Bacterial Cervical Adenitis: How to Care for Your Child
Cervical adenitis (ah-deh-NY-tis) is when a lymph node in the neck gets infected with bacteria. Lymph nodes (sometimes called "glands") are small lumps of tissue found in many places in the body. They remove germs from the body. If a lymph node gets infected, the skin over it feels warm and looks red. Health care providers prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
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Let your child rest as needed.
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Make sure your child drinks lots of liquids.
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Give your child all the antibiotic doses as prescribed, even if he or she is feeling better. This is the best way to kill the harmful bacteria.
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You can give medicine for pain if your health care provider says it's OK. Use these medicines exactly as directed:
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acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)
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OR
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ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Do not give to babies under 6 months old.
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Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
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The lymph node gets bigger.
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The red area is spreading.
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Your child can't take medicine as directed.
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Your child can't swallow any food or drinks
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Your child has worsening pain
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Your child looks sicker
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Your child appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with little or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers).
How is cervical adenitis diagnosed? Cervical adenitis is diagnosed by carefully examining the swollen area in the neck. Sometimes, tests are done to learn more about the infection, such as:
What are the signs and symptoms of cervical adenitis? Symptoms kids may have include: