Lymph Node Infection

An infection of the lymph nodes, known medically as lymphadenitis, is the inflammation of these small organs that are part of the body's defense system, caused by infectious agents. The lymph nodes usually enlarge when they are fighting a nearby infection.

Common symptoms: The appearance of tender or painful lumps in areas such as the neck, the armpits, or the groin, sometimes with redness of the skin, fever, or general malaise.

When should you see a doctor? If the lymph nodes grow, hurt, do not shrink over time, or are accompanied by persistent fever, it is worth an evaluation.

Which specialist treats it? The infectious disease specialist studies the infectious causes, and the internist can coordinate the overall evaluation of a lymph node infection. Seeing one of these professionals allows the source to be identified and the proper follow-up provided.