Bacteria often affects both eyes with sticky discharge, frequently causing eyelids to stick together. Conjunctivitis may have either a viral or bacterial origin. Eye infectionsĪn eye infection known as conjunctivitis can lead the eyes to become extremely red and watery with accompanying itching and irritation. If not treated promptly, long standing ear infections can cause permanent damage. Ear infections can be caused by bacterial or viral causes leading to inflammation and discomfort in any structure of the ear. The ears are relatively close to the occipital region of the head, which is why an ear infection can easily affect the occipital lymph nodes. Throat infections can be another cause of swollen occipital nodes. Bacteria and viruses are the main culprits of throat infections, which includes the likes of strep throat, diphtheria, and whooping cough. Often, throat infections can be present with patches on the tonsil, hoarseness, and swollen neck glands. Throat infectionsĪ common cause of sore throats, difficulty swallowing, and a lot of irritation and discomfort. If the infection becomes widespread, the occipital lymph nodes may also become swollen. Swollen tonsils can cause difficulty swallowing, ear pain, chills, and fever. They work in the same fashion as other lymph nodes found elsewhere around the body, helping to fight infection. Tonsils are located at the back of the mouth and at the top of the throat. Your tonsils are a form of lymph nodes that can become incredibly swollen, so much so that they have to be removed. It is called the kissing disease because the most common form of transmission is through the saliva. Infectious mononucleosis, for example, affects the lymph nodes of the upper body and can cause them to become inflamed. Swollen lymph nodes are a common characteristic of all these conditions. This includes infections such as HIV, mononucleosis (the kissing disease), and syphilis. Direct infection such as dandruff, lice, or ring worm may lead to swollen occipital lymph nodes. Lymph node inflammation is often tender to the touch and feels raised. The most obvious reason for developing swollen occipital lymph nodes is an infection in the head. Cause for swelling in occipital lymph node Infections in the head or scalp A lump found on the back of the skull or swelling of the occipital lymph nodes indicates a probable infection or disease that involves the head. Generally, the location of a swollen lymph node indicates the area of the infection with certain exceptions. Once this pathway has been cleared by the body, the lymph node can return back to normal size. Sometimes lymph node swelling may be due to the blockage of lymphatic vessels caused by an infection or abnormality. This may include foreign particles and even cancer cells.ĭuring times of infection, lymph nodes will begin to release more lymphocytes-white blood cells-which usually causes them to swell up in size, giving them their characteristic presentation. The occipital lymph nodes, as well as all lymph nodes found in the body, filter out impurities and harmful substances from the body. The back of your head, referred to as the occipital region, is where several lymph nodes reside to serve their function. There are approximately 700 lymph nodes found in the human body, with the majority of them being in the armpit, neck, and groin areas. Related: Swollen lymph nodes behind the ear causes, symptoms, and home remedies Anatomy of the occipital lymph node
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |