Contents:
- Medical Video: Neck Mass: Swollen Lymph Node
- Lymph nodes in swollen babies can be a sign of infection
- What causes swollen lymph nodes in a baby?
- What is the right handling if this happens?
- Then, does your child need to be taken to a doctor?
Medical Video: Neck Mass: Swollen Lymph Node
Generally, many lymph node swelling diseases are suffered by adults. However, what if the symptoms of this disease are actually seen in your baby? Is it possible for the lymph nodes in the baby to swell? See the following review.
Lymph nodes in swollen babies can be a sign of infection
Lymph nodes are an important part of the body's defense system against infections and diseases. This gland contains lymphocyte cells, which act as an infection inhibitor. Lymphocytes are responsible for producing substances called antibodies, which will paralyze parasites or germs that cause infection.
When swollen lymph nodes occur, usually the number of lymphocytes increases. This is caused by an infection or inflammation that causes lymphocytes to produce more antibodies. Well, if your child looks swollen in the neck, armpit, under the jaw, or behind the ear, this might indicate that the lymph nodes are disrupted.
An easy way to find out is to pay attention to the area around the swollen gland, usually there will be an infection or wound that causes swelling.
For example, a sore throat often causes the glands in the neck to swell; or an infection of the arm that causes the glands under the arm to swell. In general, babies have the possibility to develop swollen lymph nodes.
The reason is that viral infections are more prevalent at the age of babies to children than adults so that lymph nodes - especially those in the neck - tend to be larger.
What causes swollen lymph nodes in a baby?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, reported by Livestrong, in most cases the swollen lymph nodes in infants can be caused by infections, such as:
- Ear infections
- Sore throat
- Flu
- Dengue fever
- Sinusitis
Even in some cases, your child can also experience inflammation due to being teething, causing the lymph nodes to swell.
In essence, the lymph nodes in a swollen baby are not dangerous. This condition can actually be used as a sign of an infection, which is usually a mild infection. Take it easy, the lymph nodes in the baby will return to normal when the infection or inflammation has disappeared.
But to find out whether this condition is due to a mild infection, you should take your child to the doctor after you see the signs and symptoms that occur.
What is the right handling if this happens?
Treatment for this disease depends on the cause. If there is an infection around the swollen area, then taking the medicine from the doctor can treat it so that it returns the gland to its normal size. But if the infection directly attacks the lymph nodes, the consumption of medication from the doctor must also be accompanied by administration of warm compresses in the area of infection.
Then, does your child need to be taken to a doctor?
Basically, you can treat the swollen lymph nodes yourself. But if the gland swelling in the baby shows more unusual signs, such as:
- Lymph nodes swell for more than five days
- High fever exceeding 38.3 degrees Celsius
- The gland appears to swell throughout the body
- The gland looks enlarged very quickly, even the surrounding skin looks red to purple
You should immediately consult further with your pediatrician, so that the cause is known as soon as possible and appropriate treatment is taken.
