Swelling of the neck

Swelling of the neck usually indicates a harmless enlargement of the lymph nodes, in the context of a cold or tonsillitis. In most cases, the swelling disappears on its own. Another, rather rare reason for a swelling of the neck can, however, be a congenital cyst of the throat, which contains fluid and mucus and can easily become inflamed, for example in the context of a cold.

Once the infection has subsided, the cyst usually recedes. However, the neck cyst can also form an opening in the skin and weep – it is then called a neck fistula. In rare cases, the neck cysts can become so inflamed that an abscess forms, which can be accompanied by severe pain, fever and difficulty swallowing. Neck cysts are not dangerous in themselves, but they can become inflamed and are often cosmetically disturbing. They are usually removed surgically.

Swelling of the bone

The most common cause of swelling behind the ear in children is also inflamed, enlarged lymph nodes, for example, in the context of a cold or tonsillitis, or mastoiditis, as a result of inflammation of the middle ear. Inflammation of the middle ear can also initially become noticeable via a swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear. Rare are congenital cysts of the throat, which can be felt as a swelling on the neck.

Pain/headache

Swelling behind the ear can also be accompanied by headaches. If the lymph nodes in the head area are greatly enlarged and inflamed, this can lead to painful head movements, but can also cause headaches in the context of the inflammation. Mastoiditis also often leads to fever, fatigue, severe ear and headaches, as well as pressure pain in the mastoid process. Also an atheroma, if it is very large, can lead to painful head movements or headaches when it becomes inflamed.

Swelling behind the ear in case of a cold

A cold often leads to painful enlargement and inflammation of lymph nodes. It can also lead to inflammation of the middle ear, which is accompanied by severe earache and headaches. A severe flu (see flu symptoms) can also lead to painful enlargement of lymph nodes, headaches, aching limbs and fatigue. If swelling behind the ear occurs during a cold, it usually disappears by itself once the cold has subsided.