Is cervical lymphadenopathy dangerous? Is it contagious?

Cervical lymph node tuberculosis is not terrible, but it needs to be taken seriously because it carries the risk of infection. Cervical lymph node tuberculosis is a type of tuberculosis caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Early detection and standardized treatment can effectively control the disease and prevent it from spreading to others. Therefore, it is very important to understand the cause, transmission route and treatment method.

1) Cause

Cervical lymphadenopathy is mainly caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This infection may occur in humans due to decreased immunity, malnutrition, or long-term exposure to pathogens. Some patients may be infected with other primary tuberculosis lesions such as pulmonary tuberculosis and gastrointestinal tuberculosis. Common predisposing factors also include chronic diseases, diabetes, and other physiological conditions that affect immune function. Living habits such as cold and damp environments and unclean environments may also increase the probability of infection. If someone in the family has tuberculosis, genetic constitution may also affect susceptibility to infection.

2) Infectivity and transmission routes

Cervical lymph node tuberculosis is indeed contagious, especially when the primary lesion is located in the lungs and accompanied by symptoms such as coughing and expectoration. The patient's saliva or sputum can be spread to others through air droplets. However, if it is only localized lymph node tuberculosis and there is no skin ulceration or exudate, the infectiousness is relatively low. Therefore, early treatment should be emphasized to avoid the development of open tuberculosis.

3) Treatment measures

For cervical lymphadenopathy, standardized anti-tuberculosis drug treatment is the most common and effective way. Usually a combination of drugs is used, such as isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide, and long-term medication is required under the guidance of a doctor. Severe patients may consider surgical treatment, such as lesion removal or lymph node resection, to remove irreversible lesions or obvious complications caused by abscesses. It is recommended to consume high-protein, high-vitamin foods, such as lean meat, fish, soy products, and all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables. Strengthening nutrition helps improve immune function. Pay attention to isolation and protection at ordinary times, avoid sharing tableware with others, and wear a mask to prevent droplet transmission.

Although cervical lymphadenopathy is not very scary, it must be treated scientifically. Early treatment and early recovery can also effectively control the risk of infection. If you suspect you are ill, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible for a clear diagnosis and standardized treatment. At the same time, you should protect yourself and the health of the people around you. For prevention, it is recommended to maintain good living habits, pay attention to balanced nutrition, have regular physical examinations, and detect and intervene in infection risks as early as possible.