The large number of lymph nodes in the human body aid the immune system. Swollen glands refer to a condition wherein these nodes experience an inflammation. This article provides some information on the types of glands, and the causes and treatment methods.
The human body has a multitude of glands in its constitution which help the body to survive and perform a variety of functions. However, sometimes one may experience a state of swollen glands, and there are many different causes and remedies for such a condition. The different forms of treatment would depend heavily on the primary cause of the inflammation, the location of the gland itself, and also the intensity, and the severity of the disorder.
The most important task of the various glands in the body is to fight off various germs and infections, and when the body is unable to deal with the infection, these glands swell up. This clearly indicates the presence of some sort of condition, and this would need to be treated in the right manner. The various lymph nodes are connected through lymphatic vessels in the body, and their importance cannot be undermined.
Types of Glands
Lymph nodes, or the glands, are distributed throughout the body and they help the immune system fight germs and protect the individual. These lymph nodes are located in the neck (cervical lymph nodes), behind the ears, in the groin area (inguinal lymph nodes), in the armpits (axillary lymph nodes), on the back of the head, and under the jaw and the chin of an individual.
One may have observed that for the condition of common cold, a doctor would feel the lymph nodes on the neck and behind the ear. This helps him determine the nature of the disease, since this medical condition is a common symptom of many different diseases and afflictions.
Causes
There are a few possible causes for this medical condition in the neck and under the jaw, that one must be on the lookout for. The most notable cause is some sort of infection, but it could also appear as a direct result of cancer, tumor, or an abscess. Here are some common causes of swollen lymph nodes.
- Common cold or flu
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Tuberculosis
- Alcoholism
- Tonsillitis
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Gingivitis
- Mouth sores
- Abscessed tooth
- Autoimmune disorders like HIV and rheumatoid arthritis
Any of these problems could be causing the swelling and inflammation, and it would be necessary to visit a doctor so that he could determine the root of the problem and prescribe the necessary medications and treatments for pain and swelling in the lymph node.
Treatment
Most people are aware that the inflammation would subside on its own in a few days, but it is always better to get the condition looked at, since it could be something serious as well. If the tenderness and the swelling are not going away, or are increasing, one needs to start taking some curative action as soon as possible. Sometimes, the condition of sore throat and swollen glands are also accompanied by high body temperatures and excessive sweating.
The concerned doctor, at the time of visit, would question about the condition itself, and about one’s general lifestyle. This would help him determine the exact nature of the inflammation and what to do about it. There are plenty of home remedies that can be made use of as well, but the treatment depends on the nature of the condition, and its severity.
With the help of this information, one could learn to recognize swelling in glands when it appears. The possible causes imply that this is a condition that one must not ignore or take lightly, and getting help from a professional is the best course of action to take.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
