Lymph node swelling is a common symptom in infections and every person experiences it at least once in the lifetime. It is so common that people avoid the physician and take self-treatment to reduce swelling or get relief from pain. Further, supplements are used to improve the immune system.
How Do I Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes By Myself?
It is recommended that any enlarged lymph nodes should be examined by the medical professional to diagnose the underlying condition ranging from the general condition like infections to the mores serious condition like autoimmune disease or cancer. However, to get rid of the swelling in the lymph node and to get the relief from the symptoms, following home remedies may prove effective:
- Salt Water: The salt water gargle is an effective therapy to reduce the swelling in the lymph nodes. Further, some kinds of salts such as Epsom salt have high anti-inflammatory property.
- Combating Infections: Infections are the common cause of swollen lymph nodes. Thus, various supplements which are effective against infection should be included in the diet. Garlic is used to fight against infection because it has the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial property. Certain antioxidants such as apple cider vinegar are also included in diet due to their immunomodulating property. Honey is used in reducing the pain and swelling of lymph nodes due to its healing properties. Turmeric, from a very long time, is highly potent anti-inflammatory substance and also functions as an antibacterial.
- Warm Compress: The lymph nodes are swollen due to the aggregation of bacteria along with the phagocytes. When warm compress is applied on the affected lymph node, the circulation is increased, which leads to the removal of the waste from the lymph node and relieve swelling.
- Massage: The massage will help improve the circulation which removes the impurities from the lymph nodes and the size of the lymph nodes gets reduced.
- Adequate Rest: When the patient experiences a swollen lymph node, it means that the body is fighting against infection and this process requires a lot of energy. Thus, in order to preserve the energy, proper rest should be taken in case of infection.
- Analgesics: When there is a pain and inflammation in the swollen lymph nodes, over-the-counter analgesic can be taken to get relief from the symptoms.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins are used to help the body to perform its function more effectively. Thus, taking vitamin and mineral supplement will make the body more powerful against infection.
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Exercise: Exercises such as aerobics are the powerful tool to increase the flow of lymphatic system. This will make the system more powerful for fighting against the infection. Yoga is also advised for improving the flow of lymphatic system.
Sites For Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are found all over the body and any lymph nodes may swell up depending upon the type of infection and the vicinity of the lymph nodes to these infections. The most common areas for swelling of the lymph nodes may include armpits, groin, neck and under the chin. The site of lymph node swelling may give an indication about the type of infection. The armpit lymph node swelling may be due to any infection or injury in hands or arms. The most common reason for lymph node swelling is flu or sore throat which swells the lymph node of neck or under the jaw line. The swelling of the lymph node in supraclavicular region may be of serious nature as it may be caused due to malignant tumor. The lymph nodes swelling in the groin region may indicate the infection in the genitals.
Conclusion
Swollen lymph nodes can effectively be managed, as far as the symptoms and pain of nodes is concerned, with the help of various household techniques. The approach is also directed to the use of immune system enhancer such as garlic, turmeric, and honey and apple cider vinegar. Various exercises, massage techniques and yoga also proved beneficial in swollen lymph nodes. Further, stress should be reduced so as to improve the immune system of the body.
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