Any bang out of infection can cause swollen lymph nodes, also known aslymphadenopathy.
It also explains how lymphadenopathy is treated in people who are infected.
What Is Lymphadenopathy?
Coronation Dental Specialty Group / Wikimedia Commons
Coronation Dental Specialty Group / Wikimedia Commons
Lymphadenopathy is not a disease but rather a symptom of a disease.
The pathogens are then killed by specialized white blood cells known aslymphocytes.
Lymphadenopathy is common when the body is fighting infections like colds, flu, orstrep throat.
Verywell / Colleen Tighe
However, it can occur withautoimmune diseases, cancer, and even use of certain medications.
The location of the swollen lymph nodes can tell a lot about the punch in of disease you have.
This is common with systemic diseases that affect the body as a whole, like HIV.
When Do Lymph Nodes Swell in HIV?
Enlarged lymph nodes can be tender and painful.
They may also feel rubbery, moveable, and squishy.
If there is redness, warmth, or tenderness that may be a sign of inflammation and infection.
Taking antiviral medications exactly as prescribed is the only way to slow down or stop the progression of HIV.
Advanced HIV infection is the second stage of HIV infection and is a chronic phase.
It is also called asymptomatic HIV infection or clinical latency.
During this stage, HIV continues to multiply in the body but at very low levels.
It is important to note that some people may develop OIs and PGL despite ART.
Taking corticosteroids like prednisone for one to two weeks may lead to a quicker resolution of IRIS symptoms.
Are My Swollen Lymph Nodes Due to HIV?
The cervical lymph nodes are commonly affected as well as the axillary and inguinal lymph nodes.
With that said, some people may experience visible, unsightly swelling with severe pain.
For some people, lymphadenopathy doesn’t occur untilHIV is advancedand the immune system is fullycompromised.
This is whenopportunistic infections (OIs)liketuberculosisortoxoplasmosiscan develop.
In such cases, lymphadenopathy is the result of the OI rather than HIV itself.
With that said, HIV should never beneverleft untreated.
This is the daily use of two or more drugs able to bring the virus under control.
Summary
Swollen lymph nodes are common in many different medical conditions, including HIV.
Lymphadenopathy can occur at any stage of HIV.
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National Institutes of Health.Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents living with HIV.
