How to treat lymph nodes in the neck of a child?

In the body of every person, both an adult and a child, there are many lymph nodes that let through themselves the lymph coming from various tissues and organs. In most cases, lymph nodes in small children are practically not felt, however, sometimes parents may notice that they have increased and become inflamed. Especially often this pathology can be found on a tiny neck. In this article, we will tell you how to treat enlarged lymph nodes in the neck of a child, and what causes can cause this pathology.

Causes of inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck

When the pathogens, for example, bacteria or viruses enter the children's organism, the cells of the immune system actively try to neutralize them. Similar processes are observed in the lymph nodes, as a result of which they can swell and increase. If a larger number of bacteria have accumulated in that lymph node, which is located closer to the inflammation focus, then the increase can occur only from one side.

Thus, there are several reasons why the lymph nodes in the child's neck can be enlarged or inflamed, for example:

• influenza, acute respiratory infections and other colds;
• abrasions, scratches, animal bites;
• mononucleosis;
• various diseases of the respiratory system;
• allergic reactions;
• malignant neoplasms.

Diagnosis of the causes of inflammation

Treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck in a child without medical supervision is unacceptable. To lymph nodes could return to their normal size, it is necessary, in the first place, to determine the cause of inflammation in the child's body. To do this, you need to see a doctor so that a qualified doctor prescribes a full examination and appropriate treatment.

However, if the lymph nodes in the kid's neck do not exceed 2 centimeters, you can simply observe them for a certain period of time. If the organs of the lymphatic system continue to increase, the doctor should be contacted immediately.

To identify the cause that caused this pathology, it is necessary to undergo the following diagnostics:

• general urine analysis;
• determination of the presence of parasites in the body;
• a clinical blood test with determination of the leukocyte formula and ESR;
• blood chemistry;
• tuberculin test Mantoux;
• serological blood test for the detection of cytomegalovirus, herpes virus and Epstein-Barr virus;
• blood test for syphilis and HIV;
• ultrasound examination of lymph nodes on the neck;
• Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity;
• chest X-ray.

If all of the above methods of diagnosis did not help to establish the exact cause of inflammation of the lymph nodes, it is necessary to conduct their biopsy or puncture.

Treatment of enlarged or inflamed lymph nodes in the neck in children

On the basis of why lymph nodes in the child's neck are inflamed, the doctor can prescribe the following treatment:

1. When influenza or ARI is prescribed antibiotic therapy, immunomodulators, antiviral drugs. People's remedies for fighting colds can also be used.
2. In case of manifestation of an allergic reaction, antihistamines. Then, as soon as possible, identify the allergen and, if possible, exclude the child's contact with it. You can try to identify the allergen yourself or go to the laboratory for provocative tests.
3. If abrasions or scratches are present on the baby's body, treatment with antiseptic solutions is performed.
4. In the case of malignant neoplasms in the body of the child, a further examination is performed, chemo- or radiotherapy or surgical intervention is prescribed.