Among the earliest symptoms of HIV infection are flu-like signs which include fever, headaches, and fatigue. Also, swollen lymph nodes are common. Timely diagnosis and treatment is the best way to help manage and ease the severity of the symptoms.
Why HIV leads to swollen lymph nodes
The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system which plays an integral role in the body’s immune system. Lymph is a clear fluid circulating throughout the body and contains some white blood cells that fight against bacteria and viruses entering the body.
Lymph nodes, on the other hand, are located in specific parts of the body such as the neck, armpits, and groin. They are bean-shaped and responsible for filtering lymph as well as producing mature immune cells.
The lymph nodes are essential in protecting both blood and the immune system by filtering excess proteins, getting rid of excess fluids, producing antibodies that fight germs, generating specialized white blood cells and eliminating bacteria and viruses.
When lymph nodes get swollen, it is a clear indication of infection, which may include entry of bacteria or viruses like HIV. In case of inflammation of lymph nodes, it is recommended that you seek medical intervention from your healthcare provider as quickly as possible especially if the inflamed lymph nodes persist for more than two weeks.
How HIV affects the lymph nodes
When the virus enters the bloodstream, the infection is carried through the lymph fluid until it reaches the lymph nodes. While trying to fight the virus as a typical reaction, the lymph nodes get swollen. HIV usually affects the lymph nodes around the neck, groin, and armpits and may occur a few days after infection. However, it is also possible that no outward symptoms are experienced for up to several years after infection.
Healthy lymph nodes are usually not visible until a bacterial or viral infection is detected. They then become swollen in the shape of a bean. More of the lymph nodes will get swollen as the infection progresses in the body.
In the case of swollen lymph nodes accompanied by other symptoms like fever, diarrhea, fatigue, and abnormal weight loss among others, it may be an indication of HIV infection. You should thus seek a diagnosis as soon as possible.
Treatment of swollen lymph nodes
It would take the treatment of the underlying cause to get rid of swollen lymph nodes. In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics will help, but in the case of severe viral infections like HIV, it only requires treatment with ARV drugs. ART helps to reduce various HIV symptoms including swollen lymph nodes and managing the virus to prevent transmission.
HIV being a chronic condition, it means the infection is ongoing. Although swollen lymph nodes will not be experienced all the time, anytime you experience the inflammation, seek medical diagnosis and treatment. ARV drugs usually help to slow breakdown of the immune system hence the need to always stick to all prescribed medication regardless of reduced symptoms.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/hiv-aids/swollen-lymph-nodes#treatments
Comments