What is a huge and confusing system of lymph nodes? How to understand and conduct a quick diagnosis?
First you need to find out what is the main function of the lymph nodes.
The role of lymph nodes in the body
Lymph nodes are analogous to the circulatory system, only instead of blood lymph flows in them. The nodes themselves are bean-shaped (sometimes tape-like), arranged in groups (ten each) near the large veins and blood vessels.
Lymph nodes perform protective functions and are part of the lymphatic system of our body, are involved in the synthesis of immune cells (lymphocytes), normalize the digestive system and metabolism, are responsible for the transport of nutrients and lymph, and also regulates the volume of intercellular substance.
Now it became clear that the work of the lymph nodes is indispensable and important for the full functioning of the whole organism.
The lymphatic system passes through all organs, so it is important to monitor its condition.
Violation of the lymph nodes is the first signal that something is wrong in the body, and their vigorous activity indicates that the body is actively fighting infections (active synthesis of lymphocytes begins at this time).
The structure of the lymph nodes
Lymph nodes consist of three main zones (cortical, paracortical, medulla). The cortical zone is responsible for the synthesis of immune cells (lymphocytes, macrophages, monocytes), consists of many lymph nodules.
In the lymphatic nodules, not only the synthesis of immune cells occurs, but also the prevention of the entry of foreign proteins. The paracortical zone creates a barrier for the penetration of microbes into the lymph nodes.
The brain zone of the lymph node is considered a central element of the immune system. Responsible not only for the synthesis of immune cells, but also for the process of blood formation in the bone marrow. It occupies a central position in the lymph node.
Where are
Lymph nodes are located throughout the body and are responsible for the activities of the organs around which they are located. In the human body there are from 500 to 1000 groups of lymph nodes.
It is possible to distinguish the main types of lymph nodes:
On the neck and behind the ear
Prevent the occurrence of diseases of the head and neck organs: protect against infections and head tumors.
Armpit
Axillary LU protects the chest organs and mammary glands.
In the groin
Responsible for the protection of organs in the pelvic region.
In men
Among women
Causes of pain in the lymph nodes are different, the most common of them are viral infections, occurring with inflammatory processes, and sometimes with cancer, giving metastasis.
Features of diagnosis, photo inflammation
The increase in lymph nodes in size and pain warn about the onset of the disease. A person can independently determine the state of the nodes by palpation (feeling with the tips of the fingers of different parts of the body) and examination. When self-diagnosis should pay attention to the size of the nodes, the presence of pain, the number of inflamed nodes and their density.
This phenomenon is due to the fact that the lymph is advanced by muscle contraction, therefore, with a long inaction, this process slows down, which leads to swelling and does not bear any terrible consequences.
There is a common disease of the lymph nodes - lymphadenitis. It is characterized by a significant increase in nodes, reddening of the skin and swelling, chills, high fever and signs of poisoning.
Infection occurs through the entry of harmful microbes through the wound next to the pathways of the lymph nodes. With the complication of this disease there is phlegmon (diffuse purulent inflammation) - the capsule of the node is broken, pus flows out.
Also, an increase in nodes in the thoracic region, on and near the neck, under the jaw and in the upper part of the back can manifest tuberculosis.
In no case can not self-medicate, only a doctor can correctly assess your condition and give further instructions, otherwise you risk making life-threatening diseases.
With complications associated with neglected treatments, purulent congestion may occur in the nodes, and antibiotics are likely to be needed.
If the lymph node has reached a large size, it can squeeze closely located organs. In this case, surgery is required.
During a medical examination, attention is paid to the consistency of the lymph nodes (dense, soft), mobility and pain, the presence of edema. Palpation is performed with the tips of two bent fingers lightly and carefully, with little effort and sharpness, with smooth, rolling movements.
You should also perform this procedure in a certain order. First, it is easy to palpate the lymph nodes of the neck at the back of the head, then behind the ear.
In the end, we touch the parotid nodes (in the region of the parotid salivary glands). We palpate the nodes under the jaw, which increase due to inflammatory processes.
Making palpation of the axillary lymph nodes, hands are retracted to the sides, you need to feel as deep as possible, entering the armpit, then the hand returns to its original position.
The groin area is probed in the area of the inguinal triangle.
Why is it important to monitor the lymph nodes
It is extremely important to monitor this system, it is necessary to perform a biopsy of the lymph nodes. An enlarged lymph node for a long time indicates the presence of diseases that are dangerous to a person’s life, such as: tuberculosis, cancer, various infections, even HIV.
But how to maintain their health? The answer is very simple! To reduce the risk of the above diseases, you should adhere to proper nutrition, give up bad habits, play sports and lead an active lifestyle.
Also visit the doctor regularly, and if symptoms of inflammation occur, seek medical attention immediately. By following these rules, you will always be healthy and happy!
Some interesting facts about lymph nodes
- According to scientists, about 83% of toxins in the human body are in the lymph nodes (more precisely in the lymph), and their total mass reaches several kilograms.
- The muscle that moves the lymph is the diaphragm.
- With a sedentary lifestyle, lymph stagnation occurs.
- If the entire surface of the body is sweating, this indicates lymph contamination. Therefore, it is not recommended to use deodorant often, because it is through sweat that most of the toxins are released, and when you block this process, lymph contamination occurs. A healthy person must sweat. Do not use deodorants if you have skin problems.
- Do not store food for a long time in the refrigerator. Such food (also in a heated form) has a large amount of toxins, which, after consuming, consume the intercellular substance with ballasts.
- Phlegm is the most powerful excreta of all accumulated toxins. With the help of saliva, up to half a liter of toxins is secreted. Also with the help of mucus, a large number of dead bacteria are destroyed. If a child has excessive salivation, this indicates some problems in the lymphatic system.
- If there is inflammation of the joints, then the problem must be sought not in the kidneys, but in the lymphatic system. When swelling of the legs (as well as other parts of the body), the lymph is delayed due to clogged lymph nodes. From this it follows that one should lead an active lifestyle, move more, organize walks (at least 3-4 km per day), do exercises in the morning.
Conclusion
Lymph nodes are an integral part of our body. They protect against all sorts of threats that arise daily, warn about the presence of diseases in the body, so it is important to monitor the health of the lymph nodes and in no case do not self-medicate. On your own, you only need to identify the first symptoms.
An increase in size indicates a pathology in the body and an active control of the lymphatic system. Adhere to a healthy lifestyle, time to heal and do not start the disease. Observe personal hygiene. Treat even the smallest and most minor wounds, otherwise the infection may penetrate the lymph nodes, then the process of infection will begin.
Take care of your health and give it time!
