Swollen lymph nodes

Overview

Swollen lymph nodes are a natural response of the body to illness or infection. These small bumps are typically soft, sensitive, and frequently cause discomfort. The neck, under the chin, under the armpits, and in the groin are common areas to see enlarged lymph nodes. Cancer is rarely the cause of enlarged lymph nodes.

The body’s defense against infections is greatly aided by the lymph nodes, commonly known as lymph glands. They serve as filters, capturing bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens before they may spread to other body organs. While upper respiratory infections are the primary reason behind swollen lymph nodes, various factors can contribute to their enlargement.

The reason of swollen lymph nodes caused by an infection determines the course of treatment. In most cases, when someone has a virus, no specific treatment is necessary, and the condition will naturally resolve over time. The swollen lymph nodes will slowly return to their normal size on their own.

Symptoms

Swollen lymph nodes, also known as adenopathy or lymphadenopathy in medical terms, are a common and beneficial response of the body to illness or infection. These small nodes, typically the size of peas or beans, indicate that the immune system is actively combating infection by clearing away invading viruses or bacteria.

Aside from the swelling, one might initially feel tenderness and pain. Depending on the cause, other symptoms may include:

• Night sweats
• General swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body, indicating infections like HIV or mono, or immune system disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• Signs of upper respiratory infection like runny nose, sore throat, and fever
• Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes may suggest cancer or lymphoma

If one notices swollen lymph nodes without an apparent reason, it is advisable to consult the healthcare provider to rule out any potential serious underlying conditions. In some cases, swollen lymph nodes go back to normal once the underlying issue, like a minor infection, resolves.

Seeking medical attention is imperative if swollen lymph nodes persist in growth for two to four weeks, become hard or immobile, or if accompanied by additional symptoms such as ongoing fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Causes

The human body has many lymph nodes, approximately 600 in total, situated in regions such as the jaw, chest, arms, abdomen, and legs. These nodes form clusters, each responsible for draining a specific bodily area.

Swelling in specific areas such as the neck, under the chin, armpits, and groin is often more noticeable. Swollen lymph nodes are commonly found near the site of infection. The upper respiratory tract infection is the leading cause of lymph node swelling in the neck. However, infections, especially viral ones like the common cold, are typically responsible for swollen lymph nodes.

Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by various factors, such as:

• Common infections: This include severe infections like HIV, as well as common infections such as strep throat, sinus infection, skin wounds, measles, ear infections, and mononucleosis.
• Uncommon infections: Less common infections causing swollen lymph nodes include toxoplasmosis which stems from contact with infected cat feces or undercooked meat, cat scratch fever, a bacterial infection transmitted through cat scratches or bites, tuberculosis, and certain sexually transmitted infections like syphilis.
• Immune system disorders: This include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Cancers: Cancer can cause swollen lymph nodes, with types like lymphoma originating in the lymphatic system, leukemia affecting blood-forming tissues like bone marrow and lymph nodes, and other cancers spreading to the lymph nodes after metastasizing from elsewhere in the body.
• Other causes: Malaria preventive drugs, and certain drugs, such as the anti-seizure drug phenytoin are potential but uncommon causes of swollen lymph node.

Risk factors

Several factors may contribute to one’s risk of having swollen lymph nodes, such as:

• Age: Cancer, immune system issues, and infections all become more likely as people age.
• Compromised immune system: Infection risk is increased in those with compromised immune systems. This may result from an immune-suppressive medication or an infection.
• Dangerous conduct: Sexually transmitted illnesses, including HIV, are more likely to occur in situations where unprotected sexual activity and drug injection take place.