Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck of babies
The cause of lymph node swelling in babies is not much different from swelling in older children. They occur significantly more frequently than in adults because children have an immature immune system and are therefore more often affected by infections.The most common triggers are also in babies and toddlers banal infections such as a cold or skin infection. Other, much rarer causes are childhood diseases such as rubella and measles, autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases or tumor diseases such as leukemia.
Parents are advised to observe the child’s lymph node swelling. Lymph nodes usually shrink again within 2 weeks after an infection in babies. If the lymph nodes are swollen independently of an infection or are larger than 2 cm, a pediatrician should be consulted.
In order to clarify the cause, blood is taken, an examination with the ultrasound machine is carried out and an X-ray is taken. It is important to report to the doctor how the swelling has changed over time, whether there were other symptoms and whether all recommended vaccinations have been carried out.
