Swollen lymph nodes usually indicate a common infection, but they can also signal a medical condition, such as an immune disorder or, rarely, a type of cancer. Show Lymph nodes are small, round structures that play a vital role in the body’s immune system. Swollen lymph nodes are also known as swollen glands. In this article, we look at the causes of swollen lymph nodes, when to see a doctor, and treatment options. The lymph nodes collect and filter fluids, waste materials, and harmful germs. The human body has hundreds of lymph nodes. The main lymph nodes that people may see or feel are found:
Lymph fluid flows in and out of the lymph nodes throughout the body before finally making its way back to the chest. While doing so, it collects and traps harmful matter, such as bacteria, viruses, and bodily waste products. The lymph nodes filter the fluid and release it back into the bloodstream together with salts and proteins. Lymph nodes also contain immune cells that help fight infection by attacking the germs that the body’s lymph fluid has collected. The lymph nodes may swell when a person has a temporary infection. The swelling occurs as a result of immune cell activity in the lymph nodes. The location of the swelling often relates to the affected area. For example, an ear infection may cause swollen lymph nodes near the ear, while someone with an upper respiratory tract infection may notice swollen lymph nodes in their neck. People can check whether their lymph nodes are swollen by gently pressing around the area, such as the side of the neck. Swollen lymph nodes will feel like soft, round bumps, and they may be the size of a pea or a grape. They might be tender to the touch, which indicates inflammation. In some cases, the lymph nodes will also look larger than usual. Lymph nodes appear in parallel on both sides of the body. People can check the nodes on each side and compare them to see if one is larger than the other, which is likely to indicate swelling. Many people with swollen glands also experience pain while making sudden or strained movements. Such movements include sharply turning the neck, bobbing the head, or eating foods that are difficult to chew. Swollen lymph nodes often occur alongside other symptoms. These vary depending on the underlying problem but may include a sore throat, cough, or flu-like symptoms. Many different conditions cause the lymph nodes to swell, particularly the nodes in the head and neck. These conditions include autoimmune disorders, specific types of cancer, and common infections, such as the flu. Certain medications, such as antimalarials and antiseizure drugs, can also cause swelling. Most people have localized lymphadenopathy, in which only the lymph nodes in one particular area of the body swell up. When more than one region swells, this is called generalized lymphadenopathy, and it usually signifies a systemic, or body-wide, disease that may require medical attention. In the following sections, we discuss the possible causes of swollen lymph nodes in more detail. InfectionsThe infections that can cause swollen lymph nodes are mostly viral. Common infections include:
More severe infections that can cause swelling in one or multiple lymph node areas include:
Cat scratch fever, which is also called cat scratch disease, can cause localized lymph node swelling in the area near the cat scratch. Immune system disordersImmune disorders that can cause swollen lymph glands include:
CancersMuch less commonly, swollen lymph nodes can also indicate a malignancy, or cancer, including:
Certain risk factors make a person more likely to have a malignant lymph problem, such as lymphoma. These include:
People with a malignant lymph node may notice that the node feels hard or rubbery. They may also experience systemic symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Swelling in the groin lymph nodesSexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis and gonorrhea, can cause swollen lymph nodes, typically in the groin area. Lymph nodes in the groin are also known as inguinal lymph nodes. Recurring infections, lower body infections, and injury to the legs can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin. In many cases, swelling reduces and then disappears within 2 to 3 weeks once the body has successfully fought the infection. If the problem persists for longer than a couple of weeks, it might warrant a visit to the doctor. Other reasons to visit the doctor include:
A doctor can often diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes by carrying out a physical examination with a focus on the affected area and by discussing the person’s symptoms and medical history. However, they may also order medical tests to determine the cause of the swelling. These tests may include a routine blood test to look for signs of infection. Imaging tests can help a doctor look closely at the lymph nodes and the surrounding structures of the body. Imaging tests include:
If the swelling continues for several weeks or a person has other warning signs, a doctor may recommend a lymph node biopsy. During this procedure, the doctor will numb the area, make a small cut, and remove a section of lymph node tissue to send to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. Alternatively, they may opt for fine needle aspiration, which involves using a needle to remove some cells from the lymph node for analysis. Lymph node swelling will usually disappear once the infection clears. The swelling may also go away when the person takes prescribed medications, such as antibiotics or antivirals. Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication if a person has tissue swelling. If an underlying medical condition is responsible for the lymph nodes swelling, treating this condition should reduce the swelling. Common home remedies to treat the symptoms of swollen lymph nodes include:
Swollen lymph nodes are usually a symptom of another condition, such as an infection, and they tend to resolve on their own within several weeks. It is best to consult a doctor if swollen lymph nodes persist for longer than 3 weeks or occur alongside other symptoms, such as high fever, abdominal pain, or night sweats. The cause of the swelling will determine the treatment. Read the article in Spanish. What causes swollen lymph nodes in neck one side?Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body's ability to fight off infections.
When should I worry about swollen lymph nodes in neck?Healthy lymph nodes are more rubbery than the surrounding tissue but are not solid like stone. Any lumps on the neck, groin or armpits that are hard, very enlarged, and do not move when pushed may indicate lymphoma or another type of cancer and should be investigated by your GP.
How do you treat swollen lymph nodes on one side of the neck?Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers.
Can only one lymph node swell in neck?In most cases, only one area of nodes swells at a time. When more than one area of lymph nodes is swollen it's called generalized lymphadenopathy. Some infections (such as strep throat and chicken pox), certain medicines, immune system diseases, and cancers like lymphoma and leukemia can cause this kind of swelling.
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Swollen lymph glands in neck one side
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