What are lymph nodes and what do they mean?
Sep 24, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Lymph node swelling may be caused by immune responses, reactions after vaccination, tuberculous lymphadenitis, rheumatic fever, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, it is important to maintain good living habits, strengthen immunity, avoid infections, minimize exposure to harmful substances, perform regular self-examinations, and pay attention to changes in lymph nodes.
Lymph node enlargement is generally caused by factors such as immune responses, post-vaccination reactions, tuberculous lymphadenitis, rheumatic fever, or systemic lupus erythematosus. If any discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Immune Response
When the body encounters an infection, lymph nodes—being part of the immune system—become activated and proliferate to combat pathogens. This rapid cell multiplication can lead to enlarged lymph nodes. Under medical supervision, medications such as lentinan tablets, zymosan polypeptide injection, or mannatide capsules may be used for treatment.
2. Post-Vaccination Reaction
After receiving certain vaccines, such as the DTP (diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis) or measles vaccine, lymph nodes may temporarily swell. Usually no special treatment is required; observe for several days. If swelling persists or other symptoms develop, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether further treatment is needed.
3. Tuberculous Lymphadenitis
Tuberculous lymphadenitis is a lymph node infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which may trigger chronic inflammation leading to lymph node enlargement. The affected nodes are typically firm and may be accompanied by symptoms such as low-grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Under medical guidance, patients may be treated with medications such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, and ethambutol hydrochloride tablets.
4. Rheumatic Fever
Rheumatic fever is an autoimmune disease primarily triggered by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection, and may be influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Following streptococcal infection, the immune response targets not only the bacteria but may also affect lymph nodes, causing swelling. Symptoms often include fever, carditis, and arthritis. Patients should follow medical advice and may use medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, dexamethasone tablets, or indomethacin capsules.
5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may result from genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors such as estrogen levels, leading to immune system dysfunction that attacks the body's own tissues and organs. This may cause generalized lymph node enlargement, along with symptoms like rashes, joint pain, and fatigue. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, or cyclophosphamide tablets may be prescribed for treatment.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, boosting immunity, preventing infections, minimizing exposure to harmful substances, performing regular self-examinations, and monitoring changes in lymph nodes are recommended in daily life.
