What does lymphadenitis refer to?

Lymphadenitis specifically refers to the inflammation and enlargement of lymph nodes, typically due to infection. Lymph nodes are an essential part of the immune system, acting as filters for harmful substances and housing lymphocytes, which help the body fight infection. When they become inflamed, it is often a response to infection in the body where the lymph nodes are actively working to combat pathogens.

This condition can result from various causes, including bacterial or viral infections. In clinical practice, identifying lymphadenitis is crucial because it may indicate an underlying infection that requires treatment. Recognizing this definition is essential for any inpatient coder as it directly relates to coding and diagnosing medical conditions accurately.