Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are common and often signal that the body is fighting off an infection such as a cold, sore throat, or ear infection. Most of the time, infections from bacteria or viruses cause swollen lymph nodes, and only rarely do they point to something serious like cancer. These small, bean-shaped glands act as filters, trapping and destroying germs before they can spread.
People might notice swollen glands in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin. Often, the swelling goes down once the infection clears up. Understanding what causes lymph nodes to swell can help people know when to seek medical advice and when to monitor symptoms at home.
Definition of Symptom
Swollen lymph nodes, also called swollen glands, show that the body is responding to an infection or illness. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures found throughout the body.
They are part of the lymphatic system, which helps fight infections and filter out harmful substances. When bacteria, viruses, or other irritants enter the body, lymph nodes trap them, which makes the nodes swell. Key symptoms of swollen lymph nodes include:
- Noticeable lumps under the skin (often in the neck, armpits, or groin)
- Tenderness or pain when touched
- Soft or rubbery feel to the nodes
- Sometimes redness or warmth in the area
Swollen glands can happen on one or both sides of the body. The size and number of affected nodes can vary. Usually, the swelling is temporary and linked to infections like the common cold or flu. In some cases, swollen lymph nodes may come with other symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or sore throat. These extra symptoms help point to the cause of the swelling.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Many different health conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes. Infections are the most common reason. These include viral, bacterial, and sometimes fungal infections. Some frequent infections that lead to swollen lymph nodes are:
- Common cold
- Flu
- Mononucleosis
- Strep throat
- Ear infections
- Abscesses
- Tuberculosis
Viral infections like HIV or Epstein-Barr virus can also cause swollen nodes. Bacterial infections such as strep throat or tuberculosis are frequent causes. Lymph nodes may swell near areas of skin infection or an abscess. Autoimmune diseases can also cause swollen lymph nodes, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Sarcoidosis
Certain cancers can cause lymph nodes to grow. These include:
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
Here is a table showing some possible conditions:
| Condition | Infection Type | Other Cause |
|---|---|---|
| Common cold | Viral | |
| Flu | Viral | |
| Mononucleosis | Viral | |
| Tuberculosis | Bacterial | |
| Ear infections | Bacterial | |
| Abscess | Bacterial | |
| Strep throat | Bacterial | |
| Rheumatoid arthritis | Autoimmune | |
| Lupus | Autoimmune | |
| Sarcoidosis | Immune/Unknown | |
| Lymphoma | Cancer | |
| Leukemia | Cancer |
Most cases happen because of infections and will get better on their own. However, if swelling does not go away, it may be due to a more serious problem, and a doctor should be seen.
Other Non-Disease Causes
Swollen lymph nodes are not always due to infections or serious illnesses. Sometimes, other reasons can lead to this swelling. Medications can make lymph nodes enlarge as a side effect. Certain drugs, such as seizure medications and some antibiotics, may trigger this reaction in the body.
Ibuprofen and other pain relievers are not common causes of swollen lymph nodes, but people often use them to reduce pain and swelling. In rare cases, an allergic reaction to a medication or vaccine can cause swelling. The body’s immune system reacts to the foreign substance, causing temporary node enlargement.
Physical injury near a lymph node can also make it swell. For example, a cut or scratch close to the neck, armpit, or groin may lead to mild, short-term swelling in those areas. The following table shows some non-disease causes and related details:
| Cause | Example | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medication side effects | Seizure medications, antibiotics | May resolve after stopping medication |
| Vaccines | Typhoid | Temporary reaction |
| Physical injury | Cut or scratch | Localized swelling near injury |
| Allergic response | Drugs or vaccines | Rare and usually temporary |
How It Causes the Symptom
When the body detects harmful germs, such as bacteria or viruses, the immune system sends white blood cells to the lymph nodes. These cells fight the infection, causing the nodes to swell and become tender. Swollen lymph nodes often appear near the site of an infection. For example, a throat infection can make the nodes in the neck larger.
Sometimes, people also have fever, night sweats, or feel tired when their lymph nodes swell due to illness. Autoimmune diseases or cancer can also cause lymph node swelling. In these cases, the lymph nodes might stay larger for a longer time and may not be painful.
Doctors use imaging tests such as a CT scan to check the size and location of swollen lymph nodes. These tests help doctors figure out if infection or something more serious is causing the swelling. If nodes stay swollen for a long time or do not get better, a doctor may remove a small piece of the node to look at it closely under a microscope.
Common Symptoms Linked to Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Lump under the skin
- Pain or tenderness
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
Possible Complications
Swollen lymph nodes are often not harmful, but sometimes complications can happen if the cause is more serious or not treated. Infection can be a risk. If a swollen node gets infected, it can fill with pus and form an abscess. This might need antibiotics or even surgical drainage.
Swollen nodes can press on nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. Cancers like lymphoma or metastatic cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes. If a tumor is present, complications may include:
- Spread of cancer to other body parts
- Pressure on vital organs
- Difficulty with treatments
Treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy or surgery, brings its own risks. Surgery to remove lymph nodes can lead to:
- Swelling called lymphedema
- Poor wound healing
- Increased risk of infection
Below is a table showing possible complications linked to common causes and treatments:
| Cause/Treatment | Possible Complications |
|---|---|
| Infection | Abscess, sepsis |
| Cancer | Spread, organ pressure |
| Chemotherapy | Lowered immunity, fatigue |
| Surgery | Lymphedema, infection |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Most swollen lymph nodes are not dangerous and often go away within a few weeks. However, sometimes seeing a doctor is important. See a doctor if:
- The lymph nodes are larger than 1 inch.
- Swelling lasts longer than 2-4 weeks.
- Nodes feel hard or do not move when pressed.
- There is pain, redness, or warmth over the node.
Other warning signs include fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. If you have trouble swallowing or breathing, get help right away. During a visit, the doctor usually checks the size, shape, and tenderness of the nodes. If needed, the doctor may order tests like blood work, ultrasound, or a biopsy to find out what is causing the swelling.
