Swollen lymph nodes

Alternative Names

Swollen glands, Glands - swollen, Lymph nodes - swollen, Lymphadenopathy

What is Swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes play a crucial role in the body's defense against infection. Commonly swollen lymph nodes caused by bacteria or virus. In rare cases it may be triggered by cancer. Usually swollen lymph nodes occur in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin.

Signs and symptoms

Swollen lymph nodes indicate that something is wrong somewhere in your body. It can cause the following symptoms:

• tender and painful lymph nodes
• swollen lymph nodes that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean or even larger
• runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection
• general swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body
• swollen limb, possibly indicating lymph system blockage caused by swelling in a lymph node too far under your skin to feel
• hardened, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating a possible tumor
• fever
• night sweats

Possible complications

If you ignore swollen lymph nodes it may lead to the following complications:

• stem cell transplant
• immunocompromised
• infertility

What causes

Swollen lymph nodes are commonly triggered by infection. The causes may include:

• abscessed or impacted tooth
• ear infection
• colds, flu, and other infections
• gingivitis
• mononucleosis
• mouth sores
• sexually transmitted diseases
• tonsillitis
• tuberculosis
• skin infections

Cancers that can often cause swollen lymph nodes include:

• leukemia
• Hodgkin's disease
• non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Swollen lymph nodes may also be triggered by some medications (such phenytoin for seizures) or certain vaccinations (such as typhoid immunization).

Prevention

You can prevent swollen lymph nodes if you take the following precautions:

• exercising
• using herbal Remedies
• enhancing nutrition
• using chiropractor
• drinking a plenty of water
• brushing

You can also do:

• lymphatic massage
• breathing exercises

Treatment

There is no special treatment for swollen lymph nodes. You should define the underlying cause and treat it first. You doctor will tell you what should you do depending on you diagnose. The most common treatment for swollen lymph nodes caused by a bacterial infection is antibiotics. Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).