UNEXPLAINED LYMPHADENO PATHY
(enlarged lymph nodes)
- In lymphadenopathy, the lymph nodes are enlarged
- There are many different causes for lymphadenopathy
- In the case of unexplained lymphadenopathy, no reason for the lymphadenopathy has been found after examination
- HIV can cause lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy means having enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are located all over the body and all of them can be enlarged. Even having just one enlarged lymph node is called lymphadenopathy.
Symptoms
The lymph nodes may be tender or hurt when touched. The skin around the lymph node may also be red or warm. You may also have systemic symptoms, such as fever, headache, sore throat, chills and fatigue.
Causes
There are many different causes for enlarged lymph nodes, including infections, cancer, autoimmune disorders, certain medications and injuries near the lymph node. Sometimes no good reason for the enlarged lymph nodes is found. We then call it unexplained.
HIV and lymphadenopathy
Unexplained lymphadenopathy can be a sign of HIV. We speak of unexplained lymphadenopathy when other research into the more common causes of lymphadenopathy (such as infections or cancer) has provided insufficient explanation.
If you are not sure whether you suffer from unexplained lymphadenopathy, you can contact your doctor.
If you are not sure whether you suffer from unexplained lymphadenopathy, you can contact your doctor.
HIV indicator conditions are conditions or symptoms that occur more often in people with an underlying HIV infection than in people without an HIV infection. Unexplained lymphadenopathy is one of the HIV indicator conditions. If you have or have had unexplained lymphadenopath and have not been tested for HIV, it is advisable to ask your doctor or general practitioner for an HIV test. Find it difficult to ask for an HIV test? You may download a call card that will help you formulate your question.