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When should you worry about a swollen lymph node?Your body has lymph nodes located in places such as your neck, armpits, chest, stomach and groin. Sometimes referred to as a gland, a lymph node contains cells that help your body fight infections and diseases. The lymph node does this by attacking and getting rid of the germs that enter your body via the lymph fluid. An important part of your immune system, these glands swell in response to infection or disease. You may notice your lymph nodes swell if you have an illness such as a cold or glandular fever. You might also experience symptoms such as a sore throat or a cough. While swollen lymph nodes are usually nothing to be concerned about, they can sometimes suggest something more serious – but when should you speak to your doctor about your symptoms? When to see a doctor about swollen lymph nodesWhile swollen lymph nodes are usually nothing to worry about and often get better by themselves within a couple of weeks, there are some instances where you should get them checked out by your doctor. To find out when you should seek further medical advice, keep reading. The swelling has been there for a few weeksMost of the time, a lymph node will reduce in size once the infection has disappeared, but sometimes it can remain swollen for some time afterwards. This is not usually a cause for concern, but if you notice that the swelling has not gone away after a few weeks, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. They will be able to check the area and determine if further testing or treatment is needed. The swelling is getting worseWhile lymph nodes can swell, once the infection has gone, they should return to their normal size. If you think that the swelling is getting worse and you’re concerned, you should consult your doctor for advice. In some cases, a lymph node that slowly gets bigger can be a sign of a more serious illness, such as cancer, so it’s important that you get it checked out. The lymph nodes feel hard when you press themA healthy lymph node should have a rubbery, fairly soft surrounding when you feel it. If you notice that you have a lymph node that feels particularly hard when you press on it, like a stone, it’s sensible to seek medical attention. This could be another indication of a serious illness, such as cancer, so it’s important to book an appointment to see your GP. The lymph nodes don’t move easilyAside from feeling rubbery to the touch, a healthy lymph node should also move with ease when you gently press on it. A lymph node that does not move easily may be a cause for concern, suggesting there could be an underlying illness, so it’s best to get this checked out as soon as possible. You have difficulty swallowing or breathingIf the lymph nodes in your neck are swollen and they’re making it difficult for you to swallow or breathe, you shouldn’t ignore it. The NHS recommends calling 111 for advice. It’s likely the call operator will ask you questions about your symptoms and suggest what you can do next. They may also be able to arrange a phone call with a nurse or doctor. You have a sore throatIt’s not unusual for a minor illness, such as strep throat, the flu or even a cold, to cause the lymph nodes in your neck to swell and give you a sore throat at the same time. In this instance, you should be able to soothe the pain of a sore throat using a medicated throat spray, such as one containing a numbing agent to help soothe the infected area. You could also take painkillers, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, and drink plenty of fluids. However, if you’re struggling with a sore throat and home remedies aren’t making you feel better, you should speak to your GP. They will be able to examine your throat to determine if stronger medication is required, such as a course of antibiotics. You have a feverWhen you have swollen lymph nodes, it’s also common to have a higher temperature than normal. Like the swollen lymph node itself, this is an indication that your body is working to fight an infection. You can make yourself feel more comfortable and try to bring down your temperature by taking over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen or paracetamol, and keeping on top of your fluid intake. If you’re still concerned about your high temperature, you should speak to your GP. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that your body is fighting off an infection or an illness. Most of the time, they return to normal size when their job is done. Lymph nodes are round, bean-shaped glands, and you have them throughout your body. There are clusters of them in places like your neck, under your arm, and in the crease between your thigh and your torso (where your leg begins). You can sometimes feel these clusters as little bumps, especially if they're
swollen.
They're part of your lymphatic system. Along with your spleen, tonsils, and adenoids, they help protect you from harmful germs. The most common signs are: Tenderness or pain in your lymph nodes Swelling that makes your lymph
nodes the size of a kidney bean or possibly larger Because swollen lymph nodes are usually linked to some type of illness, you might also have other symptoms, depending on what that illness is: Runny nose, sore throat, or fever (caused by an upper respiratory
infection) Swelling of clusters of lymph nodes in different places in your body (caused by an infection or an immune system disorder, like rheumatoid arthritis) Hard lymph nodes that won’t move or get bigger quickly (signs of certain types of cancer) Lymph nodes have immune cells called lymphocytes in them. They attack bacteria, viruses, and other things that can make you sick. When you're fighting off harmful germs, your body makes more of those immune cells -- that causes the swelling. Your lymph nodes come across all kinds of germs, so they can be swollen for lots of reasons. Usually, it's something that's relatively easy to treat, like: Much less often, it can be a more serious illness. They can include: In most cases, swollen glands return to normal size after the illness or infection has passed. But here are some things to watch for: Glands that swelled up very suddenly Glands that are much larger than they should be, not just mildly swollen Glands that feel hard
or don't move when you push on them Glands that stay swollen for more than 5 days in children or 2 to 4 weeks in adults The area around the glands turns red or purple, it feels warm or you see pus Swelling in your arm or groin Sudden weight loss A fever that doesn't go away Night sweats If you notice any of these, see your doctor. Swollen Lymph Nodes DiagnosisYour doctor will start by asking you about your medical history and giving you a physical exam. They might be able to get an idea of what's making your glands swell by where they are in your body. They also may recommend one of these tests to find out more about what's going on:
Swollen Lymph Node Treatment and Home RemediesIf your swollen lymph nodes aren’t caused by something serious, they will go away on their own. A few things may help with any discomfort while you wait for it to run its course:
If something more serious is causing the swelling, treatment can include:
How long is it okay to have a swollen lymph node?The most common cause of lymph node swelling in your neck is an upper respiratory infection. These infections can take 10 to 14 days to resolve completely. As soon as you start feeling better, the swelling should go down as well. But it may take a few weeks longer to go away completely.
What are the signs that you have a cancerous lymph node?Symptoms. Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin.. Persistent fatigue.. Fever.. Night sweats.. Shortness of breath.. Unexplained weight loss.. Itchy skin.. When should you go to the hospital for swollen lymph nodes?It's time to call your doctor if: Your lymph nodes swell for no obvious reason. They increase in size and you have had them for more than two weeks. The node feels hard and doesn't move when you push on it.
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When should i be concerned about a swollen lymph node
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