Duration of lymph node swelling | Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit – How dangerous is that?

Duration of lymph node swelling

The duration of a lymph node swelling in the armpits as well as in other places depends strongly on the triggering cause. Swelling that occurs in the context of an infection should be reduced after a few days. If the swelling occurs after an injury, the swelling can also continue for a few days. It first increases and then decreases again. Reasons for consulting a doctor promptly to exclude diagnoses in need of treatment are the following: Lymph node swelling that persists over a longer period of time (several weeks); lymph nodes that are baked together with the surrounding tissue, i.e. are not very displaceable; lymph nodes that are not painful under pressure.

Prognosis

The prognosis of lymph node swelling in the armpit is good. In most cases, this is merely a swelling caused by the infection, which disappears as the infection subsides. Usually this does not take much longer than 2-3 weeks.

Sometimes the lymph nodes can remain enlarged for a much longer time or even permanently, especially if there have been many infections in the past. In this case, the connective tissue (fibrosis) in the lymph nodes increases over time, which is why they remain enlarged. In the case of malignant lymph node swelling, the prognosis depends on the success of therapy for the underlying disease.

Prophylaxis

There is no specific prophylaxis to avoid lymph node swelling in the armpit. General measures that protect against infectious diseases also reduce the frequency of lymph node swelling, as this is associated with infections. A healthy and balanced diet, sufficient exercise and fluid intake, as well as a regular daily rhythm with resting phases have a positive influence on the state of health.

Especially during the cold months, good hand hygiene should be observed and close contact with sick persons should be avoided as far as possible. Since an infection cannot always be avoided, it can still lead to swelling of the lymph nodes. Even for malignant lymph node swelling in the context of cancer, no specific prophylaxis can be taken. However, regular check-ups with a doctor can enable early detection in an emergency.