What does it mean when lymph nodes under the armpit enlarge?
May 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Enlargement of axillary lymph nodes can be caused by infections, drug reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, and other factors. Specifically, the axillary lymph nodes are one of the important lymphatic organs in the human body, primarily serving an immune defense function. When there is skin damage in the axillary area leading to inflammatory infection, immune cells gather at the site, resulting in increased metabolic activity in the lymph nodes.
Under normal circumstances, the enlargement of axillary lymph nodes may be caused by infections, drug reactions, rheumatoid arthritis, and other factors. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Infection
The axillary lymph nodes are one of the important lymphatic organs in the human body, primarily responsible for immune defense. If there is a break in the skin under the arm leading to inflammatory infection, immune cells may accumulate at the site. This increased immune activity causes heightened metabolism in the lymph nodes, resulting in enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes. It is recommended that patients visit an infectious disease department at a hospital to determine the underlying cause. Under a doctor's guidance, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
2. Drug Reaction
Certain medications, such as antibiotics and anticancer drugs, may contain components that, upon metabolism, stimulate the body and trigger reactive lymph node hyperplasia, causing this symptom. Patients should discontinue any medication causing the reaction and, under medical supervision, adjust or switch to alternative treatments as appropriate.
3. Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is an autoimmune disorder whose exact cause remains unclear but may be associated with environmental factors. Prolonged exposure to cold and damp environments can lead to cold-induced irritation in joint areas, potentially causing local soft tissue edema and degeneration, inflammatory exudation, and ultimately rheumatoid arthritis. This condition may involve the lymphatic system, leading to the aforementioned symptoms. Patients are advised to take medications such as loxoprofen sodium tablets or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets under a doctor’s guidance.
In addition, conditions such as mastitis, leukemia, and lymphoma can also cause enlargement of the axillary lymph nodes. Patients should seek medical evaluation to identify the specific cause and receive appropriate treatment under professional guidance.
