Lymph node on the nape: what's going on?

It's no secret that children are often sick. However, even an absolutely healthy baby can from time to time experience completely unexplained symptoms. This can include a lymph node on the back of the head. Parents in this case it is important to bear in mind that this is not an independent disease, but only one of its signs. In order to find out,
What kind of disease has arisen (or just about to arise) in a child, you will have to see a doctor.

Lymphadenitis

By the way, do you know that for enlarged lymph nodes there is a special term - lymphadenitis. In this case, large lymph nodes may be large, and a whole group may be different. As a rule, the increase is due to the ingestion of a microbe or virus. This is a kind of "protective reaction" of the body, since the lymph node on the occiput is a kind of a thin filter that passes the lymph, but retains foreign particles. These particles come into contact with lymphocytes; Thus, an immune response is formed. Consequently, this does not always indicate the presence of the disease - perhaps, the pathogenic object was safely disarmed.

How does this happen

Lymphonoduses on the nape of the head? This indicates, first of all, that the viruses penetrated into the skin or mucous membrane "swam" to the lymph nodes by capillaries. Then begins the process of fighting the pathogen. If this microbe is already known to the body, it will be quickly rendered harmless. With an unfamiliar pathogen, general mechanisms are included. In the lymph node, thus, a large number of cells accumulate, and the more actively the process passes, the larger it becomes. At the touch, he can react with a sharp pain. If the lymph node at the nape is constantly enlarged, this may indicate that the infection was delayed for a long time, and the inflammation became chronic.

Infection

How to understand that lymphadenitis is a symptom of an acute illness? In this case, it is necessary to closely monitor all signs of the disease. If the lymph nodes on the nape of the child swollen and are very sore, the temperature of the baby is increased, he coughs, refuses to eat, you should not try to self-medicate. It is strictly forbidden to apply compresses on the affected area. Doctors advise to give the patient an antipyretic and go to the hospital.

Diseases of the blood

An enlarged lymph node at the nape of the neck may be one of the signs of a blood disease or even an oncological process, as well as toxoplasmosis. The lymphatic system tries to prevent the spread of the malignant process through the body. That is why when removing the tumor specialists point out the advisability of removing all nearby lymph nodes. This procedure significantly reduces the risk of recurrence of the tumor. The same applies to irradiation - it should not only be subjected to a new growth, but also regional lymph nodes.

Mononucleosis

Often an inflamed lymph node on the back of the head indicates the presence of mononucleosis in the child. Thus lymphonoduses can reach one centimeter in diameter and differ a soft consistence. When they recover, they quickly return to normal.