Can allergic rhinitis cause lymph node enlargement?
Mar 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chunqing
Introduction
Allergic rhinitis can cause lymphadenopathy. Since lymphadenopathy has numerous potential causes, these include:
First, acute infections—such as bacterial, viral, or rickettsial infections—seen in conditions like acute cellulitis, upper respiratory tract infections, and infectious mononucleosis.
Second, chronic infections—including those caused by bacteria, fungi, helminths, chlamydia, spirochetes, filarial lymphangitis and lymphadenitis, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS.
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction triggered by allergens; identifying the specific allergen enables avoidance and thus prevents recurrent allergic episodes. Additionally, under a physician’s guidance, medications with potent anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, and anti-edematous effects may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. But can allergic rhinitis cause lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes)? The following section addresses this question.
Can allergic rhinitis cause lymphadenopathy?
Yes, allergic rhinitis can lead to lymphadenopathy. Lymph node enlargement has numerous potential causes:
First, acute infection: bacterial, viral, or rickettsial infections—for example, acute cellulitis or upper respiratory tract infections such as infectious mononucleosis.
Second, chronic infection: caused by bacteria, fungi, helminths, chlamydia, spirochetes, filarial lymphogranuloma, syphilis, HIV/AIDS, etc.
Third, leukemia: including acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic B-cell leukemia, and plasma cell leukemia.
Fourth, reactive hyperplasia: such as necrotizing hyperplastic lymphadenopathy, serum sickness, and serum-sickness-like reactions.
If lymphadenopathy occurs in a patient with allergic rhinitis, the following diagnostic tests may be performed:
1. Complete blood count (CBC): Total peripheral white blood cell (WBC) count and differential provide valuable clues for determining the underlying cause of lymphadenopathy. Elevated total WBC count and neutrophilia commonly suggest bacterial infection, whereas normal or reduced total WBC count with relative or absolute lymphocytosis often points to viral infection.
2. Serologic testing: e.g., antinuclear antibody (ANA) panel.
We hope the above information is helpful to you.
