Acute Lymphadenitis

Acute lymphadenitis is acute inflammation of lymph nodes (usually cervical/axillary/inguinal) from bacterial/viral infection, presenting with tender enlarged nodes, fever, and overlying erythema. Treatment: oral/IV anti-staph/strep antibiotics (cephalexin/anti-staph penicillin); warm compresses; treat primary source (pharyngitis/skin infection/otitis); incision/drainage if suppurative abscess; evaluate for TB/toxoplasmosis/lymphoma if persistent; follow-up imaging/biopsy if not resolving.

Common Symptoms

Tender enlarged nodes; fever; erythema; cervical/axillary/inguinal

Causes and Pathogenesis

Regional infection drains to nodes causing reactive bacterial inflammation.

Treatment

Antibiotics; treat source; drainage if abscess; biopsy if persistent

Preventive Measures

Treat upper-respiratory/skin infections early.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pediatrics/Infectious-disease/ENT/General-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.