What is cervical adenitis?
Cervical adenitis is a bacterial infection of a lymph node in
the neck. Lymph nodes are part of our immune system, which helps fight
infections. Sometimes nodes in the neck become infected and these infections
are called cervical adenitis. Children with the infection have a hard,
painful, swollen mass in the neck and may have a fever.
Most lymph node infections heal well with oral antibiotics,
but a few need to be opened and drained. Those that need to be drained become
soft in the middle.
What is the cause?
Bacteria present in the nose, tonsils, or adenoids can spread
to the lymph nodes and cause an infection. Also, cavities in the teeth can
become infected and the bacteria may then spread to the lymph nodes. The
infected lymph node then becomes enlarged, warm, and tender.
What is the treatment?
- Oral antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat the bacterial infection. Your child needs to take the antibiotic as prescribed and
not stop taking the medicine even if the symptoms are going away.
- Fever and pain relief
Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen if he or she
develops a fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher or has pain from the neck
swelling.
- Fluids
Make sure your child is drinking plenty of fluids.
- Observation of lymph nodes
Your child's lymph node may have been outlined with a pen
during your visit. If so, watch to see that the node is not enlarging
outside of the markings.
- Follow-up visit
All children with lymph node infections should see their
doctor within 2 to 3 days of beginning treatment to make sure the lymph node
is getting better.
When should I call the doctor?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
- Your child has a new high fever of 102°F (39°C) or higher.
- Your child has any trouble swallowing liquids or
breathing.
- The lymph node is rapidly enlarging even though your child
is taking oral antibiotics.
- Your child starts to act very sick.
Call within 24 hours if:
- The lymph node is becoming soft in the middle.
- The swelling is enlarging after 48 hours of antibiotics
and your child is not getting better.
- You have other questions or concerns.
