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Allergies and Lymph Nodes – Do Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?
By Alex Christie (BA Hons, LCHE, MARH, B.Inst.A.T.)
The connection between allergies and lymph nodes becomes clear when you know a little about the lymphatic system. When evaluating enlarged lymph nodes the first consideration is whether these nodes are localized (in one or two adjacent regions of the body) or generalized (spread throughout the body). Localized enlarged lymph nodes are responding to events in the part of the body filtered by those nodes.
A scratch on the finger can produce swollen nodes at the elbow and /or the armpit. Minor trauma to the foot is filtered by nodes behind the knee and in the groin. Generalized enlarged lymph nodes suggest that the body is responding to a whole-body problem, such as an infection (bacterial, viral or fungal) an autoimmune disease (arthritis or lupus), a drug or allergic reaction – hence the link between allergies and lymph nodes, a metabolic disease, an overactive thyroid, or a malignancy such as leukaemia. The infection might be very mild, or might be as serious as HIV.
Allergies and lymph nodes is just one of the causes of swelling. All of us have hundreds of lymph nodes scattered throughout our bodies as a critical part of our immune systems. This network of nodes functions as a powerful, intelligent filtration system to keep the insides of our bodies clean and healthy. Tiny vessels called lymph vessels carry germs, foreign particles, and unhealthy or malignant cells to the lymph nodes, where they are trapped. Active lymph nodes enlarge as they attempt to destroy the unwelcome material. The lymph nodes also function as schools.
Lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, study the foreign material so that they can produce antibodies, killer cells, and other substances to protect the body from the threat. In newborn infants the lymph nodes are often small enough and soft enough not to be felt. But by the time a baby is several months’ old, healthy, growing, learning lymph nodes are frequently obvious enough to be noticed by parents – sometimes causing unnecessary concern.
Lymph nodes contain filtering tissue and a large number of lymph cells. When fighting certain bacterial infections, the lymph nodes swell with bacteria and the cells fighting the bacteria, to the point where you can actually feel them. Swollen lymph nodes are therefore a good indication that you have an infection of some sort. You are most likely to encounter swollen lymph nodes, in your neck, armpits, or groin.
Children are more likely to have swollen nodes than adults. In children, the problem is usually a sign of infection. When older people develop the condition, there may be a more serious underlying cause. If you believe there is a connection between your allergies and lymph nodes an allergy test with a skilled kinesiologist will ascertain whether it is intolerances to certain foods and substances, or other illnesses that are causing this.
Immune System Mistakes
Sometimes the immune system makes a mistake. One type of mistake is called autoimmunity: the immune system for some reason attacks your own body in the same way it would normally attack a germ. Allergies and lymph nodes over-reacting to these are a form of immune system error. For some reason, in people with allergies, the immune system strongly reacts to an allergen that should be ignored.
The allergen might be a certain food, a particular pollen, or a certain type of animal fur. For example, a person allergic to a pollen will get a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, etc. To eliminate these symptoms orthodox medicine offers antihistamine, which eases the symptoms temporarily but never addresses the cause. Natural, holistic treatment can treat the cause and strengthen you immune system so you no longer react in this way.
Systemic Allergic Reactions
Some allergic people become sensitized to proteins in such things as pollens, latex, specific foods, and drugs like penicillin. With these allergies, the reaction can involve the entire body. This is called a systemic reaction. In a systemic reaction, the release of allergy mediators (the main one being histamine) causes capillaries all over the body to dilate. If this proceeds to the point of danger, it is known as anaphylaxis. If it proceeds even further, the victim passes into anaphylactic shock. Allergies and lymph nodes is, therefore, something to be checked at the soonest opportunity.
Anaphylactic Shock
Allergies and lymph nodes which suddenly swell can become serious. The exposure-reaction time can vary depending on your body and the allergen you were exposed to. In a mild case, you may only have mild itching or swelling. In a severe reaction, after exposure to the triggering antigen, you may suddenly develop hives over large areas of your body and begin having breathing difficulties (this is accompanied by a rapid and severe drop in blood pressure). Also, in a severe reaction, thinking becomes muddled as the brain and other vital organs become oxygen-starved. The brain and kidneys are especially vulnerable in this type of reaction and may be permanently damaged even if the person survives.
Why Problems Arise in Lymph Nodes and How to Avoid Them
Humans are the only known animals which have a lymphatic system and no lymph pumps. We know that our blood circulation system is propelled by our heart and that in such a way it automatically functions ... usually with little consideration or care from us.
First, realize that modern Westerners spend the majority of their day either standing or seated. There are few rest breaks for lying down, walking, or planned gentle rhythmic movement. Second, lymph fluid must largely move uphill from the lower part of the body to veins under the shoulder blades where it dumps into the blood stream through a thoracic duct. This is all against gravity and without a pump.
So how does it go uphill? When we eat nutritious food and exercise aerobically, we introduce oxygen into our body. At the cellular level, this oxygen is used in a metabolic process which produces energy and water. The water adds to the circulating blood plasma. This allows metabolic wastes, bacteria and nutrients to be diffused out of the cell into the lymph system. Lymph fluid is continuously produced in this manner. Pressure builds in each section of lymph vessel as new fluid is received from the cells. Following a healthy lifestyle can reduce the likelihood of your suffering problems with allergies and lymph nodes.
Allergies and Lymph Nodes: Natural Treatment for Everyone
An allergy test using kinesiology can identify the cause and indicate the best treatment for you and whether you have a problem with allergies and lymph nodes. Whatever the cause homoeopathic treatment can desensitize you to the allergens that affect you and support your immune system in overcoming any infection or illness. Since all treatments offered are natural they are safe for all ages and cause no harmful side-effects.
 How Can I Help?
 Need help with Allergies? Find out more about my Allergy Consultation and Treatment << here >>
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