Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by a variety of things, from infection to cancer. Therefore, the lymph node drugs used to treat swollen glands also vary according to the cause.
Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system which functions to protect the body from germs, viruses, and parasites that cause infection, cancer cells, and toxic substances. These glands are scattered in various parts of the body, including the neck, ears, armpits, and groin.
One of the most common disorders of the lymph nodes is swollen lymph nodes. This condition is generally caused by infection. However, in some cases, swollen lymph nodes can also be caused by an autoimmune disease or cancer.
Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes can appear as lumps in the infected body part, such as the neck or armpit. In addition to the appearance of lumps, swollen lymph nodes can also appear along with other symptoms, such as:
- Fever
- Sweating at night
- Itchy skin
- Losing weight for no apparent reason
- Body feels weak
- Cough and cold
- Hard to breathe
- Sore throat
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Treatment of swollen lymph nodes must be tailored to the cause, location of swelling, severity, and the patient's overall health condition. Therefore, it is necessary to be examined by a doctor before giving treatment.
In diagnosing and finding out the cause of swollen lymph nodes in a patient, the doctor will perform a physical examination and a number of supporting examinations consisting of blood tests, lymph node biopsy, and radiological examinations, such as CT scan or MRI.
After the doctor knows what is causing the patient's swollen lymph nodes, the doctor can prescribe some of the following medicines to treat swollen lymph nodes:
1. Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat swollen lymph nodes caused by bacterial infections, such as lymph node abscesses. The choice of antibiotics used will be adjusted to the type of germ that causes the infection.
2. Antivirus
Antiviral drugs are used to treat viral infections that cause lymph nodes to swell. This drug is usually used to treat viral infections, such as viral infections cytomegalovirus (CMV), mononucleosis, herpes simplex, and HIV infection.
3. Antiparasitic
Worm or parasitic infections, such as filariasis, can block lymph flow and cause swollen lymph nodes. To treat it, doctors can prescribe antiparasitic drugs, namely albendazole and diethylcarbamazine.
4. Antituberculosis
One of the drugs for swollen lymph nodes is an antituberculosis drug (OAT), such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. These drugs are generally used to treat swollen lymph nodes due to tuberculosis or tuberculous tuberculosis.
5. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used when swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. However, in addition to chemotherapy, cancer treatment can also be done with radiotherapy or surgical removal of cancer. Basically, the treatment used will be adjusted to the level of malignancy or the stage of the cancer itself.
6. Corticosteroids
If the swelling of the lymph nodes is caused by an autoimmune disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid medications to suppress the immune system so as not to cause inflammation and swelling in the lymph nodes.
In addition, doctors will usually also give other drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and immunosuppressants to treat swollen lymph nodes due to autoimmune diseases.
In addition to medication from the doctor, you can also relieve swelling and pain in the lymph nodes by compressing the lump using a clean towel or cloth soaked in warm water.
While undergoing treatment to treat swollen lymph nodes, you also need to get adequate rest by sleeping at least 7-9 hours every night so that you can recover faster.
In some cases caused by infection, swollen lymph nodes will subside on their own once the infection clears up.
However, if the swelling doesn't go away within 2 weeks, the lymph nodes get bigger and feel hard to the touch, or if other symptoms appear, such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss for no apparent reason, see a doctor immediately.
