Update Date: 25.04.2025
Swollen lymph nodes most often happen because of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, cancer causes swollen lymph nodes.
The lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in the body being able to fight off infections. They work as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other parts of the body. Common areas for swollen lymph nodes include the neck, under the chin, in the armpits and in the groin.
Sometimes, time and warm compresses may be all that's needed to treat swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes,>If an infection causes swollen lymph nodes, treatment depends on the infection.
The lymph system is a network of organs, vessels and lymph nodes throughout the body. Many lymph nodes are in the head and neck. Lymph nodes there often swell. Swelling can be to the size of a pea or kidney bean or larger.
Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that something is wrong in the body. The nodes might also be tender and painful.
Depending on the cause of the swollen lymph nodes, other symptoms might include:
Some swollen lymph nodes return to their usual size when the condition that's causing them gets better. See your healthcare professional if you're worried or if your swollen lymph nodes:
Seek immediate medical care if you have trouble swallowing or breathing.
Lymph nodes are small, round or bean-shaped bunches of cells. Inside lymph nodes are a mix of types of immune system cells. These cells filter the lymph fluid as it goes through the body and protect the body from invaders.
Lymph nodes are in groups. Each group drains an area of the body. It might be easier to tell if there's swelling in certain areas. These include the lymph nodes in the neck, under the chin, and in the armpits and groin. Where the swollen lymph nodes are might give a clue to the cause of the swelling.
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, usually viral, such as the common cold. Sometimes the cause isn't found.
Other causes of swollen lymph nodes include:
Other possible but rare causes include certain medicines, such as the anti-seizure medicine phenytoin (Dilantin) and medicines that prevent malaria. Silicone breast implants also can cause swollen lymph nodes.
Many conditions increase the risk of swollen lymph nodes. Factors that increase the risk of having these conditions include:
When an infection that causes swollen lymph nodes isn't treated, a collection of pus may form. These are called abscesses. Pus contains fluid, white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other invaders. An abscess might need to be drained and treated with an antibiotic.
Finding the cause of swollen lymph nodes involves the following:
The swelling of lymph nodes caused by a virus usually goes down after the virus goes away. Antibiotics don't help viral infections. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from other causes depends on the cause.
If your swollen lymph nodes are tender or painful, you might get some relief from the following:
Take a pain reliever you can get without a prescription. These include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Do not give children or teenagers aspirin. Aspirin has been linked to Reye's syndrome, a rare life-threatening condition, in children or teenagers who have the flu or chickenpox.
You'll likely start by first seeing your family healthcare professional. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.
Make a list of:
For swollen lymph nodes, some basic questions to ask include:
Questions your healthcare professional might ask include:
While you wait for your appointment, if your swollen nodes are painful, try using warm compresses. And you can take a pain reliever you can get without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
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