The lymphatic system consists of a network of capillaries particular, the lymph-filled (liquid with which the tissues are removed from the metabolic products, toxins, and bacteria) and lymph nodes (accumulation of immune cells). A healthy person's lymph nodes are not visible and can not be felt, and their increase indicates any pathological process in the body. Most often affects the lymph nodes in the neck, the changes which relate to a number of reasons.

Infectious diseases in which increased cervical lymph nodes

If the head and neck occurs inflammation (sinusitis, tonsillitis, caries), the germs to get into the flow of lymph cervical lymph nodes. Lymphocytes, which are found in them, are beginning to fight infection. This usually increases by one or two groups of nodes. When probing, they are painless and easy to move.

Cat scratch disease - a common cause of increased lymph nodes in children. The microbe that causes the infection is called Bartonella and cats tolerated. Most often, it is transported from the site of lymph scratch in the neck and axillary lymph nodes.

Infectious mononucleosis - a viral infection that occurs in children and adolescents, people over thirty sick much less often. First, there are signs of a sore throat, breathing through the nose difficult, the body temperature rises to 38-39º C. increases and becomes painful and submandibular lymph nodes zadnesheynye Submandibular lymph nodes - protection against infections . When probing they plotnovata, elastic, are not interconnected and the skin over them. In the early days of the disease also increased spleen and liver. General blood test used to confirm the presence of infectious mononucleosis. When it is determined by the conduct of a moderate increase in the number of leukocytes and the presence of special cells - mononuclear cells.

A gradual increase in cervical lymph nodes may be a sign of tuberculosis Symptoms of tuberculosis - easily overlooked . In people, this condition is often called "scrofula". In tuberculosis person concerned prolonged fever, night sweats Sweating at night - what is the cause and how to get rid of it , Wanton loss of weight and coughing. Of great importance is the contact with TB patients in the past. Radiographic studies, tests with tuberculin (Mantoux) test and treatment if necessary - an important stage of diagnosis of the disease. In the most severe cases lymph node biopsy - taking part for further study.

In addition to these diseases enlarged cervical lymph nodes may be a sign of brucellosis and tularemia. It is an infection that people can get from animals. Source brucellosis - large and small cattle, pigs, and tularemia is carried by rodents.

If cervical lymph nodes are enlarged for three months or more, it may be a sign of HIV infection. It is characteristic of symmetrical defeat. This process may involve other groups of lymph nodes, inguinal apart.

Changes in cervical lymph nodes in the tumor diseases

The defeat of the cervical lymph nodes in tumors is:

• The primary, when the tumor develops from lymph node tissue;
• Secondary or metastatic (tumor can have a different location, and its cells enter the lymph nodes through the lymphatic or blood vessels).

In most cases, Hodgkin's disease begins with enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, and their size can vary from a pea to a man's fist. When probing, they are painless, easily dislodged, they are not interconnected. The skin over these lymph nodes do not have any pathological changes. Such isolated lymph node enlargement can occur from six to eight months.

Later, increasing axillary and inguinal lymph nodes, affects the liver, spleen and lungs. The disease is always accompanied by fever with chills. One-third of patients with itching over the area changed lymph nodes, sometimes it spreads all over the body, deprives a person of appetite and sleep. When the disease progresses, the person loses weight quickly, and lymph nodes are dense and immobile. To confirm the diagnosis of lymphoma biopsy of lymph nodes, where the exhibit are typical of this disease Berezovsky-Sternberg cells.

In order to establish this diagnosis necessary findings of blood, bone marrow punctate of the sternum and trepanobiopsy (receiving bone marrow from the iliac bone).

The defeat of the cervical lymph nodes metastases, subject to the following malignancies:

• Cancer of the lips;
• Cancer of the buccal mucosa and gums;
• Cancer of the mouth and tongue;
• Tumors of the nose, throat;
• Tumors of the salivary glands;
• Thyroid cancer;
• Lung cancer;
• Mammary cancer.

Other reasons for the increase of lymph nodes in the neck

Often, injuries and insect bites become infected wound. If these lesions are located in the head and neck, the lymph that flows away from them, contains bacteria. Recent trapped in the cervical lymph nodes, where it starts to actively fighting microorganisms. By eliminating the source of infection becoming cervical lymph nodes of normal size.

With the introduction of some vaccines may develop allergic reactions. This increases the many groups of nodes, including the neck.

With an increase in cervical lymph nodes should see a doctor. He will appoint the necessary tests, referral to otolaryngology, dentists and other specialists. Treatment can be initiated only after diagnosis.

Problems with immunity in recent years become increasingly common among representatives of all age groups. It is promoted as an unhealthy lifestyle (overeating, bad habits, lack of physical activity) and stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis , Pollution, and other factors. A sign that the immune system can not handle the load and it needs special preparations for immunity Strengthening the immune system - help the immune system Can be frequent infections, fatigue, weakness, lethargy, lack of appetite. Typically, in such cases, even after the holiday lethargy and fatigue are just a short while.

To strengthen the immune system can be used as vitamin complexes and special medicines. In addition to these, patients are advised to make changes to their lifestyles, for example, start to eat right, move more, get enough sleep, enough rest.

Medications to strengthen immunity

Levamisole was originally developed as an anthelmintic drug, but it turned out that he is also capable of restoring a depressed immune system, acting on B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, monocytes and macrophages. It may appoint primary and secondary immunodeficiency, some chronic infections and autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, levamisole sometimes used in combination with other medications to treat certain types of cancer.

Levamisole can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, mouth sores, loss of appetite, stomach pain, changes in sensitivity to taste and smell, muscle pain, weakness, dizziness, skin rash, headache. If these symptoms become very distinct, and will cause considerable discomfort, you should talk to your doctor.

While receiving levamisole can not drink alcohol - it can cause severe indigestion and headaches.

Herbal drugs to strengthen the immune system

Among these products, the most popular is probably echinacea - and absolutely deservedly .  It is known that it was used for medicinal purposes Indians, and eventually she became known in many parts of the world, and almost everywhere it is used in folk medicine .  It is considered a natural antibiotic and antiviral agent, and it is often mistaken for the treatment of colds, flu, and some bacterial infections .  Echinacea contains polysaccharides and flavonoids, which strengthen the immune system by increasing the body's resistance .  Studies have shown that echinacea stimulates the activity of macrophages - immune system cells that transform bacteria and toxic substances that enter the body, and prevents the growth of tumors .  Echinacea is a part of such a popular product as Immunal .  These pills to strengthen the immune system the doctor may recommend to patients who often suffer from colds and flu .

Since Immunal sold without a prescription, adults can take it on its own initiative, for example, in the winter, when the probability of getting the flu is especially great. However, children under the age of twelve and allergies should not be given this medication without first consulting your doctor. Immunal is also available in liquid form, but because it contains ethanol, it is not suitable for everyone.

To strengthen the immune system and is widely used elderberry extract - a plant that people may treat a variety of ailments even in preliterate era. The composition of the berries and flowers of elderberry includes numerous vitamins, cytokines (substances that stimulate the immune system and have anti-inflammatory action), antioxidants, organic acids (including citric and acetic acid), essential oils. Elderberry extract - a great immunostimulant, which also helps with constipation, cough, and various infectious diseases.

Interferons

Interferons - a vast group of drugs used to strengthen and stimulate the immune system. Generally, interferons - proteins that are secreted by cells of the immune system (e.g., leukocytes and fibroblasts). Drugs called interferons are a human interferon produced by recombinant DNA technology. There are three major classes of interferons: alpha-, beta-, and gamma-interferons. Their mechanism of action is complex and not yet studied until the end. They are known to modulate the immune system's response to viruses, bacteria, cancer cells and other potentially dangerous substances. This means that they themselves do not destroy interferons pathogens or cancer cells; they make the immune system more actively to fight them.

Interferons can be used in a variety of diseases, for example:

• Interferon alfa-2b used in the treatment of diseases such as hairy cell leukemia, Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients, melanoma, chronic hepatitis B and C;
• Interferon alfacon-1 (Infergen) and pegylated interferon alfa-2b used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Chronic hepatitis C - creeps imperceptibly ;
• Interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) and interferon beta-1a (Avonex) is prescribed to patients with multiple sclerosis.

The most common side effects of interferon are the symptoms of influenza-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and malaise) that appear after each injection of the drug nearly half of the patients. In time they in most cases, become less pronounced.

Other possible side effects - fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, joint pain Joint pain - how to understand what is going on? , Back pain and dizziness. In addition, there have been cases of depression and suicide among patients taking interferons. It is not clear whether this was due to the drugs themselves, or disease, for the treatment of which they are used, but all patients who take interferon, is recommended to check for signs of depression.