10.4 Lifespan Considerations

Newborn

At birth, a newborn’s lymphatic system starts to respond to the regular exposure to new antigens.^[1]

Pediatrics

The lymphatic system grows steadily until puberty.^[2] The pediatric population is frequently exposed to many pathogens and infections as they learn to play, socialize, and maintain hygiene, resulting in new exposures to the immune system and infections. This results in the immune response with the presence of lymph nodes near the source of the concern. Due to this response, it is quite common for children to have slightly enlarged and palpable lymph nodes in certain areas of the body some of the time. However, changes in the lymph nodes can also indicate malignancies, allergies, and diseases which require further evaluation.

Older Adults

Underlying lymphatic system aging results in delayed immune response.^[3]