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larger trunks passes through them, undergoing a sort of filtration. From 

 the fact of this arrangement lymph glands are subject to inflammatory 

 diseases in the vicinity of diseased structures, because infective mate- 

 rial being conveyed in the lymph stream lodges in the glands and pro- 

 duces irritation. 



LOCAL INFLAMMATION AND ABSCESS OF LYMPHATIC GLANDS. 



Acute inflammation of the lymph glands usually occurs in connection 

 with some inflammatory process in the region from which its lymph is 

 gathered. Several or all of the glands in a cluster may become affected, 

 as in strangles, nasal catarrh, or nasal gleet, diseased or ulcerated teeth, 

 the lymph glands between the branches of the lower jaw almost inva- 

 riably become affected, which may lead to suppuration or induration. 

 Similar results obtain in other portions of the body; in pneumonia the 

 bronchial glands become affected; in pharyngitis, the post-pharyugeal 

 glands lying above the trachea become affected, etc. 



8i/mj>toms. — The glands swell and become painful to the touch, the 

 connective tissue surrounding them becomes involved, suppuration 

 usually takes place, and one or more abscesses form. If the inflamma- 

 tion is of a milder type, resolution may take place and the swelling 

 recede, the exudative material being absorbed, and the gland restored 

 without the occurrence of suppuration. In the limbs a whole chain of 

 the glands along the lymphatic vessels may become affected, as in farcy, 

 phlebitis, or septic poisoning. 



Treatment. — Fomentation with hot water, the application of cam- 

 phorated soap liniment, or camphorated oil, may produce a revulsive 

 action and prevent suppuration. If there is any indication of abscess 

 forming, poultices of linseed meal and bran made into a paste with hot 

 water should be applied, or a mild blistering ointment rubbe d in over 

 the swollen gland. As soon as fluctuation can be felt a free opening 

 must be made for the escape of the contained pus. The wound may 

 subsequently be washed out with a solution of chloride of zinc, 5 grains 

 to the ounce of water, three times a day. 



HYPERTROPHIED LYMPHATICS. 



This is characterized by an enlargement and growth of lymphatic 

 glands ; the causes are obscure, but they sometimes attain an enormous 

 size, and seriously interfere with neighboring organs. This condition 

 is sometimes found in the region of the throat above the larynx, and 

 produces wheezing or roaring, by pressing upon the recurrent laryngeal 

 nerve. It may occur in the bronchial glands of the chest, and interfere 

 with the action of the heart and respiration. The swelling is not pain- 

 ful or feverish, it may be very hard or may be rather soft ; occasionally 

 they contain a cheesy deposit or even undergo calcification. A condition 

 almost similar to this may be induced by chronic inflammation. In such 

 cases, however, the glandular structure may become lessened, as the 



