Last Tuesday, we spent almost three hours at the hospital. Xin Yi had a series of check-ups due to lymph node enlargement in her neck.
It has been a week since she complained her neck pain; later our panel doctor found out that it is
lymph node enlargement. She took a five-day’s course antibiotic (Klacid 125mg/5ml)) but after the course completed there was still no improvement. So the doctor referred her to pediatrician for further check.
Lymph nodes are a part of the lymphatic system, a component of the body's immune system.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be a sign of an infectious disease, such as the common cold, mumps, rubella, strep throat, ear infection, or mononucleosis, as well as an infected wound. Swollen neck lymph nodes can also indicate certain types of cancer.
The Pediatrician confirmed it is lymph node enlargement and did some check on her body including her liver area. Everything is fine except the swollen lymph node in her neck and the enlarged tonsils.
He told us the painful lymph node might be caused by previous infection. Xin Yi had cough, running nose and sore throat which had been resolved about a week before the lymph node enlarged. To make sure it is not indicating other sign, such as: blood disorder or cancer which we worry about, doctor sent her for a full blood test and later to ENT Specialist for further check on her tonsils.
After check Xin Yi’s ears, nose and throat, the ENT Specialist said the enlarged tonsils look fine and smooth, no pus around or infected. Since Xin Yi doesn’t suffer recurring throat infection quite frequent, the Specialist recommended us to keep the tonsils. He also said the enlarged lymph node might be caused by the previous throat infection.
When we went back to the Pediatrician, he told us that the blood test result is normal. He prescribed Xin Yi a six-day’s course of strong antibiotic (Augmentin 228mg/5ml). This is her third course of antibiotic within three weeks time.
During our visit to the hospital, Xin Yi is quite happy and excited. It is a new place to her. She happily told doctor why she needs to visit him and asked some questions which she doesn’t understand. She was quite strong when they took the blood from her arm; she didn’t cry out but only shed a bit of tears after the procedure is over. Maybe she is a bit shocked.
At home, she will take the medicine herself after mummy prepares it. Good job, darling. Mummy is very proud of you.
We do hope that the enlarged lymph node will go away soon after the medication otherwise we need to go back to hospital again.