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Lymphadenitis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Lymph node infection; Lymph gland infection; Localized lymphadenopathy

Treatment:

Lymphadenitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin promptly.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics to treat any underlying infection
• Analgesics to control pain
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Hot moist compresses to reduce inflammation and pain

Surgery may be needed to drain any abscess.

Expectations (prognosis):

Prompt treatment with antibiotics may result in complete recovery, though it may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear. The amount of time until recovery occurs will vary depending on the underlying cause.

Complications:

• Abscess formation
• Cellulitis
• Sepsis (generalized or bloodstream infection)
• Fistulas (seen with lymphadenitis due to tuberculosis)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphadenitis.

• Review Date: 6/25/2007
• Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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