What is Lymphadenitis?
Lymphadenitis is also known as Lymph node infection; Lymph gland infection; Localized lymphadenopathy. Lymphadenitis is an infection of the lymph nodes (also called lymph glands). It is a common complication of certain bacterial infections.
What Causes Lymphadenitis?
Lymphadenitis occurs when the glands become overwhelmed by bacteria, virus, fungi, cancer cells, or inflammation. The swollen glands are usually found near the site of an underlying infection, tumor, or inflammation.
Lymphadenitis may occur after cellulitis or other bacterial infections, particularly those due to streptococcus or staphylococcus. Sometimes it's due to rare infections such as tuberculosis or cat scratch disease (Bartonella).
What are the Symptoms?
Swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes
Red, tender skin over lymph node
Lymph nodes may feel soft and rubbery if an abscess has formed.
About the Lymph System
The lymph system is a network of organs, lymph nodes, lymph ducts, and lymph vessels (or channels) that produce and move a fluid called lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. For more information on this part of the body, see lymph system.
The lymph glands, or nodes, are small structures that filter the lymph fluid. There are many white blood cells in the lymph nodes to help fight infection.
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM)
