The only way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to prevent the conditions that may cause them. Some steps you can take are below:. If you experience any of the symptoms that sometimes accompany swollen lymph nodes, or if you have painful swollen lymph nodes and no other symptoms, talk with a doctor. Lymph nodes that are swollen but not tender can be signs of a serious problem.
In some cases, the swollen lymph node will get smaller as other symptoms go away. If a lymph node is swollen and painful or if the swelling lasts more than a few days, also see a doctor. Read this article in Spanish. Lymph nodes may become inflamed for a variety of reasons, including infection, virus, or cancer. Learn about symptoms of and treatments for…. Lumps behind the ears are rarely a sign of a life-threatening problem. They may signal a need for medication, however, as in the case of an infection….
There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the body that help fight infection, including the armpit. Learn more about what it looks like when they're…. A swollen occipital lymph node feels like a bump on the back of your head. We'll go over potential causes, their additional symptoms, and when it's…. Learn more here. A T cell count is a blood test that measures the number of T cells, which are white blood cells that fight disease. Lymphocytes are white blood cells. If the results suggest cancer, you may need to have a biopsy of the gland.
Swollen glands caused by a virus don't need treatment. The glands eventually shrink. This can take a few weeks or longer. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor might give you antibiotics.
If your swollen gland is due to cancer, your doctor can refer you to the appropriate specialist for treatment. Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Read how to recognise and treat swollen lymph nodes. Read more on raisingchildren. Infectious Mononucleosis fact sheetInfectious mononucleosis mostly affects teenagers and young adults.
The disease is spread through saliva and can cause fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. Read more on NSW Health website. Scarlet fever symptoms include rash, sore throat, swollen glands and fever. If you think your child might have scarlet fever, your child should see a GP. Glandular fever is a viral illness mostly affecting older children and teenagers. Symptoms include sore throat, fatigue and swollen neck glands.
See a GP. Rubella also known German measles is a viral disease. For most people, a rubella infection causes mild illness of fever, rash and swollen lymph glands. Such movements include sharply turning the neck, bobbing the head, or eating foods that are difficult to chew.
Swollen lymph nodes often occur alongside other symptoms. These vary depending on the underlying problem but may include a sore throat , cough, or flu-like symptoms. Many different conditions cause the lymph nodes to swell, particularly the nodes in the head and neck. These conditions include autoimmune disorders, specific types of cancer , and common infections, such as the flu. Certain medications, such as antimalarials and antiseizure drugs, can also cause swelling. Most people have localized lymphadenopathy, in which only the lymph nodes in one particular area of the body swell up.
When more than one region swells, this is called generalized lymphadenopathy, and it usually signifies a systemic, or body-wide, disease that may require medical attention. Cat scratch fever , which is also called cat scratch disease, can cause localized lymph node swelling in the area near the cat scratch.
Certain risk factors make a person more likely to have a malignant lymph problem, such as lymphoma. These include :. People with a malignant lymph node may notice that the node feels hard or rubbery. They may also experience systemic symptoms, such as fever , night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
Sexually transmitted infections STIs , such as syphilis and gonorrhea , can cause swollen lymph nodes, typically in the groin area. Lymph nodes in the groin are also known as inguinal lymph nodes. Recurring infections, lower body infections, and injury to the legs can also cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin.
In many cases, swelling reduces and then disappears within 2 to 3 weeks once the body has successfully fought the infection. If the problem persists for longer than a couple of weeks, it might warrant a visit to the doctor. However, they may also order medical tests to determine the cause of the swelling. These tests may include a routine blood test to look for signs of infection.
Imaging tests can help a doctor look closely at the lymph nodes and the surrounding structures of the body. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area may cause pain when you walk or bend.
You should consider visiting a physician if the swelling has not reduced after a few weeks or has increased, if the lymph nodes feel hard when you press them, if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, and if you have a sore throat. Swollen lymph nodes accompanied by weight loss if you are not dieting , and a persistent fever is also a source of concern. If you experience the symptoms described above, then you can visit a physician for a preliminary exam.
Besides conducting a physical examination, they will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history to diagnose the cause of the swelling. They can also order a routine blood test or an imaging test ultrasound, an MRI scan, and a CT scan as part of the diagnosis. A doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication if the lymph nodes are swollen due to infection.
You may also need to take ibuprofen and aspirin to help with the pain and inflammation. In most cases, swollen lymph nodes are not due to cancer.
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