LYMPHADENITIS
DNE – IUIU –SNM.

Learning objectives.
i. Define lymphadenitis
ii. Causes of lymphadenitis
iii. Signs and symptoms of lymphadenitis
iv. Diagnosis/investigation
v. Treatment of lymphadenitis
vi. Complications of lymphadenitis.

Definition.
• Lymphadenitis is an inflammation of the
lymph nodes, resulting in lymph node swelling
and tenderness. The lymph node , also called
lymph glands, are part of the lymphatic
system. The lymphatic system is part of the
immune system. Lymph nodes produce cells
that help the body fight infections.

Cont.
• Inflammation of the lymph nodes can
arise due to infections or to non-
infectious causes. Infectious causes
include both viral infections, such as HIV
or upper respiratory viruses, and
bacterial infections. Less commonly,
fungal or parasitic.

Cont.
i) Bacterial infections:
 staphylococcus,
 streptococcus,
 mycobacterium in Tuberculosis
ii) Viral infections:
 HIV
 Epstein-Barr virus

Cont.
Noninfectious causes of lymphadenitis
include:
iii) Lymphoma (Cancer of the lymph
nodes).
In lymphadenitis, the nodes will swell near
the site of an underlying infection ,
inflammation , or tumor

Signs and symptoms.
i. Hard, swollen or tender lymph nodes
ii. Itchy skin
iii. Redness, warmth or swelling
iv. High grade fever
v. pain

Diagnosis/ investigations.
i. Physical exam will reveal the swelling
ii. Blood test – CBC
iii. CT scans for tumor
iv. X-ray
v. Lymph node biopsy

Treatment.
• Antibiotics if bacterial caused e.g cephalexin,
amoxicillin/clavulanate, clindamycin
• Pain killer such as ibuprofen to control pain
and fever
• Anti inflammatory to reduce the swelling
• Surgery to drain pus
• If the cause is cancer; surgery, chemotherapy
and radiation therapy.