Lymphangitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
LySymptoms of lymphhangitis include swelling, tenderness, and pus in lymph nodes. Lymph vessels are part of the lymphatic system, which fights infections and diseases. Any part of the body where there are lymph nodes, such as the neck, armpit, groin, or chest, can be affected by lymphhangitis, such as the neck, armpit, groin, or chest. A number of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can cause lymphhangitis. Physical exams, blood tests, urine tests, and sometimes a biopsy can be used to diagnose lymphangitis. Treatment options include antibiotics, pain relievers, and surgery.
Causes
Lymphangitis is mainly caused by an infection that reaches the lymph vessels through the lymphatic system or the bloodstream. The infection can start in any part of the body, such as the skin, mouth, throat, or lungs. Some of the common causes of lymphangitis are:
-
Staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria, which can cause skin infections, boils, abscesses, cellulitis, or impetigo
-
Tuberculosis bacteria, which can cause a chronic lung infection that can spread to the lymph nodes
-
Cat scratch disease bacteria, which can be transmitted by a scratch or bite from an infected cat
-
Mononucleosis virus, which can cause a flu-like illness that can affect the lymph nodes
-
HIV virus, which can weaken the immune system and make it more susceptible to infections
-
Toxoplasmosis parasite, which can be contracted by eating undercooked meat or contact with cat feces
-
Fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis or cryptococcosis, which can affect the lungs and the lymph nodes
Symptoms
The main symptom of lymphangitis is a swollen lymph node that is larger than half an inch in diameter. The lymph node may also be red, warm, or painful to touch. Other symptoms may depend on the cause and location of the infection, such as:
-
Fever, chills, or night sweats
-
Headache, sore throat, or earache
-
Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
-
Skin rash, ulcers, or blisters
-
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
-
Fatigue, weakness, or weight loss
Diagnosis
A doctor will examine a patient's medical history, symptoms, and risk factors in order to diagnose lymphangitis. Furthermore, the doctor will perform a physical examination to check for signs of lymphangitis, such as enlarged, tender, or draining lymph nodes. In addition to the diagnosis, the doctor may order some tests to identify the cause of lymphangitis, such as:
-
Blood tests, which can check for signs of infection, inflammation, or anemia, and measure the levels of antibodies, white blood cells, or other markers
-
Urine tests, which can check for the presence of bacteria, blood, or protein in the urine
-
Biopsy, which is a procedure that involves taking a small sample of the lymph node tissue and examining it under a microscope to confirm the presence and type of microorganism
-
Imaging tests, such as X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan, which can show the size and location of the lymph nodes and other organs that may be affected by the infection
Treatment
The treatment of lymphangitis depends on the cause, severity, and location of the infection. The main goals of the treatment are to eliminate the infection, reduce the inflammation, and relieve the pain. The treatment options may include:
-
Antibiotics, which are drugs that can kill or stop the growth of bacteria that cause lymphangitis. Antibiotics may be given orally or intravenously, depending on the type and extent of the infection. Antibiotics may be given for several days or weeks, depending on the response and the risk of complications.
-
Pain relievers, which are drugs that can reduce the pain and discomfort caused by lymphangitis. Pain relievers may include over-the-counter or prescription medications, such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Pain relievers may also help lower the fever and inflammation.
-
Surgery, which is a procedure that involves draining or removing the infected lymph node or abscess. Surgery may be necessary if the infection does not respond to antibiotics, if the lymph node is very large or obstructing the airway, or if the infection has spread to other organs or tissues.
Prevention
Some cases of lymphangitis may not be preventable, especially if they are caused by genetic or environmental factors that are beyond one’s control. However, some cases of lymphangitis may be prevented or reduced by taking some preventive measures, such as:
-
Practicing good hygiene, such as washing the hands frequently, cleaning the wounds properly, and avoiding sharing personal items
-
Avoiding contact with people or animals that have infections, such as colds, flu, or cat scratch disease
-
Getting vaccinated against diseases that can cause lymphangitis, such as measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, or tuberculosis
-
Eating a healthy and balanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, to boost the immune system and prevent infections
-
Drinking enough water and staying hydrated, to flush out the toxins and waste from the body
-
Exercising regularly and moderately, to improve the blood circulation and the lymphatic drainage
