Can my swelling of lymph nodes in the neck be an indication of HIV?

A swelling of the lymph nodes in the area of the neck may be the first sign of an HIV infection. A special feature of an infection with the HI virus is that lymph nodes can swell in several places at once – for example, in the neck, throat, armpit and groin. The lymph nodes often become about 3 cm in size and are usually not painful. Flu-like symptoms such as coughing, fever and aching limbs are also common. In particular, if patients have had sexual intercourse with potentially HIV-positive persons shortly before the onset of symptoms or have used an unsterile injection, swollen lymph nodes or the simultaneous swelling of several lymph node stations should be clarified by a doctor.

Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck of the child

Children are more frequently affected by lymph node swelling than adults. This is because their immune system is still developing and they are more often affected by infections. Typical lymph node swelling is particularly common in small children and children of school age.

In most cases, enlargements of the lymph nodes in the neck are caused by simple, quickly transient infections. Typical are colds, bronchitis or tonsillitis. Rubella and measles can also be accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.

It is important for parents to keep an eye on their children’s enlarged lymph nodes and pay attention to accompanying symptoms such as headaches, coughs, skin rashes and fever. Lymph node enlargements that cannot be explained by typical infectious diseases should be clarified by a doctor. This is particularly the case if the swelling has been present for a long time, is growing unusually fast or is already very large.

Possible causes include autoimmune diseases and tumors of various types. In order to rule out such diseases, at least blood must be taken from the child. Often an ultrasound examination is also performed and an X-ray of the head region and lungs is made.