Lymph tissue inflammation

Description

Lymphangitis or lymph tissue inflammation. Inflammation of lymph nodes and lymph canals. The most common cause is infection (especially streptococcus or staphylococcus bacterial infection); tumor may also cause this disorder. Location of the affected gland is usually linked with the location of main infection, tumor or inflammation.

Symptoms

Red stripes spreading far from the affected area, pulsatile pain along the affected area, fever, shivering, bad general condition, headache, loss of appetite, pain in muscles.

Overview

Anamnesis is being taken and physical examination is being done. A cause of the inflammation may be discovered with a biopsy or swab of affected lymph node or surrounding tissue. Blood culture tests may be done to identify infectous agent.

Tests

Complete blood count (CBC).

Additional analyses

Blood culture, tissue biopsy culture.

Specialists

General Practice, Internal Medicine

Therapy

Treatment may include: oral antibiotics, painkillers such as paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen/Brufen, naproxen) and warm wet compressions. Surgery may be required to drainage the abscess. If the infection is severe, patient may get antibiotics intravenously.