As soon as the calendar hits December each year, any sneeze or sniffle probably puts you on edge—that's because the flu, COVID-19, and even the common cold can all look similar, symptoms-wise. Another symptom common among many ailments? Swollen glands, particularly in the neck area. Show Just to be clear, swollen glands aren't really glands—the term actually refers to your lymph nodes, which are part of your body's lymphatic system that helps you fight off infections and other diseases. And while swollen glands may be a symptom, they're actually a good thing—it means your body is fighting off something it doesn't like. Here, experts help explain what's going on in your body when the glands in your neck are swollen, what the swollen glands actually feel like, and what it might take to start feeling better soon. Getty ImagesSo again, swollen glands in the neck aren't technically glands—they're the lymph nodes located there, and the medical term for swollen lymph nodes is lymphadenopathy. Generally speaking, lymph nodes are an important part of your immune system; they help recognize and fight germs or other foreign substances. Your body's actually full of these lymph nodes, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus. Lymph nodes are located throughout the jaw, chest, abdomen, arms, and legs. However, not all of those lymph nodes can be felt. Medline Plus notes that common areas for lymph nodes to be felt by fingers include:
Lymph nodes are normally pea- or bean-sized, per the Cleveland Clinic. But when they're swollen, they can enlarge and cause discomfort in the area where they're located—most commonly, the neck, Amy Zack, MD, a family medicine physician at Cleveland Clinic, told Health. When the lymph nodes in your neck are swollen, it's a sign they've been trying to protect you, Sterling Ransone, MD, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, told Health. "They're catching the bad guys—our immune system is chewing them up," said Dr. Ransone. The swelling takes place as a result of extra blood cells coming to the site to fight infection. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are likely a sign that you have a cold, said Dr. Zack. "This is very common with upper respiratory cold viruses," explained Dr. Zack. "This is the immune system of the body fighting the viral infection." In addition to upper respiratory cold viruses—which is again, the likeliest reason for swollen glands—enlarged lymph nodes in the neck could also be a sign of the following infections, per Medline Plus:
In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of cancer—specifically lymphoma, or a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system (which is where the lymph nodes reside), per Medline Plus. Some bacterial infections, sexually transmitted infections, or autoimmune diseases such as HIV and Rheumatoid Arthritis may also cause swollen lymph nodes. But in these situations, you'll have swollen lymph nodes in multiple areas of your body, instead of just one localized spot like your neck. Since swollen lymph nodes are often a sign of a cold or other virus, the answer to treating them might be as simple as resting up until your cold passes. "It is really time and the resolution of the viral illness or inciting cause of the swelling that will help the symptoms improve," said Dr. Zack. However, you can take certain over-the-counter medications to alleviate the swelling, such as ibuprofen or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used to treat pain and inflammation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That said, you should check with your healthcare provider before taking any medications—over-the-counter or not—to make sure you're on the right track and don't need further treatment. Because swollen lymph nodes may rarely point to a more serious underlying condition, there are situations in which you should see a healthcare provider. "When lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged for more than seven to 10 days or there are no symptoms of a cold virus or other infection such as strep throat, it is vital to talk with the doctor about why this is the case," said Dr. Zack, adding: "If one area is much larger than others and very painful, or causing any difficulty in breathing or swallowing, it would be recommended to seek medical evaluation immediately." Medline Plus advises that you contact your health care provider if you notice any of the following:
In any of these situations, your provider will likely perform further testing, like blood work, imaging scans, or even a biopsy, to get to the root of the issue. Remember that, because lymph nodes are involved in the body's immune response, a large number of infections, inflammatory disorders, and other conditions are potential causes of swollen lymph nodes. Your healthcare provider can help guide you to better health. 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.
What glands can swell in your neck?Lymph nodes swell when an infection occurs in the area where they're located. For example, the lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen in response to an upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold. Swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck may also be caused by infections such as: ear infection.
How do you get Swollen glands out of your 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.
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