Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis

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Immune system structures

Lymphatic system

Staphylococcal lymphangitis

Lymph node infection; Lymph gland infection; Localized lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenitis and lymphangitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin promptly.

Specific antibiotics are used to control infection, when this is diagnosed as the underlying cause of lymphadenitis. Analgesics may be needed to control pain with lymphangitis.

Anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce inflammation and swelling. Aspirin may be recommended as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and fever reducer. (Consult the health care provider before giving aspirin to children!)

An abscess may require surgical drainage. Hot moist compresses may help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Prompt treatment with antibiotics may result in complete recovery, though it may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear. The amount of time until recovery occurs will vary depending on the underlying cause.

• abscess formation
• cellulitis
• sepsis (generalized or bloodstream infection)
• fistula formation (seen with lymphadenitis due to tuberculosis)

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if symptoms indicate lymphadenitis or lymphangitis.

Review Date: 06/15/2005
Reviewed By: Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.