Lifestyle to Prevent Swollen Lymph Nodes – Jakarta – When facing an infection or disease, the lymph nodes accumulate debris, such as bacteria and dead or diseased cells. Swollen lymph nodes can actually be prevented with a certain lifestyle. One way to prevent lymph nodes is to regularly clean your teeth, gums and mouth.
Lymph nodes store white blood cells, which are responsible for killing organisms that attack the body. It also acts like a “checkpoint”. When bacteria, viruses, and abnormal or diseased cells pass through the lymph channels, they stop in the lymph nodes.
So, what kind of lifestyle can prevent swollen lymph nodes?
How to Prevent Swollen Lymph Nodes
The only way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to prevent the conditions that can trigger them. Some lifestyles that you can do as prevention are:
- Implement proper dental hygiene to help maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Get vaccinated against conditions such as shingles, tuberculosis, and flu.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks, or personal items such as towels, with anyone who has a contagious infection such as a cold.
- Use condoms or other barrier methods during sexual activity.
- Avoid stray cats or let pet cats play outdoors.
Please note, swollen lymph nodes can shrink by themselves without any treatment. In some cases, doctors may only monitor the sufferer without treatment.
In the case of infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics or antiviral drugs to eliminate the condition that is causing the swollen lymph nodes. Your doctor may recommend medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Meanwhile, swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer may not shrink back to their normal size until the cancer is treated. Cancer treatment may involve removing the tumor or affected lymph nodes. Treatment may also require chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.
Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that the lymphatic system is working to rid the body of infection and disease.
Infection
Lymph nodes swell when an infection occurs in the area where they are located. For example, lymph nodes in the neck may become swollen in response to an upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold. Swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck can also be caused by infections such as:
- Ear infections.
- Sinus infection.
- Flu.
- Sore throat.
- Mononucleosis.
- Dental infections, including tooth abscesses.
- Skin infections.
- HIV.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis or gonorrhea can cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.
Other possible causes include:
- Cat scratch fever.
- Tonsillitis.
- Toxoplasmosis.
- Herpes zoster.
Non-Infectious Causes
Serious conditions, such as immune system disorders or cancer, can cause swollen lymph nodes throughout the body. Immune system disorders that cause swollen lymph nodes include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Any cancer that spreads in the body can cause swollen lymph nodes. When cancer from one area spreads to the lymph nodes, survival rates decrease. Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes swollen lymph nodes.
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