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Brilio.net - If you see a lump on your child's neck, you should be alert. It could be the child's lymph nodes. Lymph nodes or lymphadenopathy are swelling of the glands. These glands are shaped like beans in the neck, armpits, groin, chest and stomach.
You need to know that lymph nodes are part of the immune system which functions to fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, germs and parasites. The fluid in the lymph nodes contains white blood cells (lymphocytes) which help the body fight infection.
According to the Indonesia Cancer Care Community, the number of lymph node or lymphoma sufferers is 7-15 percent and occurs between the ages of 6-10 years. If the impact is severe, it becomes lymphoma or lymph node cancer. This type of cancer is caused by white blood cells turning malignant.
Lymphoma can be divided into 2 categories, namely non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (LNH) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (LH). Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (LNH) is a disease that occurs due to the growth and development of cancer cells in the lymphatic system. Meanwhile, this type of cancer is characterized by the appearance of lumps in the neck, groin and armpits
So, parents must be more sensitive and alert to their child's health. Therefore, parents must know what symptoms arise when their child experiences lymph nodes. For this reason, brilio.net has summarized from various sources, Friday (5/7) the symptoms of lymph nodes and their characteristics.
Lymph node symptoms and their characteristics
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In fact, it is normal for children to experience small lumps in some of the movable lymph nodes under the skin. However, if the lymph nodes start to become larger than usual, then the child has an infection or various other problems. The characteristics of the most common symptoms as reported by urmc.rochester.edu are as follows:
- Lump under the jaw, on the side or back of the neck, or in the armpit, groin, chest, or stomach.
- Pain or tenderness in the gland area.
- Redness or warmth in the gland area.
Respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, blocked nose, and cough
- Bad appetite.
- Sore.
- Headache.
- Fatigue.
- Weight loss.
- Rash.
Keep in mind that lymph node symptoms can be similar to other health conditions. Make sure you always consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis of the disease.
How to treat lymph nodes
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It should be emphasized that treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends on the cause. Lymph nodes can disappear on their own. But in certain cases, the glands must be treated in the following ways:
- Antibiotic medication to treat an underlying bacterial infection, such as strep throat, or an ear or skin infection.
- Antibiotic medication and lymph node drainage for infection of a lymph node or small group of lymph nodes.
- Follow-up examination to check for enlarged lymph nodes again after waiting for 3 to 4 weeks.
- Other medications or procedures to treat other conditions that cause swollen lymph nodes.
- Referral to a specialist for incision or drainage examination or further examination, diagnostic tests and treatment.
Lymph node diagnosis
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Diagnosing lymph nodes must be done by a medical professional. Usually the medical team will conduct a question and answer session regarding the patient's symptoms, health history, and medication. After that, the medical team will also carry out a physical examination by feeling and observing the size and texture of the lump. Next, the medical team will carry out further examinations on the patient such as:
- Complete blood count test, to detect signs of infection and leukemia.
- X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to detect the source of infection or tumor.
- Lymph node biopsy, to detect cancer or whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
How to prevent lymph nodes
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The best way to prevent lymph nodes is to avoid the cause. Some efforts you can take to prevent lymph nodes in children are as follows:
- Wash your hands with soap and running water regularly.
- Do not share personal items such as toothbrushes and towels with other people.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or elbow.
- Carry out vaccinations according to the schedule given by the doctor,
- Consume complete and balanced nutritious food.
- Avoid exposure to dangerous substances, such as cigarette smoke and other chemicals.
(brl/far)
