10. Swollen Lymph Nodes: The Body’s Alarm Bells
Lymph nodes, often the unsung heroes of our immune system, come into focus when discussing pemphigus. These small, bean-shaped structures scattered throughout the body might become swollen or tender to touch in someone with pemphigus, signaling the body’s active defense against perceived threats.
A deeper dive reveals the intricacies of this symptom. Lymph nodes house immune cells ready to combat invaders. In the paradoxical world of autoimmune diseases, these cells misidentify the body’s own tissues as threats, launching an internal battle. The swollen nodes are but physical manifestations of this heightened immune activity.
This symptom also underscores the systemic nature of pemphigus. While the skin bears the brunt of the disease, the internal machinery is in overdrive, trying to make sense of the chaos.
What’s fascinating is the strategic positioning of these nodes. Located at crossroads of the body’s fluid highways, they serve as checkpoints, filtering harmful substances and acting as surveillance hubs. (10)
