What Is Adenitis?

Doctors generally classify adenitis based on its location, which includes the following types:

• Cervical adenitis: Refers to inflammation of a lymph node in the neck.
• Tuberculous adenitis (scrofula): Refers to infection on the skin of the neck caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which is the most common microbe that causes tuberculosis in humans.
• Mesenteric adenitis: Refers to inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes in the abdomen with signs and symptoms that include sore throat, fever, right lower abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
• Sebaceous adenitis: Refers to inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the skin, which normally produce sebum or skin oil.

The main symptom of adenitis is enlarged lymph nodes—the size of the lymph node is greater than half an inch. You may also notice other signs, such as:

• Fever with chills
• Visible bumps (lymph nodes)
• Tenderness in the lymph nodes
• Redness of the skin over and near the lymph nodes
• Abscess in the lymph nodes (pus-filled lymph nodes)
• Discharge (fluid drainage) in the lymph nodes

You should always see a doctor if you experience any of the signs and symptoms described above. Adenitis may be a sign of other medical conditions, such as an abdominal infection or tuberculosis.

Your doctor will first take your proper history and perform a complete physical exam. They will also usually ask you about:

• How your symptoms started
• Whether you have a fever with chills
• Any recent travel
• Any skin injury
• Recent exposure to cats or other animals

Your doctor will order blood tests such as a complete blood count that may point out the infection.

Moreover, your doctor may remove a small piece of your lymph node or extract a small sample of fluid from it. They will then send this sample to the laboratory to determine the cause of your adenitis—whether it is due to infection or cancer. This procedure is known as lymph node biopsy.

In severe cases, lymphadenitis can be a life-threatening condition.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:

• Severe pain, redness, warmth or swelling in the lymph nodes
• High fever (higher than 101°F)
• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
• Tachycardia (a rapid heart rate)

Your doctor will evaluate certain factors before deciding the right treatment for you, such as your:

• age
• overall health
• medical history
• capacity to tolerate specific medicines and procedures
• preferences

The doctor can initiate antibiotic therapy if an infection has caused adenitis. Tuberculosis may require multidrug therapy as per the sensitivity and susceptibility of the bacteria.

Other treatments for adenitis include:

• Analgesics to control pain and fever
• Anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate swelling
• Application of a cool wet compress for 15 to 20 minutes about four to five times a day
• Surgery to drain an abscess
• Other drugs depending on the cause of adenitis