Internal Medicine

Lymph node swelling after an insect bite

Lymph nodes are one of the first filter stations for absorbed tissue water, also known as lymph. Each lymph node is responsible for a specific area of the body. There are large numbers of immune cells in the lymph nodes that recognize and fight pathogens. Lymph nodes are therefore an important part of the human immune system. If lymph nodes become active, they swell. Typically, this happens when there is contact with pathogens. Insect bites can also cause swelling of the lymph nodes. This is usually near the original stitch.

causes

A swelling of the lymph nodes after an insect bite indicates that the immune system is responding to the bite. The immune system either reacts to a component of the insect venom or to a pathogen transmitted by the insect.
Another possibility is that the sting only became infected over time. One reason for this could be repeated scratching of the stitch. Often, however, it can only be determined that the inflammation has occurred, but not how it came about.

Read more on the topic: Swelling of the lymph nodes

diagnosis

The diagnosis is mainly based on the typical medical history. The sting should usually have appeared shortly before the lymph node swelling. Since each lymph node in the body supplies a specific area, the exact location of the sting and lymph node swelling is also important. Lymph nodes, which are responsible for the arms and upper body, are mainly located in the armpits.

Also read the article on the topic: Lymph node swelling in the armpit - how dangerous is that?

The legs are mainly supplied via lymph nodes in the groin. The right side always supplies the right half of the body and vice versa. Other causes of lymph node swelling may need to be ruled out. A lymph node may have to be removed for control, especially in the case of long-lasting swelling without a clear cause.

Other accompanying symptoms

In addition to the lymph node swelling and the discomfort caused by the insect bite, other symptoms can also occur. If it is inflammation, symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain are typical. If the immune system is already more activated, a fever can occur. This indicates a more severe inflammation and should be clarified by a doctor.

Depending on the type of insect, the sting can also cause various other symptoms. These include varying degrees of pain from the sting or allergic reactions in sensitive people.

Also read the article on the topic: Inflamed insect bite- what can be done?

Pain

Pain can occur from the insect bite. Depending on the type of insect, this can be normal. Unusually severe pain from the sting can also be a sign of inflammation. This is especially true if the pain gets worse or doesn't get better. A.

The swollen lymph nodes can also be painful. Slightly painful lymph nodes that move easily are usually part of the body's healthy immune response. The affected lymph node is often particularly painful when pressure is exerted on it, for example when palpating.

Read more on the topic: Lymph node pain

swelling

Swelling can occur as part of an inflammatory response. Insect bites are also typically swollen. This can happen due to the insecticide, but also due to inflammation. If the insect bite is the cause of the swelling, it is often a limited swelling, which regresses over time.
Severe swelling, or swelling that gets bigger over time, can be signs of inflammation. A painful swelling of the lymph nodes is usually a sign of an immune reaction in the body

This article might also interest you: Swelling after a wasp sting

Redness

Redness is also one of the typical signs of inflammation. With most insect bites, a slight reddening of the puncture site is normal and not a concern. A spreading or newly emerging reddening, on the other hand, can be a sign of a developing inflammation. This is especially true if there is a red stripe that slowly spreads towards the chest.

This can be a sign of what is known as lymphangitis. This is an inflammation of the lymph vessels, which is often associated with swelling of the lymph nodes. She should be treated by a doctor. Colloquially, lymphangitis is often referred to as blood poisoning.

This article might also interest you: How dangerous is lymphangitis?

When do I have to go to the doctor?

A slight and temporary swelling of the lymph nodes usually heals without a doctor's visit. A doctor should be contacted especially if there are symptoms of a more serious condition. These include severe pain, significant swelling, or redness.
A lack of improvement or an increase in symptoms can also be a reason for a doctor's visit. Unusual and previously unknown complaints should be clarified by a doctor in case of doubt. If fever, chills or a strong feeling of illness occur, this is usually a sign of a systemic inflammatory reaction that affects the whole body. In this case a doctor should be consulted.

Treatment / therapy

The treatment of a swollen lymph node after an insect bite depends primarily on the severity and cause of the symptoms. A simple sting in a non-allergic person is usually treated symptomatically. Important home remedies are cooling, elevation or ointments that relieve itching.

Also read the article on the topic: Home remedies for mosquito bites

However, swelling of the lymph nodes can be the first sign of more serious symptoms. Most often it is an inflammation of the sting. This is especially true if the area of the sting is painful, severely swollen, or reddened and does not improve. In this case, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. A doctor should be consulted. The decision as to whether an antibiotic should be used depends primarily on the course and severity of the inflammation. In particularly severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. Usually this is only necessary in exceptional cases.

Duration / forecast

Ordinary insect bites usually resolve within a few days. If an insect bite is infected, it can take longer to heal. With correct treatment, an infected insect bite will heal after a few days.
The swelling of the lymph node usually disappears after the inflammation has passed. However, the lymph node swelling may persist permanently. In this case, the lymph node is usually scarred. This is usually not dangerous and does not require any further treatment.

Find out more about the topic: Duration of lymph node swelling