Lymphadenopathy

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Lymphadenopathy (lim-fad-e-NOHP-ah-thee) is the swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small organs found throughout your body especially in your neck, under your arms, and around your inguinal area. The inguinal area is where your leg and your abdomen (stomach) meet. Lymphadenopathy can occur in one or more areas of the body. It is commonly caused by an infection.
  
  
• Swollen lymph nodes may appear as painful, warm, and reddish lump. These lymph nodes may be hard, soft, fixed, or movable. Symptoms commonly include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and tiredness. Blood tests, chest x-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and lymph node biopsy are tests that may be needed to diagnose lymphadenopathy. Treatment is often given for the underlying diseases. Ask your caregiver for more information about these tests and treatment.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• Do not poke or squeeze the swollen lymph nodes.
  
  
• Applying heat to the swollen glands may help you feel better. You may use warm compresses, or an electric heating pad set on low.
  
  
• If you have a fever, rest until your temperature returns to normal. You may resume activity slowly after your fever is gone. Be sure to rest when you are tired.
  
  
• You may not feel like eating while you are ill. Try to eat a balanced diet. Drink at least eight glasses of fluids each day, especially while you have a fever.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have a new swollen and painful lymph node.
  
  
• You have a skin rash.
  
  
• Your lymph node remains swollen, painful, or increases in size.
  
  
• Your lymph node has red streaks around it, or the skin around the lymph node is red.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• The swollen lymph nodes bleed.
  
  
• The swollen lymph nodes in your neck affects your breathing or swallowing.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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