Back ear lymph node hurts. Inflammation of the parotid lymph node symptoms treatment

Behind the ear lymph nodes - lymph nodes that are located in the back of the ear (behind the lobe, shell). Their soreness often indicates pathological processes. The reaction of formations to a meeting with microorganisms is a physiological phenomenon that allows the immune system to work more efficiently.

Location and dimensions

Around the auricle (or near it) there are nodular lymphatic formations, as indicated below:

parotid (under the lobe);
posterior ear (behind the sink);
preauricular anterior (in front of the tragus).

During the study of the behind-the-ear lymph nodes, their soreness, consistency, adhesion to each other and neighboring tissues, as well as size are evaluated. As a rule, the normal diameter of formations is no more than 1 cm.

The growth of tissue formations, accompanied by an increase in their size, is called "lymphadenopathy". This is an intermediate diagnosis, which is specified after identifying the cause of the inflammatory process. With localized lymphadenopathy, anatomical regions are analyzed through which lymph passes, filtered by enlarged glands. At the same time, generalized inflammation of the immune system is excluded.

Causes of violation of the behind-the-ear lymph nodes

Most often, the glands become larger in response to the inflammation triggered by the infection and occurring in the area where they filter the lymph.

The most common causes of behind-the-ear nonspecific lymphadenitis are:

If the malfunction of the behind-the-ear lymph nodes proceeds without suppuration, is not accompanied by pain and occurs as a result of one of the diseases listed above, and after treatment the state of the glands returns to normal, then local lymphadenopathy is diagnosed, which is the body's response to infection invasion.

A specific violation of the links of immunity behind the ear occurs as a result of the following diseases and conditions:

Infection with HIV infection, while an increase in the glands is sometimes the only symptom of the pathology and is observed long time. In addition, the sizes of other groups of immune links change.
Hereditary lipid metabolism disorders (for example, Niemann-Pick disease).
Autoimmune disorders, in particular, systemic lupus erythematosus.
Oncological pathologies (Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, metastases of other cancers).

The list of diseases and conditions that provoke soreness, a visual increase in behind-the-ear nodules, is quite extensive. Only the most common causes of deviations from the norm are given. Only a doctor can determine the cause of inflammation of the glands.

When to Seek a Specialist Urgently

It is recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible if:

The size of the lymph nodes behind the ear is 1.5 cm or more, they have a dense texture, while neighboring tissues are involved in the process, which leads to the appearance of almost motionless formations. In the absence of adequate and timely treatment, a purulent process often develops, accompanied by redness of the skin, and then a breakthrough of the gland with the release of its contents to the outside and the formation of a fistula. Such a clinical picture is inherent in tuberculosis.
The lymph nodes have acquired a dense consistency, they do not hurt when pressed, do not merge with nearby tissues, but in advanced cases they form into conglomerates. The described manifestations sometimes point to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Painful, enlarged glands gradually transform into buboes up to 5 cm in diameter. This phenomenon is inherent in the bubonic form of tularemia.

If a visual change in the size of the behind-the-ear lymph nodes is not accompanied by signs of an infectious process, then you need to consult a doctor to identify the cause of the deviations from the norm.

The lymphatic system is a protective barrier of the entire human body and it is she who first encounters microbes and viruses that can infect a person.

The overall function of the lymphatic system is to destroy bacteria and viruses that enter the bloodstream from outside. As soon as the virus enters the body, the lymphatic system immediately begins to react to this with peculiar processes.

One of the options for the reaction may be inflammation of the lymph node behind the ear, in the groin area or on the neck. The lymphatic system is just as important for the body as the circulatory system. It is she who helps to cleanse the cells and tissues of the body, and also regulates the metabolism in the body.

Causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes

Before determining the causes of inflammation of the lymph nodes, you should know what, in general, the lymphatic system consists of.

Generally speaking, lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped formations, which are located in the body in large quantities. They are most often located in small groups along the flow of lymphatic vessels.

The parotid lymph node is located just behind the ear shell. But in healthy it is almost impossible to feel it, it is too soft. But when the behind-the-ear knot becomes inflamed, it can be easily determined by simply swiping your finger along inside shells.

But its inflammation in most cases indicates that the patient has ENT infection such as otitis media, pharyngitis, otitis media, laryngitis and so on. Quite often, an infection becomes the cause of inflammation of the node behind the ear. But it may also be that a similar symptom indicates more serious illnesses, such as mumps or rubella.

If the enlargement of the lymph nodes is not accompanied serious illnesses or pus does not accumulate in them, then most often the doctor will make a diagnosis parotid lymphadenopathy. This means that the body has reacted to the presence of foreign viruses and bacteria in it.

If the disease is accompanied by suppuration, then it is diagnosed parotid lymphadenitis. The same disease is accompanied by headache and high fever.

What does inflammation of the lymph node behind the ear look like?

In addition to the nodes, the lymphatic system consists of the spleen, tonsils and thumus. These organs produce special antibodies that fight infection that has already entered the body. What is the difference between a healthy lymph node and a healthy one can be seen in the photo with medical portals or magazines.

The main symptom of inflammatory processes will be pain symptom in the ear. In addition, the pain often flows to the jaw or the ear itself. Redness may also appear at the site of the lesion.

Suppuration and enlargement of the node may be accompanied by an increase in temperature and bump formation in the region of the lymph node. The patient loses his appetite and sleep is disturbed. Often a rash appears in the affected area. But the latter is possible only if the painful condition continues for a long time.

But if pain is felt in the ear region and pus forms, then see a doctor immediately. Procrastination can be very detrimental to health. As doctors say, any inflammation in the head area can lead to serious consequences, even blood poisoning.

Diagnostic methods

As already mentioned, lymph nodes can increase in size only after an infection enters the body. In this case, the node can grow to the size of a pea or walnut.

It is possible to determine what the cause of inflammation is only after a thorough examination. But at the initial stage, the doctor can conduct a visual examination, determine how severe pain occur when a node is clicked.

In addition, the doctor may examine the remaining lymph nodes, thyroid gland and tonsils. This is done in order to make the correct diagnosis and select an objective treatment, and the doctor will be able to quickly understand why the node may become inflamed in this case.

Most often, treatment helps to eliminate the main symptoms of the disease and stop the inflammatory process. But if the treatment does not give the desired results, then the patient may be prescribed full examination organism.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe Ultrasound or tomography. After all, the danger of inflammation of the lymph node is that it can lead to malignant or benign tumor. Therefore, to eliminate the possibility of complications, the doctor may also prescribe a biopsy.

Ways to treat inflammation of the lymph nodes

If a patient has lymphadenitis, then for his treatment, sometimes a simple symptomatic treatment, which will help relieve the main pain symptoms and eliminate the inflammatory process.

Extremely heating pads are undesirable and a variety of warming procedures, this can lead to an increase in nodes and the fact that lymphadenitis passes into a more complex phase.

Finding the right treatment, maybe only an experienced doctor. Most often, the patient is prescribed the following drugs and procedures:

Antibiotic a wide range action to help relieve inflammation.
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
If there is edema, physiotherapy is prescribed.

If the patient has suppuration in the region of the lymph nodes, then their cleaning may be prescribed. And at the end of this procedure, the patient a course of antibiotics is prescribed and other drugs that will help the body recover.

The lymph node in a child can become inflamed for various reasons. Therefore, if his ear hurts, do not self-medicate, but see a doctor immediately.

Only an experienced specialist will prescribe the correct treatment for the child. Especially if the lymph node with a purulent formation and the child is suspected of having lymphadenitis. The ear may hurt for the following reasons:

deterioration of immunity;
tonsillitis;
sinusitis;
angina.

Preventive measures

Now you know the location of the lymph nodes in the ear. And if you or your child has an earache, you need to see a doctor immediately, you know too. But you should not ignore the symptoms of the disease in any case.

However, the ear protect from water and cold, and also do not overcool or overheat. Lymphadenitis can occur suddenly and lead to serious complications. And because lymphadenitis is easier to prevent than to cure.

The main preventive measures are that you should visit a doctor in preventive purposes to prevent the formation of any complications. try do not injure the skin in the ear, this in most cases, becomes the cause of ear diseases. Treat your teeth in time, caries also leads to inflammation in the ear.

The behind-the-ear lymph nodes are light pink, bean-shaped formations. Usually there are no more than four. Normally, you can't feel them. They perform a drainage function (protection from foreign substances), as well as a protective one (prevent the development of oncological processes in the ENT organs).

Enlarged lymph nodes are a sign of a hidden or overt inflammatory process in these organs. But the lymph nodes also hold back the rapid spread of infection, so some diseases can go unnoticed.

What is the role of the lymph nodes behind the ear?

Drainage. Cleanses the body from the presence of foreign substances;
The fight against infection and atypical cells in the formation of tumors;
The formation of antibodies to pathogens of inflammation;
Participation in the metabolic processes of the body. Useful substances are transported to the cells with the help of lymph.

An increase in the behind-the-ear lymph nodes is observed in oncological diseases, an inflammatory process in the body.

Behind the ear lymph nodes can increase with increased load when the infection is destroyed, as well as tumor cells. They take the form of fairly dense and painful nodes that have a different size. During this period, the size of the thymus, tonsils, adenoids increases. They also take part in the fight against infections.

Causes of behind-the-ear lymphadenitis

Behind the ear lymphadenitis (inflammation of the behind the ear lymph nodes) develops with labyrinthitis, otitis media, tonsillitis and tonsillitis, pharyngitis and laryngitis, stomatitis and periodontitis.

In children, lymph nodes most often increase with otitis media that occurs with acute respiratory infections.

Behind the ear lymphadenitis is caused by infectious agents when it enters lymph node. From the focus of inflammation, they move along lymphatic vessels and veins. The inflammatory process has a specific or non-specific character.

How does lymphadenitis proceed?

Nonspecific lymphadenitis is caused by staphylococci, Escherichia coli and streptococci. Inflammation proceeds without features. Specific behind-the-ear lymphadenitis is provoked by pathogens of syphilis, tuberculosis. His distinctive feature is a manifestation of the features characteristic of these diseases. It can be acute or be in the chronic stage.

In acute behind-the-ear lymphadenitis, the lymph nodes increase in volume, the skin under them becomes swollen and reddens, pain is felt. But the lymph nodes do not change their elasticity and do not solder with nearby tissues. The acute phase always proceeds in the catarrhal form (with the absence of pus) and hemorrhagic (with secretions of pus or bloody clots).

Catarrhal lymphadenitis is determined by an increase in the size and soreness of the lymph node. Usually the skin around it does not change. At the purulent stage, there is also a headache, malaise, chills, fever, redness and swelling of the skin behind the ear. The lymph node enlarges and causes severe pain. Very dangerous. The infection can get into the field of vision or into the brain.

Treatment of behind-the-ear lymph nodes

Before starting the treatment of lymph nodes, it is necessary to clearly determine the cause of their increase. This will be done by an otolaryngologist. The reason may not be in the inflammatory process. Then the therapist should take up the treatment, prescribing a complete examination.

Acute purulent lymphadenitis requires antibiotic therapy. At the same time, the focus of infection, which led to the development of the disease, is also treated.

In the absence of a purulent inflammatory process, warming procedures are prescribed for the area of the nodes. They are forbidden to appoint with purulent inflammation. In this case, the problem is solved surgically (opening the abscess).

With inadequate treatment of acute behind-the-ear lymphadenitis, it gradually passes into the chronic stage. With reduced immunity, the chronic stage occurs from the very beginning of the disease. Chronic otitis media can also be the cause. The patient will be disturbed by general weakness.

An increase in lymph nodes in the behind the ear indicates the presence of some serious problem. Only a doctor can determine the cause of the increase and prescribe treatment.

Lymph nodes play an invaluable role in the human body. One of their natural functions is to protect the body from negative components and filter them, which makes the lymph node system itself prone to inflammatory processes with existing serious problems in the body.

In this article, we will talk about the system of lymph nodes located on the facial segment, starting from the top of the cheekbone to the upper edge of the ear, and in the region behind the ear, the inflammation of which is called “parotid lymphadenitis” by medicine. Let us consider in detail the causes of the etiology of the disease and its symptoms, the specifics of the treatment and prevention of the disease, as well as how dangerous this disease is, what it can threaten the sick person with.

Factors in the development of inflammatory processes in the parotid lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are a kind of security points through which lymph passes, being cleansed of contractors of infectious and viral origin, preventing their further spread throughout the body. With normal functioning and the absence of infections in the body, the nodes work normally, however, if the coefficient of negative components goes off scale, the lymphatic modules let the person know about it with an appropriate signal from a certain system of nodal formations.

Medicine divides the root causes of parotid lymphadenitis into two broad categories: specific and nonspecific provocateurs. The first group of pathology initiators includes:

the presence in the body of problems of autoimmune origin - HIV or AIDS;
tuberculosis and oncological diseases;
complex disorders in the work of the endocrine and lymphatic complexes, serious disruptions in the processes of hematopoiesis;
measles, rubella and others viral diseases complex etiology.

Behind-the-ear lymphadenitis of a nonspecific type develops mainly against the background of infection of the body with staphylococcal or streptococcal bacilli, as well as other viral pathogens:

problems that can be provoked by ineffective sanitation oral cavity(these include extensive caries, periodontal disease);
inflammation of the ear of a complex category;
viral diseases of the respiratory type;
allergic-type reactions caused by eczema or psoriasis;
boils or untreated wounds and abrasions as sources of infection.

In the adult population, the source of pathology can be addictions, such as alcohol abuse, smoking, however, a 100% causal relationship between these habits and pathology has not been proven by science.

Symptomatic manifestation of parotid lymphadenitis

The symptomatology of the disease varies depending on the form of progression of lymphadenitis in the patient. With a non-purulent variety of lymphadenitis behind the ear, patients mainly complain of the following symptoms:

pain when probing the inflamed segment;
a slight deterioration in general health indicators, which include body aches, increased fatigue and malaise;
limited increase in size of one or more lymph nodes, their compaction.

The intensity of pain indicates the complexity of the course of the pathology, however, you need to consult a doctor at the first manifestations of the disease, since each person has an individual pain threshold, which can cause the onset of dangerous symptoms to be missed.

Purulent lymphadenitis is more dangerous for a person, makes itself felt by the following symptoms:

an increase in body temperature with a significant deterioration in well-being;
malaise and general weakness in the body;
swelling close to;
monolithic connection of tissues and lymph nodes;
impulsive pain of an intense nature inside the focus of inflammation;
when you press on the lymph node, an uncharacteristic sound is heard, similar to crackling;
hyperthermia of local type.

Each of the forms of pathology can take place both in an acute form and be characterized by a chronic course of the disease. The above symptoms are more typical for an acute inflammatory process. The chronic course of the pathology is most often not accompanied by intense pain, while the disease may be indicated by an increased size of the lymph nodes even without the presence of infectious diseases.

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnostic procedures involve identifying the primary source of the disease. The first instance that a person with inflamed nodes in the parotid region needs to visit is family doctor or a therapist, for children - a pediatrician.

The doctor conducts a preliminary examination of the patient with palpation of the inflamed area. Based on the examination and complaints of the patient, a preliminary diagnosis of "parotid lymphadenitis" can be made. Next, the patient will have to go through a series of narrow specialists in order to determine the source of infection, as well as pass standard laboratory tests. Additionally, the patient may be prescribed a passage ultrasound inflamed segment.

Further diagnostic procedures depend on the individual indicators characteristic of the patient. If the source lymphatic inflammation is “on the surface”, then steps are taken to treat it. Otherwise, the search involves additional analyzes and comprehensive examination organism.

The International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 classifies lymphadenitis as part of the "Infections of the skin and subcutaneous tissue". Inflammation of the parotid lymph nodes in medical records identified by the code L 04.0, indicating the localization of infected lymph nodes on the neck, face or head.

Methodology for the treatment of lymphadenitis of the parotid lymph nodes

The methodology for treating parotid lymphadenitis varies depending on the form of the progressive disease and its stage. In a situation with parotid lymphadenitis, medicine provides for an integrated approach to therapy aimed at simultaneously eliminating negative symptoms, using local treatment of the focus, taking antibacterial drugs, and targeted treatment of the primary source of pathology. With a purulent course of the disease, surgical intervention may be required.

Let us consider in more detail each of the areas of therapy for the disease, the rationality of its use in each case.

Antibacterial therapy vector

Antibiotics for lymphadenitis behind the ear is one of the central vectors for the treatment of the disease, used for any form of pathology. In each case, the specialist selects the most effective antibacterial medication that will affect the source of the disease.

If the disease is provoked infectious diseases standard category, the patient is mainly prescribed antibiotics with extensive effects on the body. In mild forms of the disease, preference is given to tablet preparations, such as Amoxiclav, Ciprofloxacin, Biseptol and others. In difficult cases, inpatient treatment of the disease with the introduction of antibiotics by injection can be prescribed. At the same time, the doctor controls the situation, regularly examining the patient and determining the effectiveness of therapy, if necessary, an antibacterial agent can be replaced.

If the patient has a specific type of pathology, then he is prescribed antibiotics of the appropriate category. In this case, it is important that antibiotic therapy does not cause more significant harm to the body, harmonizes with the treatment that is carried out for the underlying disease.

Pain medications

An equally important task of the doctor in the treatment of parotid lymphadenitis is to relieve intense pain that disturbs the patient. During the period of exacerbation pain symptoms are piercing in nature, which aggravates the general health of the patient and affects the effectiveness of the main therapy.

To eliminate pain, drugs such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol can be used, which, in addition to helping to stabilize body temperature and are characterized by a slight anti-inflammatory effect.

If the pain syndrome is not very pronounced, the use of drugs in this category is contraindicated. In addition, the uncontrolled use of painkillers is strictly prohibited, they can only be used as prescribed by the doctor and in the appropriate dosages, so as not to disrupt the dynamics of the effectiveness of therapy.

Antiallergic drugs

The anti-allergic direction of treatment in the complex therapy of the disease is used in situations where the primary source of the pathology is the provocateurs of the allergenic type. It is also acceptable to prescribe antiallergic class drugs when patients take antibiotics that have allergic reactions in contraindications.

The feasibility of using antiallergic therapy is assessed by the attending physician, while preference is given to third-generation medications, which are characterized by a minimum amount of adverse reactions and the absence of a hypnotic effect on the body.

Local therapy

Local treatment of the inflamed segment is an effective method of influencing the symptoms of the disease. Special medical supplies for external use, such as "Sinalar" or "Dimexide", help to reduce swelling and tissue regeneration inside the focus.

With existing purulent formations in the area hearing aid compresses with Ichthyol ointment or Vishnevsky ointment may be prescribed, which contribute to the effective release of purulent accumulations to the outside. It is rational to use these drugs only in cases where the inflammation has an extensive form.

Ear lymphadenitis is strictly forbidden to be treated with hot compresses or heating - this can contribute to the appearance of suppuration in the node with all the ensuing consequences. Applying cold compresses to “reduce swelling” is also strictly contraindicated, as it can cause even more inflammation of already problematic lymph nodes.

Surgery

A radical, extreme measure of therapy for lymphadenopathy is surgery. Doctors resort to such an extreme method of treatment only in cases where other methods of therapy for behind-the-ear lymphadenitis do not work, or the cause of inflammation is of an oncological nature.

In the first situation, surgical intervention involves resection of the inflamed node, followed by antibiotic therapy, accompanied by an increase in the patient's immunity through special medical preparations. In the second case, with oncology, surgical intervention and subsequent therapy are carried out exclusively by a specialist oncologist.

Folk ways

Funds traditional medicine are still used by people of the old school for the treatment of diseases of any etiology, and lymphadenitis is no exception. However, talking about the effectiveness of treatment folk methods disease is quite difficult, because without the parallel intake of antibacterial drugs and other pharmacological agents it is almost impossible to achieve a positive result of therapy.

Despite this folk ways in the treatment of lymphadenitis take place as aids, are recommended as additional methods that enhance the effect of therapy. Consider effective methods therapy of lymphadenitis with folk remedies, which are not prohibited by doctors and are even recommended as part of complex traditional treatment:

The usual ones, brewed with raspberries, echinacea or rose hips, help to reduce the process of intoxication, increase human immunity.
Celandine infusion can be used as a compress. The herb has a positive anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect, which reduces pain and speeds up the process of eliminating puffiness.
Compresses from the infusion of St. John's wort, oregano or walnut leaves allow you to more effectively fight the inflammatory process.
If the cause of the pathology lies in the inflammation of the salivary parotid gland, rinsing the mouth with a solution of potassium permanganate, baking soda or non-concentrated lemon juice - a tablespoon in a glass of water helps to effectively remove the inflammatory process.

Alternative medicine has a lot of different recipes for infusions for compresses, healing decoctions and recipes for rinsing the mouth, however, before self-medicating, consult your doctor: folk remedies, despite their natural origin, may have side effects and be unsafe for human health.

Features of the treatment of the disease in children

The progression of parotid lymphadenitis in children of school and adolescence is a fairly common occurrence. The causes of the pathology can be infectious and viral provocateurs, as well as the characteristics of the child's body in the process of its physiological formation.

If symptoms of lymphadenitis appear in a child behind the ear, it is necessary to immediately contact a pediatrician to prescribe appropriate treatment. The fact is that children more painfully endure any of the forms of lymphadenitis behind the ear, the disease is accompanied by the appearance of temperature, severe malaise, lack of appetite.

The methodology for the treatment of lymphadenitis in children is practically no different from the therapy of an adult. A feature of the treatment of pathology in the pediatric category of patients is the selection of drugs according to age indicators, as well as their dosage.

Even if the problem lies in age-related changes, and not in infection of the patient, the child should be given health care. With the progression of the pathology due to age indicators, the patient may not be prescribed antibacterial drugs aggressive impact. In this case, there may be enough methods of wellness therapy, including taking drugs to increase immunity, vitamin complexes, physiotherapeutic procedures, however, the methodology of treatment in each individual case should be selected only by a doctor, taking into account the course of the disease, concomitant factors and the prevailing symptoms.

Complications and consequences

Lymphadenitis behind the ears is a dangerous disease, both for a child and for an adult. Most often, with a timely visit to the doctor, the disease begins to recede immediately after the start of therapy for the provocateur of the disease and disappears after its absolute cure.

If not on time, the inflammation will progress, spreading to adjacent tissues. During the inflammatory process in the focus of infection, the lymphoid tissue dies off with its replacement by the connective epithelium. As a result of this process, the lymph node loses its functional abilities irrevocably: in the future, the problem node will no longer be able to perform the filtering function, which, upon subsequent infection of a person, will provoke a direct entry of viruses into the body through its unprotected area.

Even more dangerous not only for health, but also for life is purulent lymphadenitis. Purulent formation after maturation is opened by itself inward or outward. The second option in this situation is the most favorable, although it is accompanied by the danger of the onset of a septic process.

When an abscess ruptures into the internal muscle tissues, it is almost impossible to predict where the pus will go. Near the parotid lymph nodes are vascular connections that can transport pus purposefully to the brain, which is almost one hundred percent fatal.

The transition of lymphadenitis to a chronic form also carries hidden dangers for human life: impaired circulation of lymph in the body, expansion of the connective epithelium near the affected area, systematic swelling will become regular companions of the diseased.

Preventive measures

Prevention is healthy way human life. General strengthening of the body, hardening, playing sports and giving up bad habits - these well-known rules help the body to be more resistant to any diseases.

Do not ignore the systematic annual visits to doctors for the purpose of preventive examinations, which help to identify health problems in time and eliminate them without delay, without waiting until they manifest themselves in full force. Do not try to treat even a "harmless" cold yourself: incorrect treatment or its absence is a starting step towards lowering the body's protective barrier, and, consequently, provoking its defenselessness against viruses and bacteria.

Summing up

Lymphadenitis of the parotid region is most dangerous disease, which requires timely treatment, since the consequences of ignoring the disease are critical for a person.

Modern medicine allows you to cure lymphadenitis as soon as possible, as well as prevent the progression of complications if the patient has not started the pathology and asked for help in time. Do not be indifferent to your health - your life often depends on it.

Inflammation of the parotid lymph nodes is common and is caused by various reasons. Normally, in an adult, these glands are up to 5 mm in size and increase in response to infections of the ears and scalp.

If the lymph node near the ear is inflamed, then this indicates the entry of microbes into the body that the immune system cannot cope with. After recovery, the condition of the formations usually returns to normal.

If the lymph nodes near the ear are inflamed in a person, mandatory treatment is required. However, before proceeding with it, you need to find out the cause of deviations from the norm and get a doctor's advice. Most likely, the patient will have to take tests and undergo the necessary examinations.

Lymph nodes near the ear become inflamed as a result of the following reasons:

acute bacterial infection;
penetration into the body of staphylococci and streptococci;
inflammation of the salivary glands;
conjunctivitis;
adenovirus infection;
psoriasis;
dermatitis;
prolonged allergies;
complications after infection;
SARS, tonsillitis;
faces;
cat scratch disease
fungal infection;
inflammatory process in the upper segment of the respiratory tract;
skin damage near the formation;
alcoholism;
autoimmune pathologies;
tuberculosis, HIV infection;
diseases of the oral cavity and teeth (caries, gumboil);
bulimia;
ear inflammatory processes (otitis media, neuritis auditory nerve, furuncle of the external auditory canal);
toxoplasmosis;
oncological pathologies.

Often the inflammatory process occurs as a result of damage to the nearest area of \u200b\u200bthe skin. In this case, the pathology is primary. With the growth of lymphoid tissue against the background of the infectious process of other organs, we are talking about a secondary disease.

An insignificant change in the parotid lymph node on the one hand, which is not accompanied by other symptoms, usually indicates its active work and is not a deviation from the norm. In a healthy person, the size of the formation of the behind-the-ear region is no more than 5 mm. At the same time, it is painless and has an elastic consistency.

Remember! Why the parotid lymph node can become inflamed, what treatment is required and how to prevent the pathology in the future, only the doctor will tell. Self-medication is strictly prohibited!

Symptoms of the disease

If the lymph node near the ear is inflamed, then at an early stage the symptoms may be almost absent. Usually a person feels a little pain on palpation. Gradually, the following manifestations appear:

increase in the density of formations;
pronounced proliferation of lymphoid tissue;
increased soreness of the lymph node.

With the development of a purulent process in the parotid lymph nodes, the following symptoms join:

throbbing soreness;
increase in local and general temperature;
weakness in the whole body;
the appearance of clearly defined borders at the lymph node;
discomfort when moving the jaw or head;
change in skin color of the affected area;
headache;
crunching when pressing on the immune link;
decreased appetite.

With suppuration of the formation, the help of a surgeon is required, which should be contacted as soon as possible, otherwise there is a risk of complications.

In the case of chronic inflammation of the parotid lymph nodes, they become:

inactive;
palpable on palpation;
dense and elastic;
the skin over the affected formations retains its previous color, and the body temperature is within subfebrile values.

It is worth remembering that a visual change in the lymph nodes near the ear in children under 5 years of age and in persons over 70 years of age does not always indicate abnormalities, since the immune system is in the process of aging.

Diagnosis of pathology

If the parotid lymph nodes are inflamed, then you can’t do without a consultation and examination by a doctor. The specialist will carry out the necessary diagnostic measures and tell you in detail what to do with this problem.

In order to identify the cause of the inflammatory process, the following are used:

palpation of formations;
blood chemistry;
biopsy of the affected immune link;
CT and MRI;
serological tests for infections;
ultrasound examination of nodes;
X-ray of the lungs and Mantoux reaction;
blood test for cancer markers.

After establishing the diagnosis, the help of a narrow specialist (oncologist, ENT doctor, immunologist, etc.) will be required.

What to do if the parotid lymph nodes are inflamed

Having discovered a pathology, you need to consult with a therapist. With severe inflammation and an increase in body temperature, you can take an antipyretic drug. If the patient feels weak, headache and other unpleasant symptoms, it is recommended to call a doctor at home.

Suppuration of the lymph node in most cases is treated by surgery, so it is best to contact the surgeon immediately with this problem. Shouldn't run pathological process because it is fraught with the development of complications. It is contraindicated to warm the inflamed formations.

At proper treatment the patient's condition usually improves on 5-14 days. If after this time the symptoms of the pathology do not subside, then you need to inform the doctor about this. You may need to undergo additional examinations aimed at establishing the cause of the pathology.

If the lymph node near the ear is inflamed, you can not:

warm it up, because this will lead to a deterioration in the patient's condition and an increase in pain;
use warming, vodka compresses, as well as those based on menovazine;
draw a grid with iodine on the affected areas.

Do not self-medicate. Even if it leads to an improvement in the general condition, it will not be possible to completely cope with the disease without the help of a specialist.

Features of treatment

Features of the treatment of the disease depends on the cause that provoked it. The fight against the problem is complex. This means that external agents are used, as well as various drugs and physiotherapeutic methods.

For the treatment of inflammation of the lymph nodes near the ear are prescribed:

antibiotics from the group of cephalosporins or sulfonamides, the use of which is aimed at eliminating the infectious focus, preventing the development of complications and eliminating the inflammatory process in the immune links;
antiallergic medicines that reduce swelling of the formations;
painkillers (with severe discomfort in the affected area);
immunity stimulants, including plant origin;
vitamin and mineral complexes, primarily ascorbic acid (in order to restore immunity and speed up the healing process).

Antibacterial agents

Antibiotics for inflammation of the lymph nodes of the ear play a key role in the treatment. You should take drugs only according to the scheme prescribed by the doctor. The choice of medication is also carried out by a specialist. Commonly applied medicines wide spectrum of activity. In difficult cases, the patient is treated in a hospital with injection of medications.

With a specific type of underlying disease, appropriate antibiotics are prescribed, which are combined with external agents. It is important to complete the full course of drug therapy, as microbial resistance to drugs may develop.

Analgesics

Painkillers are usually used in the acute stage of inflammation of the parotid nodes and allow you to cope with the discomfort that has arisen. Popular drugs based on ibuprofen and paracetamol, the use of which is especially important in the case of high temperature body.

With a weak pain syndrome, the use of analgesics is not recommended. Too frequent and unreasonable use of drugs of this group can harm the body and lubricate clinical picture diseases, which in the future will make it difficult to choose the right therapy.

Antihistamines

Inflammation of the lymph node near the ear requires the use of antiallergic drugs if the violation has occurred as a result of sensitization of the body to external stimuli. The use of these drugs is justified and allergic reaction for antibiotics. Usually assigned antihistamines a new generation that does not have a hypnotic effect.

Local therapy

To stop the symptoms of the parotid inflammatory process, local preparations are used, for example, Sinalar or Dimexide. The latter is diluted with water in the proportions indicated by the doctor. The use of funds allows you to remove inflammation and swelling, and also helps to restore damaged tissues.

Physiotherapy procedures

Treatment with medicines is often supplemented by physiotherapy: electrophoresis, irradiation with a helium-neon laser or ultrasound. Such methods of therapy allow you to more effectively and quickly cope with the disease. The patient is required to complete a full course consisting of several sessions.

Surgical intervention

The operation is an extreme measure to combat inflammation of the nodes near the ear, which is used when other methods of therapy are ineffective, the oncological nature of the pathology, or the development of a purulent process. In extreme cases, resection of the immune links is used, but it can lead to adverse consequences.

Complications of inflammation of the lymph nodes of the parotid region

With untimely therapy, the progression of the disease is likely, which is fraught with its transition to a purulent form and the spread of infection throughout the body.

In case of occurrence chronic form may develop the following complications:

proliferation of connective tissue;
violations of the circulation of the lymph;
the appearance of puffiness in the area of formations;
occurrence of lymphedema.

Comprehensive treatment of pathology allows you to cope with it in the shortest possible time. With timely and proper therapy, the risk of complications tends to zero.