms of swollen lymph nodes in children
Lymph nodes may be swollen all over your child's body or just in the area near the infection or inflammation. For example, if your child has tonsillitis, you may notice swollen and tender lumps in the neck. Or if they have a skin infection on their finger, there may be swollen, tender lumps under the arm. Sometimes the lymph nodes can swell up to several centimeters and remain swollen for weeks after the infection or inflammation has cleared. Types of lymph nodes in children
As said; Lymph nodes in children are part of the immune system and play an important role in diagnosing and fighting infections. These glands are located in groups throughout the body and are found in different areas such as behind the ears, neck, abdomen, intestines, and armpits. Ali Faraji, we will discuss it:
### 1- Lymph nodes behind the ear in children
Lymph nodes behind the ear are usually located in the area behind the ear and inside the auricle of the auricle. Swelling of these glands in children may be caused by local infections such as ear infections, tonsillitis or other infections. Also, in some cases, there is a need for further examination and accurate diagnosis by a doctor to determine the cause of swelling. ### 2- Swelling of neck lymph nodes in children
Neck lymph nodes are located in the neck area and the swelling of these nodes in children may be caused by various infections such as pharyngitis, tooth infection, respiratory infection, ear infection, etc. Swelling of neck lymph nodes in children may be accompanied by symptoms such as fever, pain, swelling and redness in the area under investigation. ### 3- Abdominal lymph nodes in children
Abdominal lymph nodes are located in and around the abdomen. Swelling of these glands in children may be caused by local infections such as stomach and intestinal inflammation, appendicitis, urinary tract infection, etc. In case of swelling, it is necessary to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. ### 4- Intestinal lymph nodes in children
Intestinal lymph nodes are located around the intestines and in the abdomen. Swelling of these glands may be caused by local infections such as intestinal infection, sterile intestinal inflammation, urinary tract infection, etc., and requires a specialist examination by a doctor. ### 5- Children's armpit lymph nodes
Axillary lymph nodes are located in the armpit and inside the arm. Swelling of these glands in children may be caused by local infections such as skin infections, hand infections, abscesses, urinary tract infections, and at older ages such as unprofessional shaving, laser and waxing, and requires specialized treatment by a specialist doctor. ### 6- Lymph nodes under the jaw and throat of children
Swelling of lymph nodes under the jaw and throat in children is usually a sign of infection in nearby areas such as pharyngitis, tooth infection, ear infection, respiratory infection, etc. In addition, in some cases, there is a need for careful examination by a doctor to determine the cause of swelling and, if necessary, to prescribe appropriate treatment. Initial examination to diagnose lymph node swelling in children
The importance of examining the lymph nodes is for two reasons:
1. Where is the enlargement of these glands? 2. Are the glands getting bigger or not? But in general, the region and the growth of the glands are two key points of examining the lymph nodes in children. For example, lymph nodes in the neck area are completely normal, but if a lymph node becomes larger than 1.5 cm and lasts more than two weeks, this case needs further investigations. Sometimes enlarged lymph nodes are a sign of a malignant type of cancer or lymphoma. On the other hand, the reason for examining the lymph nodes is sometimes local cancers that appear in the form of lymph nodes in the early stages. What is the normal size of lymph nodes in children? Children's lymph nodes are usually larger than adults', so they are easier to feel. Sometimes you can feel them on the sides of the neck, under the armpits, and in front of the groin, even when your baby isn't showing any symptoms. If your baby is thin, you may even be able to see it. However, to investigate the causes of enlarged lymph nodes, a blood test is performed at the initial stage. Also, ultrasound of the lymph nodes is very helpful. With the help of ultrasound, we can determine whether this enlargement of the glands is a reaction or a more serious problem is the reason for this enlargement. Symptoms of lymph node cancer in children
The symptoms of lymph node cancer are different for each child and will depend on the type and stage of the cancer and his physical condition. But in some cases, the following symptoms may indicate the presence of lymph node cancer in children:
### ↲ Unreasonable inflation
The appearance of a mass in the area of the lymph nodes is usually visible as swelling for no reason and without infection. This swelling may be soft and transferable. However, accurate diagnosis requires evaluation by a pediatrician, so if you see any suspicious symptoms, it is recommended to take children to the doctor as soon as possible. ### ↲ Continuous swelling of lymph nodes
Swelling of the lymph nodes that continues for more than a few weeks continuously without changing the size and intensity. ### ↲ Swelling of children's lymph nodes in several areas
Swelling of lymph nodes in several different areas of the body, especially in areas greater than an hour. ### ↲ Physical symptoms
Children with lymph node cancer may experience symptoms such as unexplained fever, unexplained weight loss, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, and night sweats. ### ↲ Other physical symptoms
Depending on the area and stage of the cancer, other symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing, pain in the affected area, abnormal bleeding and skin changes may occur. Treatment of swollen lymph nodes in children
The treatment of lymph nodes in children depends on their main cause, so the treatment is as follows:
1. Allow the swollen lymph nodes to shrink and return to normal size on their own within 2-4 weeks. This option is done when the enlargement is due to a viral infection. 2. Taking antibiotics is suitable for treating swelling caused by bacterial infection. 3. You should avoid applying pressure to the swollen lymph nodes as it may make them swell more. 4. To treat pain and fever associated with swollen lymph nodes, take pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as prescribed by your doctor. Sometimes a pediatrician diagnoses the removal of lymph nodes with the help of surgery for treatment. After the surgery, the gland is examined by a pathologist to determine whether the gland needs treatment or not. As long as the treatment is done in its early stages, the occurrence of other diseases can be prevented. If treatment is done in the early stages with the help of surgery and removing them, there is a 99% chance of successful treatment, but sometimes these lymph nodes progress and the treatment is delayed. ### When should we see a doctor for swollen lymph nodes in children? Although swollen lymph nodes are not always dangerous, it is recommended to see a doctor in the following cases:
Swelling is present for several days without any symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose or other mild infections. - Their neck lymph nodes are swollen and they have difficulty swallowing or breathing. - The child suffers from high fever and sore throat. - The child feels pain or tenderness around the swollen lymph nodes. - A change in the color of the skin over the swollen lymph nodes, for example, the skin is red, brown, purple or gray. - Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever, skin rash, skin discoloration in the hands and feet, and redness of the lips and tongue, these may be signs of Kawasaki disease. - Swelling of lymph nodes associated with weight loss, night sweats or bruising. - Lymph nodes continue to grow and do not shrink to their normal size within a few weeks. ### **Finally..**
Swelling of lymph nodes in children is more common than in adults due to the weakness of the immune system. Therefore, strengthening the child's immune system can prevent the occurrence of this disease to a large extent. Most lymph node swellings are due to bacterial and viral infections, and in rare cases, lymph node enlargement can be caused by lymphoma and cancer. Although swelling is not always a concern, it is recommended to visit the best pediatrician to diagnose the cause and treat it in time.
