Inflamed lymph nodes under the armpits causes in adults. What are the lymph nodes under the armpits

The lymph node under the arm can become inflamed and hurt for various reasons. This group of lymph nodes is superficial, so any pathology in this area has specific symptoms that are easy to detect. To begin with, you need to figure out where exactly these lymph nodes are located, how violations of their work manifest themselves, and what reasons can provoke inflammation.

Unpleasant sensations in the armpits, radiating to the arm and chest area, are often the first sign of inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the armpit

The axillary lymph nodes are a group of superficial lymph nodes that are found in the armpit and along the pectoral muscle. They are located in the subcutaneous fat, are large in size and react sharply to pathological processes occurring throughout the body.

Violation of the axillary lymph nodes is an alarm signal indicating a malfunction in the immune system. In addition, an increase in lymph nodes in the armpit and axillary region is one of the typical manifestations of breast cancer, so violations of these organs of the lymphatic system cannot be ignored.

The lymph node under the arm can enlarge and become inflamed in response to various infectious diseases. Due to the superficial location and large size of the lymph nodes in the armpit, it is not difficult to suspect the onset of the pathological process, since a specific symptom of disorders from these organs is their increase. The main thing is to find where the axillary lymph nodes are located. The development of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm is easy to diagnose at an early stage by the characteristic swelling of the node and the appearance of pain.

Location and functions

Lymph nodes in the armpits are located in the fatty tissue of the armpit. They are located in the center of the fossa, on the inner and outer side of the armpit, and also near the pectoral muscle. This group often includes subscapular lymph nodes located in a chain from the outer edge of the axillary fossa to the area under the scapula. An anatomical diagram will help to understand the location of the lymph nodes under the arm in more detail.

The lymph node is the most important organ of the human lymphatic system. It is a small formation in the subcutaneous fat layer, predominantly bean-shaped or rounded. The structure of the nodes is homogeneous and quite dense. Axillary lymph nodes are located in clusters. They are superficial and therefore easily palpable.

Their main function is to cleanse the lymph of toxins and infections, as well as to saturate it with immune cells (lymphocytes) for their further transfer to the blood. In fact, these formations act as a filter for the whole organism. The intercellular fluid enters the nodes through the lymphatic vessels, undergoes processing, and then is used to transport immune cells and other important substances into the circulatory system.

Axillary lymph nodes react sharply to the pathology of the mediastinal organs and mammary glands, so their enlargement or inflammation is an alarming symptom that requires a comprehensive examination.

The condition of the armpit lymph nodes is a kind of marker of the health of the whole organism. Due to the peculiarities of their location, they are the first to react to serious malfunctions in the body. Enlarged lymph nodes are an important diagnostic sign of systemic infectious diseases, autoimmune processes and oncology.

Sizes for children and adults

In children under the age of three, the axillary lymph nodes may be permanently slightly enlarged and should not be a concern.

The number of lymph nodes and their size are a physiological feature of each person. So, in the body there can be from 300 to 800 lymph nodes. It is difficult to say how many lymph nodes a person has under his arm. On average, each person has from 5 to 20 axillary lymph nodes. If we take into account the axillary lymph nodes located along the vessels of the mammary glands, this number can be up to 40 lymph nodes on the right and left. To understand in more detail where the lymph nodes are under the arm, an anatomical diagram will help.

The normal size of the axillary lymph nodes is a purely individual value. The normal size of the lymph nodes in the armpits is a diameter of 3 to 10 mm. At the same time, in some people, the dimensions can be very small (1-3 mm), while in others, the lymph nodes can reach 1-2 cm in diameter. The number and size of axillary lymph nodes also depend on the characteristics of the body. Axillary lymph nodes run along the vessels of the mammary gland, near the inner corner of the armpit. On average, their dimensions are 1-3 mm.

It should be noted that the lymph nodes in the armpits are located superficially, but the nodes near the mammary glands are deep located, therefore they are not palpated.

In children, the axillary lymph nodes may be permanently slightly enlarged. This is observed at the age of up to three years, and is associated with the peculiarities of the work of the children's immune system. At this age, axillary lymph nodes are easily palpated, and their size can reach 10 mm in diameter. With strong immunity in a child, the lymph nodes in the armpits are about 3-5 mm in size. In children, the size of the axillary lymph nodes is normally no more than 3 mm.

For self-diagnosis, you should know how to feel the lymph nodes under the arm. To do this, you need to raise your hand and place the other hand in the armpit so that your fingers touch its center. Then you should gently feel the entire hole with your fingers, moving from the center to the chest and to the back. Feeling the lymph nodes in the armpit is quite easy, due to the superficial location of the lymph nodes in the armpit.

When to see a doctor?

For a number of reasons, axillary lymph nodes can increase in size and become inflamed. Such violations occur due to various diseases, accompanied by a decrease in immunity. If in some cases a slight increase in the node is not dangerous and is a natural reaction of the body to the disease, then with inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since such a violation indicates infection of the organ of the lymphatic system.

Warning symptoms to look out for:

a noticeable increase in the lymph node;
pain on palpation;
increase in body temperature;
general malaise and weakness.

Many people do not know which doctor treats lymph nodes and which doctor to contact for inflammation or enlargement of the lymph node under the arm. First of all, you should consult with a therapist. With a sharp soreness of the lymph nodes in women, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a mammologist.

Disorders in the work of the lymph nodes

Infections, entering the body, affect the lymph node in the armpits, causing it to become inflamed.

If the lymph node under the arm becomes inflamed, the cause should be sought in infectious diseases. An increase in the size of the lymph node is associated with a weakening of the immune defense and may indicate both inflammatory processes in the organs of the chest and mammary glands, and oncology.

In general, an enlarged lymph node occurs due to the fact that the lymphatic system, for some reason, ceases to cope with its function. First of all, this is due to the work of the immune system. Under normal conditions, the lymph nodes constantly cleanse the lymph from nearby tissues and organs, from infections and toxins. Lymph supplies antibodies and lymphocytes (immune cells) to the blood, which help fight various infections. In the case of severe diseases (inflammation, infection, cancer), a large number of infectious agents, toxins and cancer cells enter, but the node cannot cope with such a load. As a result, infections affect the node, causing inflammation of the axillary lymph node.

Lymphadenopathy of the axillary lymph nodes

Having figured out what an armpit lymph node is and where exactly it is located, you should be aware of the diseases that can affect these organs.

The most common disorder is lymphadenopathy, or swollen lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy is not a disease in its entirety, but rather a symptom of various pathologies.

The lymph nodes of the armpit are responsible for cleansing the lymph coming from the organs of the mediastinum, mammary glands and upper limbs. Any pathology of these organs can adversely affect the functioning of the lymph nodes, which provokes the development of lymphadenopathy.

Symptoms of this pathology:

a noticeable increase in lymph nodes;
discomfort on palpation;
night sweats;
general weakness.

It should be noted that pain in lymphadenopathy is mild and occurs only when pressure is applied to the node.

There are a lot of reasons for such a violation - from infections to malignant neoplasms in the internal organs. In children, an increase in axillary lymph nodes may be associated with childhood infectious diseases - chickenpox, rubella, measles. These diseases are accompanied by an increase in all large lymph nodes, therefore, lymphadenopathy of the cervical and inguinal nodes can also be observed.

The most common causes of axillary lymphadenopathy are:

Infectious mononucleosis;
tuberculosis;
mastopathy;
sarcoidosis;
lymphoma;
breast cancer;
lungs' cancer;

It is possible to accurately identify the cause only with the help of a comprehensive examination. Treatment of lymphadenopathy is not carried out, the size of the lymph nodes returns to normal a few months after the elimination of the underlying disease.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes

A specific symptom of inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) is an increase in the size of the liver

Having found inflamed lymph nodes in the armpits, you should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible. This is a dangerous symptom that requires adequate drug therapy. Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits is called lymphadenitis. This pathology of an infectious nature, arising from the penetration of infection into the lymph node.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm, the causes of which are varied, is accompanied by severe pain, so it is impossible to “miss” this disease. Symptoms of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits:

severe swelling and a significant increase in the size of the lymph node;
sharp pain;
high body temperature;
redness of the skin under the armpits;
symptoms of general intoxication;
weakness and general malaise.

If the lymph node in the armpit is inflamed, there is an increase in body temperature over 38 degrees. In case of purulent inflammation, the temperature can increase up to 40 degrees. Signs of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm appear acutely. Severe intoxication of the body is often observed, which is manifested by weakness, nausea, loss of appetite and headache. Patients often complain of worsening sleep, which is associated with an exacerbation of pain at night.

As a rule, lymphadenitis is manifested by inflammation on one side of the body, for example, in the right or left armpit, while the pain can spread to the entire side of the body, disturbing in the right or left side.

Another specific symptom of lymphadenitis is an increase in the size of the liver and spleen. In severe cases, this can be felt by heaviness and pressure in the right hypochondrium, but most often this symptom does not appear, and an increase in organs is diagnosed by ultrasound.

Not everyone knows what causes the lymph nodes under the arm to become inflamed, taking lymphadenitis for an independent disease, but not trying to identify its cause. The main causes of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes are various infectious lesions of organs located in the immediate vicinity of this group of organs of the lymphatic system. As a rule, the inflammatory process occurs against the background of infection of the node with staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus, Escherichia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Underarm lymph nodes can become inflamed due to the following diseases:

tuberculosis;
syphilis;
gonorrhea;
mastitis;
furunculosis;
hydradenitis.

Inflamed lymph nodes under the armpits, the causes of infection of which are hidden in the infection of the body with mycobacteria (the causative agent of tuberculosis), require urgent treatment. It should be noted that inflammation of the lymph nodes against the background of tuberculosis can be both the first symptom of infection with the Koch bacillus, even before the onset of a cough, and a complication of an untreated disease.

The spread of the causative agent of syphilis (treponema pallidum) can lead to infection of large lymph nodes. As a rule, the axillary node, inguinal and cervical lymph nodes can become inflamed.

In the vast majority of cases, with inflammation of the lymph nodes, the cause should be sought in infectious diseases of organs located as close as possible to the focus of lymphadenitis. If the lymph node in the armpit is inflamed, diseases such as furunculosis and hydradenitis should first be excluded. Hidradenitis is a purulent inflammation of the sweat gland. This pathology develops when the glands of the armpits are infected with pyogenic bacteria. The most common causative agent is Staphylococcus aureus. The disease is manifested by the formation of a large cavity in the armpit, filled with pus, and is manifested by severe pain both on palpation and at rest.

Furunculosis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. A large abscess (furuncle) is formed on the skin, a necrotic core is noticeable, the skin around the area of inflammation turns red and swells. This disease is also associated with infection of the epidermis with staphylococcus aureus. The infection can penetrate through small wounds and scratches, especially often this happens when personal hygiene is not observed and inaccurate hair removal of the armpits.

Having figured out where the lymph nodes are located in the armpit, and what an inflamed lymph node looks like, you should consult a doctor when the first symptoms of inflammation appear. A purulent inflammatory process in the lymph node is potentially dangerous by infecting the whole body, so it is necessary to start treatment in a timely manner in order to avoid dangerous complications.

Pain in the lymph nodes in women

The lymph node in the armpit in women and girls can become inflamed due to mastitis

Lymph nodes respond to any changes that occur in the body. In addition to these reasons, an increase in lymph nodes may be associated with changes in hormonal levels. In many women, lymph nodes swell a few days before menstruation, with mild soreness in the armpits. This condition is not a pathology in most cases, and is one of the manifestations of premenstrual syndrome.

Important! If a woman has always had soreness in the lymph nodes before menstruation, this phenomenon can be considered a variant of the norm. In the event of a sudden onset of pain and an increase in lymph nodes, you should undergo a comprehensive examination as soon as possible, visit a mammologist and gynecologist.

In women suffering from PMS, an increase in lymph nodes is due to obstructed outflow of lymph from the mammary glands due to fluid retention before menstruation, but there should be no inflammation. Soreness on palpation of the lymph nodes in this case is due to mechanical irritation of the surrounding tissues, and not to the inflammatory process.

The lymph node in the armpit in women can become inflamed due to mastitis. This disorder develops as a result of infection of the mammary gland. As a rule, mastitis is observed in lactating women and occurs shortly after childbirth. If a woman has an inflamed lymph node under her arm during breastfeeding, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible, since it is impossible to continue lactation with mastitis.

Symptoms of inflammatory processes in the axillary lymph nodes in women are the same as with inflammation of this group of lymph nodes in men.

Lymph nodes in cancer

Another cause of enlargement and inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits is cancer. This group of lymph nodes responds to breast, lung, and tracheal cancer. In addition, axillary lymph nodes can increase and thicken with lymphoma, a malignant process of lymphoid tissue.

Swelling and swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits may indicate, or malignant processes in other organs. Moreover, with cancer of the internal organs, the lymph nodes increase as a natural reaction of the body to the malignant process against the background of general intoxication, and with the spread of metastases to the lymphatic system.

Important! Enlarged axillary lymph nodes without any other symptoms may indicate an early stage of cancer.

With malignant neoplasms of the internal organs, the lymph node often does not hurt or become inflamed, but increases in size. At the same time, the risk of infection increases, as a weakened body is vulnerable to pathogens.

Enlarged axillary lymph nodes and swelling of the arm

Knowing why the lymph nodes in the armpits become inflamed in women and how to determine the inflammatory process, one should also pay attention to such a symptom as swelling of the upper extremities. This pathology is called lymphostasis and is characterized by a violation of the outflow of lymph. The cause may be mechanical damage to the lymphatic vessels that enter the axillary lymph nodes, which provide lymph outflow from the hands.

Typical symptoms: an increase in the volume of the arm, heaviness in the limbs,. This disease is very dangerous and difficult to treat in advanced forms, so you should check the axillary lymph nodes when swelling occurs.

Diagnostics

Mammography is mandatory for women with inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits.

What to do if the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, how to treat these lymph nodes - it depends on the cause of the violation of their work. To prescribe the optimal treatment regimen for inflamed lymph nodes under the arm, you should visit a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination to identify the causes of the pathology.

Required examinations:

general and biochemical blood tests;
chest x-ray;
fluorography;
mammography.

Based on a blood test, it is possible to exclude lymphoma, as well as to identify inflammatory processes and determine deviations in the work of immunity by a quantitative change in lymphocytes. Ultrasound of the lymph nodes allows you to accurately determine the type of pathology - lymphadenopathy or lymphadenitis. If lymphostasis is suspected, an x-ray of the lymphatic vessels with contrast is additionally taken.

A chest x-ray is necessary to detect pathologies of the mediastinum, and fluorography can detect tuberculosis, pneumonia, and sarcoidosis.

Mammography is mandatory for women. This examination allows you to identify pathological changes in the tissues of the mammary glands - mastopathy, mastitis, malignant neoplasms.

After all the examinations have been carried out, the doctor concludes how to treat the inflamed lymph node under the arm and how to cure the underlying disease.

Principles of treatment

How to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm - it depends on the cause of the pathology. First of all, the underlying disease is treated, since if the cause is not eliminated, symptomatic therapy of lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy will be ineffective.

Treatment of inflammatory processes in the body should be prescribed by a doctor, but with inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm, antibiotic therapy is required. Proven agents are broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Additionally, symptomatic therapy can be used to reduce pain and inflammation.

For the duration of treatment, the patient must adhere to a diet (“Table 15”). The purpose of this diet is the general strengthening of the body by ensuring the intake of all necessary substances with food.

Medical treatment

If the lymph nodes under the arm are inflamed, antibiotics are first prescribed. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient basis, that is, at home, drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets or capsules, less often injections are prescribed. The following drugs are widely used in therapy:

Azithromycin;
Sumamed;
Ceftriaxone;
Amoxiclav.

These drugs have a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activity. Only a doctor can accurately select the drug, the dosage and duration of the medication are selected individually.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help to reduce the severity of the manifestation and symptom of inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm. These include tablets Ibuprofen, Nimesulide, Nalgezin, Dexalgin. These drugs reduce pain, stop the inflammatory process, and have an antipyretic effect.

Additionally, immunomodulators, herbal remedies (for example, Lymphomyosot) can be prescribed. These medicines do not treat inflammation, but they help the lymphatic system recover faster.

Ointments for the treatment of lymph nodes

The ointment is applied under a bandage, which must be changed twice a day.

Inflamed lymph nodes in the armpit are allowed to be treated with external agents - ointments and gels. Such drugs are auxiliary agents, since they cannot destroy the infection in the lymph nodes, so antibiotics will not be replaced. How can you anoint the inflamed lymph node under the arm - this question is asked by many patients who are faced with lymphadenitis.

To reduce the inflammatory process, Vishnevsky liniment or Levomekol ointment can be used. Both drugs have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, accelerate tissue regeneration and reduce pain. The ointment is applied under a bandage, which must be changed twice a day.

With an increase in lymph nodes, the use of heparin ointment is allowed. It eliminates puffiness, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Before using external treatments, you should consult your doctor.

Folk remedies

Treatment of lymph nodes under the arm with folk remedies is a dubious undertaking. Such treatment is ineffective, but can significantly aggravate the symptoms and harm health, so it should be used with great care.

Important! Infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs will not replace antibiotics.

If the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, folk remedies can only be used as an auxiliary, but not the main treatment. One of the fairly popular remedies from the arsenal of traditional medicine is a tincture or decoction of echinacea. This plant is a natural immunomodulator and is approved by official medicine. The downside is that it takes a long time to prepare the tincture yourself, since it must be infused for at least 2 weeks. A good alternative would be to purchase an alcohol tincture in a pharmacy, or take echinacea tablets.

With inflammation of the lymph node under the arm, folk remedies can be treated with anti-inflammatory herbs - calendula, sage, stinging nettle. You should take a small spoonful of each plant, place in a thermos and pour half a liter of boiling water. The medicine should be infused for 6 hours, and then it can be taken 100 ml in the morning and evening.

Lymph nodes in the human body play an important role. They are the basis of the immune system and are actively involved in cleansing the body of bacteria, viruses, and bad (cancer) cells. In the human body, there are more than a hundred such nodes. However, sometimes they become painful and take the form of bumps. This suggests that inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm, on the neck, or in the groin has begun. More about the causes of this process in women and men and its symptoms, as well as ways to eliminate it, will be discussed in this article.

Symptoms and causes in women

Women are more susceptible to inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits. And they should be extremely careful about this - immediately contact the doctor as soon as they notice painful bumps in themselves.

Provoke inflammatory processes in the lymph nodes in women can be several different factors, which include:

Diseases that weaken the immune system and overload the lymphatic system - acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, as well as chronic diseases;
Changes occurring in the structure of the mammary glands, the formation of fibroids, cysts or cancer cells;
Microtrauma of sensitive skin in the armpits, contributing to the ingestion of a bacterial infection;
External irritation leading to inflammatory processes in the sebaceous glands and hair follicles;
Purulent inflammation that develops in the sweat glands leads to hidradenitis - their blockage and the appearance of seals in the armpits.

The factors listed above provoke the formation of inflammatory foci near the lymph nodes, which makes their condition worse. However, not in every case, the seal that appears in the armpit is an enlargement of the lymph node. In order not to be mistaken, it is necessary to navigate the symptoms that are characteristic of the inflammatory process:

Soreness in the armpit, aggravated by pressure;
Redness or swelling of the skin on one or both sides;
Sluggish state, severe weakness;
Elevated body temperature, characterized by resistance.

The inflamed lymph node is outwardly easily distinguishable from wen, boils, hydradenitis and folliculosis, since it is a painful red bump the size of a walnut, hard or soft to the touch.

As for the other named formations, then:

A wen is a soft formation under the skin, without redness and soreness.
A furuncle is a red-violet abscess, the diameter of which does not exceed 2 cm.
Hidradenitis is a large lump, accompanied at the initial stage by itching, and dense to the touch.
Folliculosis is a skin rash that consists of small red inflammations.

As it turned out, it is not so difficult to independently determine the inflammation of the lymph nodes, but only a specialist can identify the causes and correctly cure it.

Symptoms and causes in men

Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits in men in most cases is diagnosed only at the moment when it already causes a feeling of discomfort, and the disease moves to another stage, more severe.

Since male follicles are larger in size and the skin of men is oilier, they sweat more than women, as a result, abscesses appear on their skin. In addition, in the process of shaving the armpits, men are more likely to injure the skin. One way or another, but the appearance of pain in the armpits may indicate an ongoing inflammation in the organs located next to them. Lymph nodes in men can become inflamed for various reasons, the main of which are:

SARS, influenza, purulent tonsillitis;
Blockage of sweat glands;
Poisoning of the body;
folliculitis;
Purulent lesion of the skin;
Reduced immunity at certain times of the year;
Bursitis of the shoulder, wrist and elbow joints;
thrombophlebitis;
Oncology;
Excessive sweating.

The nodes themselves increase in size gradually, therefore, the symptoms of a developing disease appear with a delay. That is why men turn to a specialist already at the moment when the disease goes into a difficult stage.

The occurrence of weakness;
Persistent rise in temperature;
Headache;
Chills;
Redness in the armpits;
Pain when pressing on the lymph node;
Pain that appears when moving the hand;
It is impossible to sleep on the side where there is inflammation.

With a rise in body temperature over 38 ° C, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, purulent inflammation can be suspected. In this case, the patient needs urgent help from specialists to prevent the development of lymphadenitis, which will be much more difficult to cure and will take more time.

How to relieve inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm

If the lymph node under the arm is inflamed, then before you understand how to remove it, you will need to make an accurate diagnosis and identify the nature of the disease. This is important because acute, purulent, chronic, local, generalized, specific and nonspecific lymphadenitis are treated differently. If an infection is present in the patient's body, then he will have to take tests and undergo an ultrasound scan to identify the full clinical picture and select the most effective therapeutic method.

It is easy to relieve inflammation with the help of physiotherapy methods. The most effective of them are UHF-therapy and electrophoresis. They bring the lymph flow back to normal and restore the functions of the lymphoid tissue. Excellent results are achieved with electrophoresis using heparin. From this, the pain syndrome decreases, the functioning of the lymphatic system improves and the production of blood cells is activated.

UHF therapy is indicated for lymphadenitis, which is in the stage of inflammation, as well as for the rehabilitation of the patient after surgery. This method relieves inflammation and activates the immune forces of the human body. Thanks to UHF exposure, microcirculation in the inflamed area improves and damaged tissues begin to recover. The healing process itself is accelerated, and the risk of re-infection is minimized.

How to treat

After the patient has been examined, a treatment regimen will be drawn up for him, the purpose of which is to suppress the primary source of the inflammatory process. For a while, while the treatment will last, the patient will have to moderate his physical activity and take medications that the doctor will prescribe.

Axillary lymphadenitis is treated with:

Treatment at home

You can supplement the main course of treatment with alternative methods of treating inflammation of the lymph nodes under the arm at home. It is only important to discuss this point with your doctor first.

Echinacea is very popular, which helps to strengthen the body's defenses, activates the immune system, and has a beneficial effect on the general condition of a person. The tincture from it is suitable for:

Reception inside. 10 drops of tincture are diluted in 100 ml of water and taken in 0.5 tsp. L. Three times a day.
Compresses. Mix 1 part tincture with 2 parts water. The finished solution is wetted with gauze and applied to the inflamed lymph nodes.

Calendula has proven itself well, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Lotions are made from tincture diluted in water, compresses are made from decoctions for the whole night, and from infusions prepared from dried flowers of calendula and tansy - a remedy for ingestion before meals three times a day.

To eliminate redness and swelling, you can prepare compresses from:

Onions baked in the oven. Make a puree out of it and pour pharmaceutical tar into it (1 tbsp. L.). Apply gruel on gauze, apply to the sore spot for at least 8 hours.
Alcoholic tincture of walnut leaves. The leaves are poured with alcohol and left for 5 days to infuse. Ready tincture is used for compresses all night.

Which doctor to contact

If inflammation of the lymph node occurs, it is better to trust the doctor than to be treated on your own. Many people ask themselves: what kind of doctor to make an appointment with such a problem? Always start with a therapist. He will issue a referral for the delivery of the necessary tests, which will help to identify whether the inflammatory process is a consequence of an infectious disease, or if something more serious has become the cause. Additionally, the therapist can refer to the delivery of tests for tumor markers, ultrasound and mammography.

Next, you should go to the surgeon, who examines the inflammation to determine whether surgery is necessary or you can do without it.

An oncologist will be needed if, with an inflamed lymph node, the patient feels tired, he is pale, with shortness of breath and lack of appetite. This doctor will help to detect a malignant tumor in a timely manner or to refute its presence.

Since the lymph nodes become inflamed for various reasons, the course of therapy in each case will be specific. If in one case it will be possible to get by with vitamins and immunostimulants, then in the other case, the patient can be cured only with antibiotics. But in any case, it is very important to increase immunity, because it is interconnected with the human lymphatic system.

Surgery

In most cases, inflammation of the lymph nodes can be treated conservatively. But it happens that you can not do without surgical intervention. We are talking about purulent lymphadenitis. If diagnosed, then an operation is required urgently. Having opened the abscess, exudate is released from it, the wound is cleaned with antiseptic solutions, and drainage is placed in the diseased node to bring out the purulent substance.

Another disease in which surgery is indicated is a malignant tumor of the lymph nodes. Complete removal of the diseased node is carried out, and patients are treated with special anti-cancer medicines.

Content:

Lymph nodes are the backbone of the immune system. They cleanse the lymph of viruses, bacteria, and abnormal cells such as cancer. Several hundred lymph nodes are scattered throughout the body, but the most famous of them, and more often than others, the lymph nodes in the armpits, on the neck, in the groin become inflamed. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits occurs as a result of infection or cancer. One of the serious causes of inflammation of the axillary nodes can be breast cancer. If redness, swelling and pain persist for a long time, you should consult a doctor for medical help.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes in the armpits

Very often, underarm lymph nodes become enlarged due to folliculitis caused by an infection inside the hair follicle. Inflammation can be accompanied by pain, redness, chills and a number of other characteristic signs:

Headache;
Increased fatigue;
Joint pain;
Lack of appetite;
nausea or vomiting;
Enlargement of other lymph nodes.

If, simultaneously with the modification of the axillary lymph node, pain and induration in the chest is detected, then this may be cancer or inflammation of the mammary gland. You should consult a doctor to rule out a similar suspicion or start treating a serious illness in time.

If the lymph nodes in the armpits are enlarged due to a bacterial or viral infection (eg, staphylococcus aureus, chickenpox, mastitis), it is not recommended to delay treatment with antibiotics or antiviral drugs, as advanced disease can lead to life-threatening complications. The most characteristic complications include rotting of bones, blood, meningitis, toxic shock syndrome. Some infections are vaccinated.

Lymph nodes in the armpits swell even in the absence of bacteria and viruses, for example, with allergies. Sometimes breast tissue grows into the armpit, this phenomenon is considered normal. Changes in the lymph nodes are also caused by cysts and lipomas, injuries and bruises.

How to treat lymph nodes in the armpits

Usually, the axillary lymph nodes acquire a normal appearance after the underlying disease has been cured. Treatment may take some time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be taken to reduce pain and discomfort in the underarm area. But be sure to see a doctor.

Treatment with antibiotics and other serious medications should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, based on an examination and an updated diagnosis. There are times when the underarm lymph nodes become overwhelmed with abnormal cancer cells and the body can't handle them safely. In this case, a cancerous disease of the lymph node may develop, it requires a long and complex treatment in a medical institution.

One of the reasons known today for inflamed armpit lymph nodes is the use of antiperspirants with insufficient hygiene. Antiperspirants clog pores where bacteria can remain. The multiplication of bacteria leads to inflammation of the lymph nodes. There are cases when the only way to treat the disease was surgery.

Central.
Apical.
Lateral.
Breast.
Subscapular.

Consider where the lymph nodes are located. The science of anatomy explains the location of the lymph nodes and how many there can be:

The center of the armpit has up to 8 central nodes. They cleanse the superficial lymphatic vessels of the chest, upper limbs, and mammary glands.
There are up to 10 lymph nodes in the armpit in the cavity. lymph nodes under the arm are connected to other lymph nodes in the armpit. All of them also have a connection with the subcutaneous vessels of the upper extremities and the mammary gland.
Lateral nodes can be up to 8 units.
At the inner wall of the cavity in the armpits there are up to 9 mammary lymph glands associated with the chest, its side wall, and the mammary gland.
Under the armpits in the fossa near the back wall there are up to 11 subscapular nodes associated with the muscles and skin of the shoulder and chest cavity, its lateral surface.

The axillary fossa is the location of the lateral nodes at the outer wall. It is also called the axillary fossa. The glands are connected with the deep and superficial vessels of the upper extremities.

With age, the number of nodes in a person may change due to their connection with each other, that is, sticking together into one.

The diagram clearly demonstrates the location of the lymph nodes under the arm.

If we consider the axillary fossa, then the diagram will show:

The area enclosed between the back muscle, pectoral, anterior serratus muscle and the inner surface of the shoulder.
The skin contains sebaceous and sweat glands.
The skin is very thin, covered with hair.
Under the subcutaneous fat layer lies its own layer of fatty tissue. Inside it lie the axillary artery, vein, nerves, axillary lymph nodes.

Structure

Under the armpit there is a small depression - the gate. From here comes the lymphatic vessel. Crossbars also depart from the gate. The long portal bars are connected to the bars of the capsule, which creates a lobulated structure of the lymph node. The capsule contains the cortex. The lymph entering the lymph nodes in the armpits flows through the sinuses - the gap between the crossbars and the capsule. In addition to the cortical substance, the lymph node has a medulla located near the gate. Lymph inside the gland goes a long way, leaving microbes, tumor cells, foreign particles along the way. A viscous fluid from the sinus under the capsule enters the sinuses of the cortex and medulla. Then, passing through the portal sinus, it seeps into the efferent vessels.

Dimensions

Lymph nodes under the armpits have different sizes depending on their location. Usually the dimensions are in the range from 0.5 to 1 mm. For some glands, such as inguinal, cervical, large sizes are acceptable. Inguinal - 1.6; cervical - 1.5 mm.

Causes of inflammation

The axillary region becomes inflamed due to infection of the body with an infection, ingestion of bacteria, the occurrence of purulent abscesses of malignant tumors. There are many infectious and bacterial diseases, it makes no sense to list them. Under these circumstances, all the lymph glands can become inflamed. But more often those that are close to the focus of the disease become inflamed. So, axillary lymph nodes become inflamed if there is a problem in the mammary glands, chest and upper limbs.

How much the node increased at the beginning depends on the degree of the inflammatory process. If the process progresses, the gland may increase more, which will lead to lymphadenitis disease. If the nodes become inflamed and the process turns into a disease, then such glands are called lymphadenitis.

Boils often occur in the axillary fossa. Their inflammation is very dangerous. If inflammation spreads under the pectoral muscle, then subpectoral phlegmon will develop.

Air embolism occurs in the case of arterial bleeding due to damage to large vessels due to wounding of the fossa.

The lymph node in the armpit increased in women in the absence of visible causes (infection, bacterial contamination, abscesses, etc.). This should be alarming. Possibly developing breast cancer.

During pregnancy, the nodes in the armpit increased due to a decrease in immunity during this period due to the restructuring of the body, the development of the mammary glands, the restructuring of the hormonal background and other changes. It returns to normal after a few days.

However, the possibility of a cold or infection is not ruled out due to the weakening of the general condition.

During pregnancy, a woman's sensitivity to household appliances and cosmetics may increase, which will lead to inflammation of the nodes.

The cause of inflammation of the axillary glands is an injury when shaving the hairline. Infection, bacteria can get into the cut.

The reason for the increase in the size of the node of the axillary region in a child is teething. At this point, his immunity is reduced. The temperature may rise. But the node itself is painless. No pain on palpation. Deterioration of the condition, an increase in temperature above the norm of the catarrhal form indicates the occurrence of intoxication.

Symptoms

Inflammation of the lymph nodes is accompanied by similar symptoms for nodes in any area, including in the armpits:

Size increase;
Painful palpation;
Redness of the skin;
Temperature;
Nausea is possible, especially in babies, when teeth are cut;
Babies may be naughty, their head may hurt;
Nausea, vomiting may occur;
If the lymph glands are inflamed due to allergies, then the symptoms may be swelling of the face, vomiting, urticaria;
Sweating profuse.

Treatment

Axillary region - the anatomical zone of the armpit cavity. The walls of the cavity formed groups of muscles. In the cavity, lymphatic vessels, nerve endings, and vessels are sunk into fatty tissue.

In the axillary region:

A study of the state of the lymph nodes under the arm through ultrasound is carried out.
Diagnosis by ultrasound of the breast to detect cancer.
Injections with butolotoxin preparations are carried out for the treatment of hyperhidrosis.

Viral diseases are treated with immunomodulatory therapy (drugs that restore effective immune defense):

Immunal - tablets;
Eleutherococcus tincture;
Sunflower oil 1 tablespoon 1 time per day;
Echinacea tincture.

If the inflammation is purulent, an opening of the abscess is required surgically.

If cancer is found, chemotherapy is used.

With reddening of the skin, various ointments are prescribed, such as troxevasin, heparin and others as prescribed by a doctor.

To reduce the size of the inflamed gland, doctors recommend physiotherapy, herbal medicine with sage, chamomile.

Conclusion

To combat the ever-increasing number of infectious, bacterial diseases, modern medicine suggests adopting immunomodulatory therapy, which improves immunity. It is immunity that is able to eliminate the causative agent of infection, and not only limit the area of \u200b\u200bdistribution.

It is important to remember: to maintain health, you need to walk long distances without stopping, preferably daily. Then the lymph will have time to cleanse the body of all harmful elements through the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system will make a full turn only with non-stop walking.

Lymph nodes depend on the state of the immune system, so if they increase, you need to be wary - this can be a symptom of the development of various diseases or the appearance of an infection in the body. An increase in the lymph nodes under the armpits is one of the most dangerous signals, therefore, such a manifestation should be treated with special care.

Causes of enlarged lymph nodes under the armpits

In some cases, the lymph nodes under the arms can increase due to allergies, which can even develop into anaphylaxis. Moreover, in addition to this symptom, the patient may also experience vomiting with a runny nose, swelling on the face and urticaria.

In addition, the development of furunculosis can be the cause of inflammation, and it, in turn, is considered a sign of hormonal imbalance. A change in the size of the lymph nodes can also occur due to inflammation of the axillary hair follicles or due to the spread of an infectious process from the mammary gland.

The health of people largely depends on the condition of the lymph nodes (glands). There are a lot of them, about 700 units. under the arm refers to and is the stronghold of the immune system. This is one of the organs in which the maturation of immune cells occurs. Placed in the most critical places: near organs and in places of bends to increase the flow rate of a fluid called lymph.

One of the most problematic glands are the axillary lymph nodes. They are the most commonly inflamed.

Purpose

Underarm lymph nodes are designed to cleanse the clear lymph fluid. They produce antibodies and lymphocytes. Nodes delay aggressive cells that capture healthy cells of the body (cancerous and the like); infection; bacteria; viruses; nuclides and various debris that enters the blood. There is a struggle and destruction of foreign cells. Thus, the armpit organs and tissues are protected. These include the chest, mammary gland and upper limbs. In addition, lymphocytes enter the infected organ from the lymph nodes through the efferent vessels, which also contribute to the destruction of the disease.

Since the immune system protects the body, it sends lymphocyte cells to the site of infection. Lymphocytes that produce antibodies to protect against microbes accumulate at the site of infection and form lymphoid follicles - round vesicles. At rest, the nodes in the axillary zone look like a rim of lymphoid tissue around adipose tissue in the center of the armpit cavity.

Location

The location of the axillary lymph nodes is classified as follows:

Central.
Apical.
Lateral.
Breast.
Subscapular.

Consider where the lymph nodes are located. The science of anatomy explains the location of the lymph nodes and how many there can be:

The center of the armpit has up to 8 central nodes. They cleanse the superficial lymphatic vessels of the chest, upper limbs, and mammary glands.
There are up to 10 lymph nodes in the armpit in the cavity. lymph nodes under the arm are connected to other lymph nodes in the armpit. All of them also have a connection with the subcutaneous vessels of the upper extremities and the mammary gland.
Lateral nodes can be up to 8 units.
At the inner wall of the cavity in the armpits there are up to 9 mammary lymph glands associated with the chest, its side wall, and the mammary gland.
Under the armpits in the fossa near the posterior wall there are up to 11 subscapular nodes associated with the muscles and skin of the shoulder and chest cavity, its lateral surface.

With age, the number of nodes in a person may change due to their connection with each other, that is, sticking together into one.

The diagram clearly demonstrates the location of the lymph nodes under the arm.

If we consider the axillary fossa, then the diagram will show:

The area enclosed between the muscle, pectoral, serratus anterior and the inner surface of the shoulder.
The skin contains sebaceous and sweat glands.
The skin is very thin, covered with hair.
Under the subcutaneous fat layer lies its own layer of fatty tissue. Inside it lie the axillary artery, vein, nerves, axillary lymph nodes.

Structure

Dimensions

Causes of inflammation

The axillary region becomes inflamed due to infection of the body with an infection, ingestion of bacteria, the occurrence of purulent abscesses of malignant tumors. There are many infectious and bacterial diseases, it makes no sense to list them. Under these circumstances, all the lymph glands can become inflamed. But more often those that are close to the focus of the disease become inflamed. So, if there is a problem in the mammary glands, chest and upper limbs.

Boils often occur in the axillary fossa. Their inflammation is very dangerous. If the inflammation spreads under the pectoral muscle, then subpectoral phlegmon will develop.

Air embolism occurs in the case of arterial bleeding due to damage to large vessels due to wounding of the fossa.

The lymph node in the armpit increased in women in the absence of visible causes (infection, bacterial contamination, abscesses, etc.). This should be alarming. Possibly developing breast cancer.

However, the possibility of a cold or infection is not ruled out due to the weakening of the general condition.

During pregnancy, a woman's sensitivity to household appliances and cosmetics may increase, which will lead to inflammation of the nodes.

The cause of inflammation of the axillary glands is an injury when shaving the hairline. Infection, bacteria can get into the cut.

Symptoms

Accompanied by similar symptoms for nodes in any area, including in the armpits:

Size increase;
Painful palpation;
Redness of the skin;
Temperature;
Nausea is possible, especially in babies, when teeth are cut;
Babies may be naughty, their head may hurt;
Nausea, vomiting may occur;
If the lymph glands are inflamed due to allergies, then the symptoms may be swelling of the face, vomiting, urticaria;
Sweating profuse.

Treatment

Axillary region - the anatomical zone of the armpit cavity. The walls of the cavity formed groups of muscles. In the cavity, lymphatic vessels, nerve endings, and vessels are sunk into fatty tissue.

In the axillary region:

A study of the state of the lymph nodes under the arm through ultrasound is carried out.
Diagnosis by ultrasound of the breast to detect cancer.
Injections with butolotoxin preparations are carried out for the treatment of hyperhidrosis.

Viral diseases are treated with immunomodulatory therapy (drugs that restore effective immune defense):

Immunal - tablets;
Eleutherococcus tincture;
Sunflower oil 1 tablespoon 1 time per day;
Echinacea tincture.

If the inflammation is purulent, an opening of the abscess is required surgically.

If cancer is found, chemotherapy is used.

With reddening of the skin, various ointments are prescribed, such as troxevasin, heparin and others as prescribed by a doctor.

To reduce the size of the inflamed gland, doctors recommend physiotherapy, herbal medicine with sage, chamomile.

Conclusion

An increase in axillary lymph nodes is noted quite often, but not always they pay attention to it, which is fraught with the development of a serious disease, which will subsequently be difficult to cure. Clinicians are aware of a large number of predisposing factors that can influence the development of such a symptom. It is noteworthy that all of them are associated with a particular disease.

Such a clinical manifestation is not the only sign of ailments, it can be supplemented by discomfort in the armpits, as well as redness of the skin in this area and fever.

Establishing the correct diagnosis is carried out by an objective examination and laboratory and instrumental examinations of the patient. The treatment regimen will directly depend on the etiological factor.

Etiology

The following factors can cause inflammation and enlargement of the lymph nodes under the arm:

previously transferred by a person a disease of an infectious or catarrhal nature;
inflammatory process in the hair follicles located in this anatomical zone;
severe, which arose as a result of a serious illness;
increased sweating - this condition causes an increase in the number of pathogenic agents that can enter the body through skin cuts in the armpit;
an allergic reaction - often this response of the body is a reaction to the deodorant used to prevent sweating;
damage to regional lymph nodes by an oncological process. It is worth noting that in the early stages of cancer, the lymph nodes will not be enlarged and painful;
- such a pathology is characterized by the formation of a malignant granuloma. If you consult a doctor in a timely manner, you can achieve a complete recovery;
- this is the most common reason that the axillary lymph node is significantly enlarged in children. Despite the fact that this condition is caused by a rather banal factor - scratches or bites from a pet, such a disorder is a threat.

Similar sources of the main symptom are the most common, but there is a group of rare ones. This category should include:

- there is a violation of the structure of capillaries and connective tissue;
angioimmunoblastic;
- This is the most common disease of the joints;
serum sickness, which is a reaction of the immune system to foreign proteins;
or purulent wounds on the upper limbs, in the chest or shoulder area;
side effects from taking certain groups of drugs.

All of the above predisposing factors are characteristic of both sexes, but there are several reasons that are unique to women. We are talking about an increase in axillary lymph nodes with. This manifestation occurs due to the formation of seals in the mammary glands. In addition, women may experience a similar symptom during childbearing or breastfeeding. In such cases, treatment is not required.

In addition to the above factors, the lymph nodes in a child may increase against the background of:

or ;
or ;
or .

In the vast majority of cases, the causative agents of inflammation of the axillary lymph nodes are. Infection occurs in several ways - through the blood or lymph, as well as by contact of the microorganism with the affected skin in the armpit.

Classification

Changes in the lymph nodes in the armpit are:

sharp- most often acts as a complication of an infectious or inflammatory disease;
chronic- often this variety is observed during the course of malignant processes in the body.

In addition, the increase in the volume of lymph nodes is divided into:

inflammatory;
non-inflammatory.

The need for such a classification lies in the fact that the tactics of their therapy will be radically different.

Depending on the causative agent of the disease, several additional forms of such a symptom are distinguished:

specific- is diagnosed quite rarely, because the source of the increase is the causative agents of diseases such as, and;
nonspecific - causative agents are staphylococci, and other bacteria.

In addition, both one lymph node and several can be involved in the pathological process.

Symptoms

An increase in the lymph nodes in the armpit is accompanied by characteristic clinical symptoms, including:

the acquisition of the skin, under which there is an inflamed lymph node, of a red tint;
the formation of a specific tubercle under the arm, which indicates the location of the affected lymph node;
discomfort during armpit palpation;
the appearance of a pronounced pain syndrome, which indicates an advanced stage of the disease. It is noteworthy that pain under the arms with mastopathy and oncology does not appear;
constant;
sensation of pulsation of enlarged lymph nodes;
physical weakness of the hands;

All of the above signs are associated only with a change in the volume of the lymph nodes, but they may be accompanied by other manifestations characteristic of the disease that caused the main symptom.

Similar symptoms of enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit can be seen in both adults and children. However, it must be borne in mind that in a child, any pathological process develops faster and is more difficult.

Diagnostics

In order to find out the sources of the appearance of an increase in axillary lymph nodes in women and men, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory and instrumental examination of the patient. However, initially a primary diagnosis is carried out, which includes:

a detailed survey of the patient, which is aimed at finding out the time of the enlargement of the lymph node, as well as the presence and severity of additional symptoms;
study of the medical history and anamnesis of the patient's life;
a thorough objective examination, which consists in assessing the condition of the skin and palpation of the armpit area.

The second stage of diagnosis involves laboratory tests, among which it is worth highlighting:

general and biochemical blood tests - to detect signs of inflammation;
clinical analysis of urine;
Mantoux test - for suspected tuberculosis infection;
blood test to determine tumor markers.

Instrumental examinations include:

Ultrasound of the lymph nodes in men and women;
radiography;
mammography - for women;
biopsy - to confirm or refute the presence of oncology.

Treatment

If there is an increase in the lymph nodes under the armpits, then patients are strictly forbidden to make independent attempts to eliminate such a symptom.

Treatment is based on eliminating the inflammation or infection that caused the development of such a symptom as soon as possible. For this you need:

take a course of taking antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs;
carry out compresses based on Dimexide;
undergo a series of physiotherapy procedures;
take homeopathic medicines and immunomodulators.

In cases of confirmation of the presence of a malignant process, chemotherapy or surgery is indicated.

As part of complex therapy for enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits, it is not forbidden to use traditional medicine recipes that involve the use.