1. Infections: Viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections can all cause generalized lymphadenopathy. Common examples include HIV, mononucleosis, tuberculosis, and syphilis.
2. Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sarcoidosis can lead to generalized lymphadenopathy as the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
3. Cancer: Lymphoma, leukemia, and metastatic cancer can all cause enlargement of multiple lymph nodes throughout the body.
4. Medications: Certain medications, such as phenytoin, allopurinol, and carbamazepine, can trigger generalized lymphadenopathy as a side effect.
5. Immune disorders: Disorders that affect the immune system, such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) or hyper IgM syndrome, can result in generalized lymphadenopathy.
6. Systemic diseases: Conditions like sarcoidosis, Kawasaki disease, and Castleman disease can cause widespread lymph node enlargement.
7. Chronic inflammatory conditions: Chronic inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis can lead to generalized lymphadenopathy as a result of ongoing inflammation.
8. Endocrine disorders: Disorders affecting the thyroid or adrenal glands, such as hyperthyroidism or Addison's disease, can sometimes cause generalized lymphadenopathy.