What should I do if there is a lymph node in the jaw area?
It is relatively common to have some lymph nodes present in the jaw area. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may generally include conservative management, medication, or surgical intervention.
1. Conservative Management
If lymph node enlargement is due to factors such as frequent熬夜 (staying up late), lack of adequate rest, or decreased immunity, symptoms can often be relieved by adjusting lifestyle habits and improving diet.
2. Medication
Inflammatory lymph node swelling is usually caused by oral ulcers, gingivitis, submandibular parotitis, or pharyngitis, leading to localized lymphadenopathy. In such cases, oral antibiotics prescribed by a doctor are typically sufficient. Commonly used antibiotics include cephalosporins, metronidazole, and amoxicillin capsules. For severe pain, analgesics such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or celecoxib capsules may also be taken. If the lymph node enlargement is due to tuberculosis, anti-tuberculosis drugs such as rifampicin and isoniazid should be used specifically.
3. Surgical Treatment
If submandibular lymph nodes develop abscesses from infection, surgical incision and drainage may be required. Some cases of lymphadenopathy may be associated with malignant tumors, and in such instances, prompt surgical excision or lymph node dissection should be performed at a正规 (qualified) medical facility.
In addition, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy may also be considered for jaw-area lymph node involvement.