Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are clusters of tiny bean shaped cells that are present in the body in chains or groups. These lymph nodes form an important part of the immune system and lymphocytes exist within these glands. Lymph nodes play an important role in trapping the particles and foreign materials such as bacteria or cancer cells that are infectious. The lymph nodes thus are barriers to infection and have an important part to play in the body’s immune response.
Causes
Lymph nodes become swollen or enlarged due to a number of reasons and if these glands are swollen it is indicative that something is possibly wrong. These lymph nodes could swell rapidly or gradually. They swell rapidly if you have some viral or bacterial infection and can be painful. In some diseases like cancer, these glands tend to grow slowly and there is no pain involved.
The treatment of lymph nodes that are swollen will depend largely on what has caused them. If there is inflammation of the nodes, there is no need for concern. However, if the enlarged nodes are combined with symptoms of another condition, it is important that you seek a medical opinion.
If you have swollen lymph nodes, pain relievers or some kind of medication that helps reduce fever, can come in handy. You can also try and elevate the area that is affected. You could dip a cloth in hot water, wring it out, and apply it to the areas that are affected. Pressing a heat pad against the affected area for around fifteen minutes can also be beneficial. Your doctor may prescribe some antibiotics or antiviral medication especially if the problem is caused by some infection.
Home Remedies
You can also try some natural remedies to treat the core causes of the problem. Herbal treatment and homeopathic remedies are found beneficial in the treatment of swollen lymph nodes. They not only improve your overall health but are also gentle and do not have any side effects. It is however important that you get your herbal medicines from a reputable company to ensure that the quality is good and you get the right dosage as well.
Mix honey with a cup of hot tea and drink it. Honey is considered to be effective in the treatment of swollen lymph nodes. Stress sometimes causes your lymph nodes to swell and it is also important that you get enough rest as this will help in your recovery.