Swollen Lymph Nodes

When you feel like you’re coming down with something, you might notice some swelling on the sides of your neck. Those bumps on your neck are usually swollen lymph nodes. They probably feel soft, tender to the touch and may even hurt without you touching them.

Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) are common. And that’s actually a good thing. These pea- or bean-sized tissues swell when your body fights illness. It’s a normal immune response. It means your immune system is trying to manage whatever’s making you sick, like invading viruses or bacteria.

People often call lymph nodes “glands.” But they’re not. These nodes are part of your lymphatic system. They work like filters, clearing germs and waste from your lymph fluid. This clear or yellowish fluid consists of white blood cells, proteins and fatty compounds called lipids.

Lymph nodes come in groups or clusters, usually around major blood vessel junctions. While some groups are just underneath your skin, others are too deep to feel. Your body has about 800 lymph nodes. They’re found in places like your:

• Neck (cervical)
• Armpits (axilla)
• Chest (thorax)
• Belly (abdomen)
• Groin (inguinal)

What counts as lymph node swelling?

When you have lymph node swelling, your healthcare provider may press the area around the nodes. They’re feeling for things like:

• Size and shape changes: Lymph node size depends partly on location. They’re usually oval-shaped and about 1 to 2 centimeters (0.4 to 0.8 inches) across.
• Pain or tenderness: This is a common sign of lymph node inflammation.
• Consistency changes. Your provider is checking whether your lymph nodes feel hard or rubbery.
• Matting: That can make clusters of lymph nodes feel stuck together.
• Location: The condition you have can affect which lymph nodes swell.

The distribution of lymph node swelling also matters. Some examples of this include:

• Localized swelling: This is when swelling affects a single node group or nodes in neighboring groups. This usually means the infection is nearby — like swollen neck nodes in your neck with strep throat.
• Generalized swelling: This means having swollen lymph nodes in two or more non-neighboring groups, like in both your neck and groin. This often means something’s affecting multiple body systems at once. An example would be the Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis.

What are the most common causes of swollen lymph nodes?

Your lymph nodes swell when immune cells meet up before your body sends the cells where they’re needed. The immune cells all essentially pile in, causing pressure and swelling. Upper respiratory infections are the leading cause of swollen lymph nodes.

You can also have swollen lymph nodes with:

• Common colds and the flu
• Sinus infections or sinusitis
• Minor skin infections
• Bacterial infections like strep and staph

Other causes of swollen lymph nodes

Less commonly, swollen lymph nodes can happen with serious conditions like:

• Viral diseases such as hepatitis, chickenpox and shingles, or measles and rubella
• Uncommon bacterial diseases like plague or tuberculosis
• Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome
• Endocrine conditions like hyperthyroidism
• Reactions to medications like allopurinol (Alloprim® or Zyloprim®), carbamazepine (Carbatrol®, Equetro®, Tegretol®), hydralazine (Apresoline™)or phenytoin (Dilantin®)
• Blood cancers or metastatic cancers
• Sexually transmitted infections

How are swollen lymph nodes treated?

Treating swollen lymph nodes can depend on a few factors:

• The underlying cause. Lymph node swelling may go away as the underlying cause runs its course or gets treated. Sometimes, it’s best to let your lymph nodes return to normal naturally as your body recovers.
• Swelling location and severity. If your swelling is very severe or painful, your provider might recommend treatment.
• Your medical history. Your overall health can affect your treatment.

Only your provider can tell you what treatment is right for you. They may recommend running blood tests or other lab tests. Some examples include throat cultures for strep throat or wound cultures for an infected wound. They may also ask to take a tissue biopsy. The information your provider offers will be the most relevant to your case and will guide your treatment.

What can I do at home to treat swollen lymph nodes?

There are a few things you can do to treat swollen lymph nodes at home. They won’t stop the swelling, but may help you feel better. Some treatments you can use include:

• Warmth: A heating pad or microwavable rice sock can provide warmth, easing the pain.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol® or Panadol®) can help with pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) or naproxen (Aleve® or Naprosyn®) may reduce pain and inflammation.

How can swollen lymph nodes be prevented?

You don’t want to prevent swollen lymph nodes. They’re part of how your body defends itself and recovers from infections and illnesses. But you can protect yourself or lower your odds of catching conditions that can cause swollen lymph nodes. Some examples include:

• Proper handwashing
• Avoiding touching your eyes and nose
• Staying away from people who are sick
• Disinfecting surfaces in your home or workspace
• Getting enough sleep, eating healthy and exercising
• Getting all your recommended vaccinations

When should this symptom be treated by a doctor or healthcare provider?

Most swollen lymph nodes aren’t a cause for concern. They’ll go back to their usual size as your body clears the infection affecting them. But if your symptoms are very severe, make you feel concerned or aren’t getting better after a few days, talk to a healthcare provider. They can try to find the cause of your lymph node swelling and determine what to do about it.

You should also talk to a healthcare provider if you have swollen lymph nodes that are:

• Happening in more than one place on your body, especially places that aren’t next to each other
• Happening without a cause you can find, like a current or recent infection
• Larger than 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) across
• Very painful or growing rapidly
• Fixed (they don’t move back and forth when you press on them)
• Draining pus or other substances
• Happening along with weight loss, night sweats, long-lasting fever, difficulty breathing or fatigue
• Causing red or inflamed skin over the swollen lymph nodes

Can I get swollen lymph nodes after receiving a vaccine?

Yes, swollen lymph nodes are a possible side effect of some vaccines. It’s usually temporary and not serious. If you have concerns about swollen lymph nodes after receiving a vaccine, check with your provider. They can tell you whether you need medical treatment for it.