There are very different reasons for swelling in the throat and every patient should have it clarified by a doctor. In addition to childhood diseases such as mumps or angina tonsillaris, diseases of the thyroid glands, a goiter and acute allergic reactions can also be responsible. Furthermore, a lcular cancer, an inflammation of the lymph nodes or even an orthopedic problem can underlie the swelling of the neck.
What is swelling in the neck?
In the case of swelling in the neck, the first thing that matters is whether the lymph nodes, the thyroid gland, the neck area or the region of the uppermost cervical vertebrae are swollen. In the case of swelling in the neck, the first thing that matters is whether the lymph nodes, the thyroid gland, the neck area or the region of the uppermost cervical vertebrae are swollen. In the case of an acute allergic reaction, the entire neck area as well as the face may also swell. So, swellings of the neck have very different reasons and only the family doctor and medical doctors of different specialties can fathom the exact reasons for them. The neck region is a very sensitive part of the body that connects the head with the rest of the body. Inside the neck there are not only the adenoids, the airways and the esophagus, but also the thyroid glands. The upper cervical vertebrae are located in the neck, which are responsible for the stability of the head and also for its movement. This makes this part of the body very susceptible to disease and to swelling in the neck.
Causes
In the inner part of the neck are the adenoids, which are a part of the human immune system. These adenoids, or tonsils, can become inflamed, which can cause swelling in the neck. The trachea also runs here, as well as the esophagus. If these areas are inflamed, then swelling in the neck may also occur. The thyroid glands are located in the front right and left of the neck. They perform important functions in the regulation of metabolic processes. Above all, the iodine balance plays an important role in the health of the thyroid glands, which become noticeable as a goiter in the case of swelling in the neck. The vocal cords, which are responsible for a person’s ability to speak and which can become inflamed, are also located in this region of the neck. The top two cervical vertebrae, the atlas and axis, are located in the back of the neck, and their disorders can be manifested by swelling in the neck.
Diseases with this symptom
- Mumps
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
- Angina tonsillaris
- Lymphadenitis
- Thyroid enlargement
- Jugular vein thrombosis
Diagnosis and course
Swelling of the throat due to tonsillitis can be recognized by any doctor by swollen, reddened and suppurated adenoids. The goiter of the thyroid gland is visible as well as palpable for the physician and a blood count secures the diagnosis. The doctor recognizes allergies not only by the swollen throat, but also by facial swelling, rashes and shortness of breath. Inflammations of the esophagus, trachea and vocal cords are clarified by blood tests, by mirror examinations and possibly with ultrasound, X-ray, MRI or CT. Inflammations of the musculoskeletal system in the cervical vertebrae are also detected by the physician with fluoroscopy and a thorough physical examination. He also detects certain cancers by swelling in the neck and tumor markers in the blood substantiate the diagnosis.
Complications
Swelling in the neck can have many causes and can be treated quickly. However, the cause should be investigated first. If the medical professional resorts to the wrong method of treatment, complications may become greater. If the doctor starts to treat with antibiotics, it is important that they are given only in small spurts. Antibiotics kill both good and bad bacteria. Should the patient wish to treat himself afterwards, natural remedies will help. Beforehand, it should be checked whether there might be a possible allergy, such as to iodized salt or ginger. If this is the case, such foods should be avoided. If the patient has no allergy, sea salt and ginger can be used on a daily basis. A mouth rinse with sea salt has an antibacterial effect. The good thing is that such a rinse anyone can create at home.With ginger, you can create a natural tea. Complications almost never occur with these forms of treatment.
When should you go to the doctor?
Swelling in the neck does not necessarily require medical attention. Often, the swelling is the accompanying symptom of a cold and disappears on its own once the underlying condition is cured. However, if the swelling persists for several days or even weeks, a visit to the doctor is recommended. This is especially true if accompanying symptoms such as sore throat, nausea or fever are also present. Swelling of the throat accompanied by difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath indicates a serious vascular disease that must be diagnosed and treated. It is also possible that the symptoms are caused by a tumor in the throat or larynx. Therefore, as soon as a swelling persists for an unusually long time or is associated with severe symptoms, a doctor must clarify the causes. In addition to serious diseases, swelling may also be due to a hormonal disorder or a malfunction of the thyroid gland that worsens without medical intervention. A sudden swelling of the neck associated with dizziness or high blood pressure must be treated in the emergency room. If there is severe pain or difficulty breathing, ambulance services should be called for safety.
Treatment and therapy
Swelling of the throat due to bacterial tonsillitis is treated with antibiotics or by removal of the adenoids. Treatment of the thyroid gland, whose function is too high or too low, is initiated with special medications. If the swelling in the neck is due to a goiter, then it will have to be surgically removed. Inflammation of the esophagus may have bacterial causes, but there may also be reflux of gastric acid, which will require treatment of the stomach. The trachea can also become bacterially inflamed, and it is first clarified whether there is not even a foreign body in it, which must be surgically removed. Bacteria are often responsible for inflammation of the vocal cords, which makes treatment with antibiotics necessary. Besides bacterial infections, infections with viruses can also be responsible for all these inflammations. If necessary, the doctor will also clarify whether there is a tumor in the throat area that needs to be removed, irradiated or fought with chemotherapy. Allergic shock must be treated immediately with antihistamines, which the doctor will inject. Finally, the orthopedist treats diseases of the cervical vertebrae and neck muscles with physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory drugs and, if necessary, surgery.
Outlook and prognosis
Swelling of the neck often occurs in association with a cold or flu. In addition to fever, sore throat or nausea, the lymph or tonsils swell. After a few days, there is relief from the symptoms. This happens regardless of whether medical treatment with the administration of medication takes place or the affected person decides not to seek medical help. Within about 2 weeks, in most cases, the swelling in the neck is completely gone. If the affected person has undergone a dental or orthodontic procedure, the swelling in the neck also goes away completely during the healing process. If the swelling is a tissue change, the prognosis depends on the benign nature of the tissue as well as the time of diagnosis. In the case of an ulcer or cyst, surgery is often performed with removal of the diseased tissue. Subsequently, there is usually a complete recovery of the patient. In the case of a tumor, the type and extent of the cancer are decisive for the prognosis. The later the cancer is diagnosed, the worse the chances of recovery.
Prevention
A person can prevent swelling of the neck by strengthening his or her immune system and by not smoking. Good oral hygiene also helps prevent throat swelling. People who take advantage of health checks and preventive examinations offered by health insurance companies reduce the risk of cancer. Eating salt containing iodine can prevent diseases of the thyroid gland. Allergy testing and avoiding allergens prevent allergic shock. Swelling of the neck and throat can also be prevented by exercise and good posture.
You can do it yourself
Various self-help measures can be taken in case of swelling of the throat. If the swelling of the throat is accompanied by pharyngitis, chamomile and peppermint teas will help. It is useful to inhale the vapors of the hot tea under a towel and then drink the tea while gargling, so that it can act longer in the throat. If the swelling in the throat with enlarged lymph nodes is due to an infection such as mumps, cool vinegar or lemon compresses or curd compresses can relieve the pain. Poultices with angelica can also relieve swelling. The ready-made ointment from the pharmacy is spread on a linen or cotton cloth and placed on the affected area of the neck. The ointment dressing has a decongestant effect and promotes healing. It should be applied one to three times a day. In case of throat swelling, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and eat only soft foods. In addition, care should be taken with oral hygiene. Saliva stimulants such as chewing gum, candies, lemons and acidic juices boost saliva production and cleanse the salivary glands. Schüßler salts and various homeopathic remedies can also help with swelling of the throat.
