Best medicine to take for swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system. During an infection or illness, the lymph nodes accumulate bacteria, or dead or diseased cells. Symptoms may include coughing, fatigue, and fever.

The lymphatic system is made of channels throughout your body that are similar to blood vessels. Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph, the clear fluid that circulates through the lymphatic system.

Lymph nodes are located throughout the body. They can be found underneath the skin in many areas, including:

• in the armpits
• under the jaw
• above the collarbone
• on either side of the neck
• on either side of the groin

Lymph nodes store white blood cells, which are responsible for killing invading organisms.

Lymph nodes also act like a military checkpoint. When bacteria, viruses, and abnormal or diseased cells pass through the lymph channels, they’re stopped at the lymph node.

When faced with infection or illness, the lymph nodes accumulate debris, such as bacteria and dead or diseased cells.

Swollen lymph nodes are one sign that your lymphatic system is working to rid your body of infection and illness.

Infections

Lymph nodes swell when an infection occurs in the area where they’re located. For example, the lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen in response to an upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold.

Swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck may also be caused by infections such as:

• ear infection
• sinus infection
• the flu
• strep throat
• mononucleosis (mono)
• tooth infection, included an abscessed tooth
• skin infection
• HIV

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as syphilis or gonorrhea can bring about lymph node swelling in the groin area.

Other possible causes include:

• cat scratch fever
• tonsillitis
• toxoplasmosis
• tuberculosis
• shingles

Noninfectious causes

Serious conditions, such as immune system disorders or cancers, can cause lymph nodes throughout the body to swell.

Immune system disorders that cause the lymph nodes to swell include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Any cancers that spread in the body can cause the lymph nodes to swell. When cancer from one area spreads to the lymph nodes, survival rate decreases. Lymphoma, which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes the lymph nodes to swell.

Other causes of swollen lymph nodes include, but aren’t limited to:

• some medications, such as antiseizure and antimalarial drugs
• allergic reactions to medications
• stress
• gingivitis
• mouth sores
• leukemia
• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Sézary syndrome, a rare type of lymphoma

Swollen lymph nodes can be as small as peas or as large as cherries.

They can be painful to the touch, or they can hurt when you make certain movements.

Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or on either side of the neck may hurt when you turn your head in a certain way or you’re chewing food. They can often be felt simply by running your hand over your neck just below your jawline. They may be tender as well.

If you’ve recently become ill or had an injury, let a doctor know. This information is vital in helping them determine the cause of your symptoms.

The doctor will also ask you about your medical history. Since certain diseases or medications can cause swollen lymph nodes, giving your medical history helps them find a diagnosis.

After you discuss the symptoms with the doctor, they’ll perform a physical examination. This consists of checking the size of your lymph nodes and feeling them to see if they’re tender.

After the physical examination, blood tests may be ordered to check for certain diseases.

If necessary, the doctor may order an imaging test to further evaluate the lymph node or other areas of your body that may have caused the lymph node to swell. Common imaging tests used to check lymph nodes include:

• X-rays
• ultrasounds
• CT scans

If the above tests suggest the need for further evaluation, the doctor may order an MRI.

In certain cases, even further testing may be needed following the MRI. In this case, the doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. This is a minimally invasive test that consists of using thin, needle-like tools to remove a sample of cells from the lymph node. The cells are then sent to a laboratory where they’re tested for major diseases, such as cancer.

If necessary, the doctor may remove the entire lymph node.

Swollen lymph nodes may become smaller on their own without any treatment. In some cases, the doctor may wish to monitor them without treatment.

In the case of an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics or antiviral medications to eliminate the condition responsible for the swollen lymph nodes. Your doctor might also recommend medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer may not shrink back to their normal size until the cancer is treated. Cancer treatment may involve removing the tumor or any affected lymph nodes. It may also involve chemotherapy to shrink the tumor.

Your doctor will discuss which treatment option is best for you.

The only way to prevent swollen lymph nodes is to prevent the conditions that may cause them. Some steps you can take are below:

• Practice proper dental hygiene to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Get vaccinated against conditions such as shingles, tuberculosis, and the flu.
• Avoid sharing food, beverages, or personal items such as towels with anyone who has a contagious infection such as mono or a cold.
• Use condoms or other barrier methods during sexual activity.
• Ask your doctor about switching your medications if you’re having an adverse or allergic reaction.
• Avoid feral cats or letting your pet cats play outdoors.

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.