LymphadenitisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Lymphadenitis Overview
Learn About Lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis is an infection of the lymph nodes (also called lymph glands). It is a complication of certain bacterial infections.
Lymph node infection; Lymph gland infection; Localized lymphadenopathy
The lymph system (lymphatics) is a network of lymph nodes, lymph ducts, lymph vessels, and organs that produce and move a fluid called lymph from tissues to the bloodstream.
The lymph glands, or lymph nodes, are small structures that filter the lymph fluid. There are many white blood cells in the lymph nodes to help fight infection.
Lymphadenitis occurs when the glands become enlarged by swelling (inflammation), often in response to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The swollen glands are usually found near the site of an infection, tumor, or inflammation.
Lymphadenitis may occur after skin infections or other infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus. Sometimes, it is caused by rare infections such as tuberculosis or cat scratch disease (Bartonella).
Symptoms may include:
- Red, tender skin over lymph node
- Swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes
- Fever
Lymph nodes may feel rubbery if an abscess (pocket of pus) has formed or they have become inflamed.
Lymphadenitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin right away.
Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection
- Analgesics (painkillers) to control pain
- Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce inflammation
- Cool compresses to reduce inflammation and pain
Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.
Fernando Artigao-Baquero practices practicing medicine in La Paz, Spain. Mr. Artigao-Baquero is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphadenitis. He is also highly rated in 15 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Lymphadenitis, and Cytomegalovirus Infection.
Teresa Del Rosal-Del Rosal Rabes practices practicing medicine in La Paz, Spain. Ms. Del Rosal-Del Rosal Rabes is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphadenitis. She is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Lymphadenitis, Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease, Congenital Cytomegalovirus, Cytomegalovirus Infection, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
Ana Echevarria-Mendez practices practicing medicine in La Paz, Spain. Ms. Echevarria-Mendez is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Lymphadenitis. She is also highly rated in 1 other condition, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Lymphadenitis, COVID-19, Lymphangiectasis, Pneumonia, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually leads to a complete recovery. It may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear.
Untreated lymphadenitis may lead to:
- Abscess formation
- Cellulitis (a skin infection)
- Fistulas (seen in lymphadenitis that is due to tuberculosis)
- Sepsis (bloodstream infection), which can lead to death
Contact your provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphadenitis.
Good general health and hygiene are helpful in the prevention of any infection.
Summary: This observational study aims to learn more about complicated infections treated by otorhinolaryngologists. The main questions to answer are: * What is the management of complicated sinonasal infections in Ljubljana, Slovenia, * What is the management of complicated ear and temporal bone infections in Ljubljana, Slovenia, * What is the management of complicated neck soft tissue infections in Ljubl...
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading causes of infectious disease worldwide. The diagnosis of TB typically relies on microbiological evidence of the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) or histological features of the host immune response to MTB in the infected organs. The diagnosis can be enhanced by performing molecular diagnostic tests (e.g. polymerase chain reaction, PCR) on the cli...
Published Date: May 12, 2025
Published By: Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Roy and Diana Vagelos Professor in Medicine, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Stevens DL, Bisno AL, Chambers HF; Infectious Diseases Society of America, et al. Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of skin and soft tissue infections: 2014 update by the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. 2014;59(2):e10-e52. Erratum in: Clin Infect Dis. 2015;60(9):1448. Dosage error in article text. PMID: 24973422 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24973422/.
Stevens DL, Bryant AE, Hagman MM. Nonpneumococcal streptococcal infections and rheumatic fever. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 269.