NITIS, (Gk. aNiv, od(n, gland; Lat.
/yrapho, water). A term used in medicine to indicate inflammation of the lymphatic glands. Lymphangitis is inflammation of the lymphatic vessels which lead into and bind together these glands. In both structures the inflamma tion may assume an acute or chronic form. Acute lymphadenitis and lymphangitis usually have their origin from a wound or from sonic form of sore on the skin or a mucous membrane. The inflammatory process extends front the in itial lesion along the chain of lymphatic vessels, and its presence is indicated by bright red lines over the course of the lymphatic vessels leading from the wound, and by heat, swelling, pain, and tenderness in the glands with which these ves sels communicate. If infective micro-organisms, bacteria, arc present at the time of the injury. or subsequently find their way into the tissues, a suppurative inflammation results, and pus is formed in and around the affected glands. Where
the inflammation is severe, or the infection in tense. such general symptoms as fever, headache, vomiting, and prostration are apt to he present. The chronic forms of adenitis are usually due either to tuberculosis or syphilis. In addition to the local enlargement of the glands, and the softening and suppuration that often follows, are usually found the general symptoms of the two diseases named. The treatment of the acute form of adenitis consists in putting the affected part at perfect rest. using such bandages and supports as may be necessary, the application of moist antiseptic dressings, the use of an un stimulating diet arm of laxatives. If suppura tion ensues, an incision must be made and the pus allowed to escape. The chronic forms of adenitis are met by tonic and constitutional treatment, and in some cases by removal of the affected glands.