Chronic Lymphadenitis

(Lymph Node Infection; Lymph Gland Infection; Lymph Node Inflammation; Lymph Gland Inflammation)

by Amy Scholten, MPH

Definition

Chronic lymphadenitis is when one or more lymph nodes are infected or inflamed for a long time. Lymph nodes help the body get rid of bacteria and viruses.

They are found in the neck, armpits, and groin.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Causes

Lymphadenitis is usually caused by an infection in the skin, ear, nose, or eye. It then spreads to the lymph nodes. Other causes are:

Strep or staph infections
Tonsillitis
Viral infections such as:
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Leukemia or lymphoma
Sickle cell anemia
Kawasaki disease

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in children under 12 years of age. Things that may raise the risk are:

Having an infection that causes it
Being in close contact with someone who has an infection that causes it
Having contact with animals

Symptoms

Symptoms are:

Swollen, painful, or hard lymph nodes—may be one or many nodes, one area of the body or widespread
Skin over a node that is red and warm to the touch
Fever
Problems swallowing or breathing
Neck stiffness

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health past. A physical exam may be done. There are many things that can cause lymph swelling. Tests to find a cause may include:

Blood tests
Lymph node biopsy
Ultrasound

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Options may be:

Medicines such as:
- Antibiotics to treat infection
- NSAIDs to reduce inflammation (aspirin may be advised for adults only)
Home care such as hot, moist compresses to help relieve pain
Surgery to drain pockets of pus

Prevention

The risk of this health problem may be lowered by:

Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
Washing hands regularly
Treating infections early

RESOURCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians
https://www.familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Alberta Health
http://www.health.alberta.ca

Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca

References:

Lymphadenitis. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/infectious_diseases/lymphadenitis_134,80. Accessed January 18, 2021.

Lymphadenopathy in adults—approach to the patient. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/approach-to/lymphadenopathy-in-adults-approach-to-the-patient. Accessed January 18, 2021.

Tzankov A, Dirnhofer, S. A pattern-based approach to reactive lymphadenopathies. Semin Diagn Pathol. 2018 Jan;35(1):4-19.

Last reviewed February 2020 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 1/18/2021

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