9 Causes and Symptoms of Lymph Node, and Natural Ways to Overcome It

Kapanlagi.com - The lymphatic system in the human body can experience several problems, including a health disorder known as lymph nodes. The cause of lymph nodes can be experienced by everyone, one of which is bacterial or viral infections in the lymphatic system that cause the appearance of lumps or swelling.

Health disorders known as lymph nodes generally attack the lymphatic system in the human body, which plays a role in the immune system. When the lymphatic system is disrupted, there are usually a number of signs or symptoms that can be recognized, such as the appearance of lumps or swelling in certain parts of the body.

Lymphatic vessels are found throughout the body, but they are usually located in the neck, chest, armpits, abdomen, or groin. In medical terms, swelling of the lymph nodes is known as lymphadenopathy. The accumulation of fluid that functions to fight infections from viruses and bacteria is one of the responses to the appearance of lumps or swelling in the lymph nodes.

Several causes and symptoms of lymph nodes can also be experienced by everyone regardless of age. The appearance of lumps or swelling in certain parts of the body caused by lymph nodes can also be a sign that the body is experiencing certain health disorders depending on the location of the swelling.

So what are the causes and symptoms of lymph nodes?

The causes and symptoms of lymph nodes are as follows. To find out the causes and symptoms of lymph nodes, read the following review.

1. Causes of Lymph Node Infection

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes (credit: freepik.com)

The cause of swollen lymph nodes can occur due to several factors. One of the factors that can affect the lymphatic system is when the body is infected by a virus. This viral infection can cause swelling and the appearance of lumps in the lymph nodes.

According to medicinenet.com, several viruses such as mononucleosis, chickenpox, measles, HIV, herpes, common flu, and adenovirus can cause health problems in swollen lymph nodes. These viruses cause the immune system to weaken and can disrupt overall health.

2. Causes of Bacterial, Parasitic, and Fungal Lymph Nodes

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes (credit: freepik.com)

The next cause of swollen lymph nodes can also occur due to bacterial, parasitic, and fungal infections. Similar to viral infections, bacteria, parasites, and fungi can also cause swelling and the appearance of lumps in the lymph nodes.

There are several types of bacteria, parasites, and fungi that can cause health problems in the human lymphatic system, such as streptococcus bacteria, staphylococcus bacteria, tuberculosis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, and histoplasmosis. These bacteria, fungi, and parasites all attack the human immune system, causing a person to have a weak body and be susceptible to diseases.

3. Decreased Immune System

Causes of Lymph Node (credit: freepik.com)

The next cause of swollen lymph nodes is a decreased immune system. The immune system is related to a person's health condition that can fight various types of exposure to free radicals, including viruses and bacteria. When the immune system is weakened or compromised, it automatically makes the person more susceptible to diseases because the body is unable to fight viruses and bacteria.

In this case, the decreased immune system can be a cause of swollen lymph nodes. This makes the body more prone to diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, or exposure to free radicals. Health problems that can occur due to a decreased immune system include lupus and chronic diseases related to blood cells, skin, heart, liver, and joints, as reported by mayoclinic.org.

4. Causes of Lymph Node Age Factor

Causes of Lymph Node (credit: freepik.com)

Other causes of lymph nodes can occur due to age factors. Although lymph nodes can affect anyone regardless of age, this health disorder is more vulnerable to certain criteria. Among them are people who are between the ages of 20-40 or even entering menopause at over 55 years old known to be more at risk of experiencing lymph nodes.

The lymph nodes that occur include Hodgkin's lymphoma, characterized by several symptoms such as painless lumps in certain areas, namely the neck, armpits, and groin.

5. Causes of Lymph Node Genetic Factor

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes (credit: freepik.com)

Genetic factors or heredity can also be one of the causes of someone experiencing swollen lymph nodes. This health disorder is more likely to occur if there are family members who have a history of lymph node disease. However, further examination needs to be considered to accurately determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes if there is swelling in the lymphatic system.

6. Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in Specific Diseases

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes (credit: freepik.com)

The cause of swollen lymph nodes can also occur due to certain diseases. Among the diseases that can occur are cancer and leukemia, which are types of diseases that attack blood cells in the body. In this case, these diseases can attack and spread or metastasize to the lymphatic system, namely the lymph nodes, causing them to swell or form lumps.

7. Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes Due to Medication Effects

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes (credit: freepik.com)

Side effects of medication can also be a cause of swollen or lumpy lymph nodes. Some people may experience allergies to certain types of medication, resulting in disruptions to the lymphatic system. According to liputan6.com, the content of certain medications such as anti-seizure drugs and malaria preventatives can be one of the causes of swollen lymph nodes.

8. Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Symptoms of Lymph Node Swelling (credit: freepik.com)

After knowing the causes of swollen lymph nodes, there are several symptoms that you can recognize if you experience health problems that affect the lymphatic system. The symptoms of swollen lymph nodes are as follows, as reported by healthline.com and medicinenet.com:

- Fever.

- Night sweats.

- Drastic weight loss.

- Loss of appetite.

- Abdominal pain.

- Swelling of lymph nodes in specific areas of the body.

- Appearance of red patches on the skin above the lymph nodes.

- Lumps on the skin in the lymph node area.

- Sore throat.

- Fatigue.

- Experiencing flu-like symptoms.

- Cough and shortness of breath.

9. How to Overcome Lymph Node Swelling

How to Overcome Lymph Nodes (credit: freepik.com)

Several symptoms of lymph node swelling mentioned above can occur and accompany health disorders that affect the lymphatic system. Here are natural ways to overcome lymph node swelling as reported by halodoc.com sourced from the National Institutes of Health, medlineplus.

- Get enough rest to improve the immune system.

- Apply warm or cold compress to the swollen area to reduce swelling and lumps.

- Gargle with saltwater if there is swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, ears, jaw, or head.

- Avoid giving aspirin to children to prevent the risk of swelling in the liver and brain.

- Consume foods that prevent lymph node swelling such as grapes, green vegetables, turmeric, foods containing healthy fats, probiotic foods, and grains.

Those are the 9 causes and symptoms of lymph node swelling along with natural ways to overcome them. Further examination is recommended to determine the exact cause of lymph node swelling in order to receive immediate and early treatment.

(kpl/nlw)