Lymph node on the neck

In addition to the system of arteries and veins, in the human body there is also a network of lymphatic vessels. They permeate every organ and every cell of the body. Certainly, the study of the properties and functions of the lymphatic system has not yet been carried out thoroughly, but it is already clear today that its main task is to protect the organism from the effects of foreign aggressors, such as viruses, bacteria, tumor cells and the like.

Circulating through the lymphatic vessels, lymph ishes all organs and tissues and thereby removes excess fluid, toxins and foreign substances. All of them get into the lymph nodes, which are some kind of checkpoints, which are located in extremely important parts of the body. So, a lymph node on the neck, as well as in the groin, in the axillary cavity, in the thoracic and abdominal cavity, knee and elbow folds is very important.

The lymph node is inherently a kind of filter that delays everything that can bring certain harm to the body. It constantly produces cells (lymphocytes), which attack and destroy foreign substances. And such a struggle goes on forever, just a person does not see and does not notice it.

But in case of a massive attack of bacteria or viruses, for example, with angina or influenza, the lymph node on the neck is forced to work literally at the limit of its capabilities to exclude the spread of the disease. This leads to the production of more lymphocytes. And as a result - an increase in the node in size. In addition, it becomes firm and painful to the touch.

That is why the compaction and enlargement of the lymph nodes should be alerted, since this can serve as a signal for creeping diseases, beginning with relatively innocent and ending with formidable diseases. In their usual condition, the lymph nodes are somewhat soft and smooth.

A lymph node on the neck can become inflamed with diseases of the oral cavity (teeth, tongue, gums), nasopharynx, thyroid gland or ear infection. Because of its compaction, the lymph nodes cause pain in the neck. And their growth in size indicates the presence of any infection in the body.

Most often, the lymph nodes increase directly on the back of the neck. To its usual size, the lymph node on the neck, as a rule, should return within two to three weeks after the illness. But if this did not happen, be sure to contact an experienced specialist.

For a long time, it was believed that appendix and tonsils are some sort of atavism that does not benefit the body. That is why 20-30 years ago they were recommended to be removed for preventive purposes for children to avoid appendicitis and tonsillitis.

But recent studies have shown that the appendix, like tonsils, consists of lymphoid tissue, which is simply necessary for the body to function properly for its immune system. And their removal without extreme need only weakens the defense of the body.

It should be noted that the adult's lymphoid system is different from the adult's. Therefore, the increase in lymph nodes in the neck in children is much more common. And in norm they come a little longer. But this does not mean that children's lymph nodes can be left without attention.

Mainly, in the neck, lymph nodes in children increase with colds or infectious diseases of the respiratory tract. Also, this kind of swelling can occur with a tooth disease, a viral or bacterial infection of the sinuses of the nose or ear.

In addition, the increase in lymph nodes in the neck in a child can be caused by an infection that has been brought into the wound (for example, through a scratch obtained from a cat). In any case, any change must be carefully monitored. After all, when the lymph nodes on the neck are normal, they are elastic and mobile. And with increasing - dense and painful. Keep an eye on the appearance and size of the lymph nodes, because they are on the protection of health!