Why are my lymphatic nodes swollen?
Lumps in your neck, armpit or behind your ears? Maybe your lymphatic nodes are swollen. There are different causes for swollen lymphatic nodes, in this blog you can find the most common ones and all you need to know about how lymphatic drainage can help you to reduce this inflammation and other benefits. So let’s have a look…
What do lymphatic nodes do?
First of all, you should know that the lymph nodes are part of your lymphatic system. It is a network of organs, vessels, and as I said before the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system is present throughout your body. It is an important part of your immune system.
- They help the body recognise and fight germs, infections, bacteria and other foreign substances that might put your body under risk.
- Lymph nodes work like filters, trapping all what can cause disease before they can infect other parts of your body.
- Common areas where you might notice lymph nodes include the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and in the groin (specially when they are swollen).
Why do lymph nodes get swollen?
Viruses, bacteria, immune disorder and especially infections are causes of swollen nodes.
- Ear infection
- Cold, flu and other breathing infections
- Gingivitis (inflammation of the gum)
- Mouth ulcers
- Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
- Tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils)
- Tuberculosis
- Skin infections (celulitis)
- Toxoplasmosis (parasitic infection as a result of contact with the droppings of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat)
- Cat scratch disease (bacterial infection caused by a cat scratch or bite)
Immune or autoimmune disorders
- HIV
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Lupus
Some types of cancer can cause swollen nodes:
- Leukemia.
- Hodgkin ‘s disease.
- Non-Hodgkin ‘s lymphoma.
- Other types of cancers
- Other cancers that have spread (metastasized) to the lymph nodes
In addition, some medicines can cause swollen lymph nodes:
- Anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin (Dilantin)
- Typhoid vaccine
How do I know that my lymph nodes are swollen? (symptoms)
According to the cause you may experience some of these:
- Swelling, you may feel them the size of a pea or bean, sometimes lager.
- Tenderness and pain in the lymph nodes
- Fiber
Swelling and pain in the lymph nodes are usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection. The pain usually goes away in a couple of days without treatment. However, inflammation may last for several weeks, but you can help reduce swelling faster with MLD manual lymphatic drainage .
How can MLD help me to reduce swollen nodes?
MLD stimulates your lymphatic system by clearing blockages, reducing inflammation, eliminating toxins and allowing freer and more efficient transport of nutrients to cells. In turn, this boosts the immune system and increases metabolism.
How is MLD performed?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a form of massage. It is different from other forms of massage, it utilises a very light pressure combined with soft pumping movements in the direction of the lymph nodes. The process can take from 30 minutes (when just concentrating on localised problem areas), to two hours for a whole-body treatment.
What are the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage
- Clearing areas of congestion such as swollen ankles, puffy eyes and swollen legs.
- Promotion of scar tissue healing, torn ligaments and sprains.
- Post-operative healing.
- Swelling relief following plastic surgery.
- Boost your immune system.
- Treatment of Lymphoedema and other conditions arising from venous insufficiency.
- Improving chronic conditions such as sinusitis, arthritis, acne and other skin conditions.
- Deep relaxation and stress relief.
- Reduce cellulite appearance.
- Help to get rid of toxins.
- Help to reduce and balance fluid in the body.
- Unblock milk ducts which could cause mastitis.
We hope this information is useful. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. We are always glad to help. If you like this blog, please share!
We are always happy to help!
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