IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -There are many white blood cells in the lymph nodes to help fight infection. Lymphadenitis occurs when the glands become enlarged by swelling (inflammation), often in response to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The swollen glands are usually found near the site of an infection, tumor, or inflammation.

Detailed explanation-2: -Once the immune system identifies an invader, draining lymph nodes recruit infection-fighting T-cells within 24 hours. During the next week or so, the T-cells proliferate and induce B-cells to produce antibodies specific to the invader.

Detailed explanation-3: -Bacteria (or their products) picked up from the tissues by cells called macrophages, or those that flow into the lymph, are forced to percolate through the lymph nodes. There, white blood cells called lymphocytes can attack and kill the bacteria.

Detailed explanation-4: -They last for longer than two weeks – Swollen glands caused by an infection will normally go down within two or three weeks (i.e until the infection has been naturally dealt with). Make sure you visit your GP if your lymph nodes don’t seem to be improving within this time or aren’t getting better with antibiotics.