Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom – the swelling can be triggered by a cold, flu or tonsillitis, among other things. A serious disease, however, is only in rare cases behind the complaints. Lymph nodes are distributed over the entire body – they are particularly common in the neck, throat and ears, as well as under the armpits and in the groin area. We tell you what you can do about swollen lymph nodes and when you should see a doctor.
Function of the lymph nodes
The lymph nodes filter toxins and microorganisms from the body, which are transported by the lymph fluid. These include dead skin cells or pathogens. The lymph nodes, which are usually only a few millimeters in size, are well interconnected. They form filter stations in which the tissue fluid – the lymph – is cleaned. The lymph nodes therefore play a central role in our defense system: If pathogens occur in the lymphatic system, antibodies and special white blood cells – the lymphocytes – are formed in the lymph nodes and then released into the blood. This process can cause the lymph nodes to swell. Consequently, swelling indicates that the lymph node is active. Lymph nodes occur in clusters in certain parts of the body, for example, on the neck, under the armpits, in the chest, in the abdomen, as well as in the groin area.
Swollen lymph nodes as a symptom
Swollen lymph nodes do not necessarily indicate a malignant disease – they are usually triggered by harmless infectious diseases such as the flu or tonsillitis. If this is the case, the lymph nodes are usually sensitive to pain when pressure is applied. A serious cause such as cancer is very rarely behind the complaints. In contrast to a cold or tonsillitis, the swelling of malignant tumors usually increases only slowly. In addition, the swollen lymph nodes usually do not cause pain. In some diseases, only the lymph nodes in a specific region are affected – often a local inflammation is the trigger: for example, a cold can be the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the throat. If the lymph nodes swell in several areas at the same time, bacterial or viral infectious diseases can also be the trigger. However, it is also conceivable that diseases of the immune or lymphatic systems or myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome are behind it.
What are the causes?
Swollen lymph nodes indicate nodal activity. The most common causes of swelling include:
- Bacterial or viral infectious diseases
- Diseases of the thyroid gland
- Benign or malignant lymphoma
- Diseases of the salivary glands
- Diseases of the connective tissue
- Inflammatory processes in the body
The following is an overview of different areas of the body where swollen lymph nodes are particularly common.
Cancer as a cause of swollen lymph nodes.
Tumors in the lymphatic system are called lymphomas. They can be benign or malignant. Malignant lymphomas are divided into two different types – Hodgkin’s syndrome and non-Hodgkin’s syndrome. In lymphomas, uncontrolled growth of white blood cells (lymphocytes) occurs. As the disease progresses, swollen lymph nodes are joined by other symptoms such as weight loss, fever or profuse sweating. However, swelling of the lymph nodes can not only be caused by tumors in the lymphatic system. Cancer in neighboring organs or leukemia can also cause such symptoms. Besides cancer, other serious diseases can also be behind swollen lymph nodes. For example, in rare cases, they may indicate infection with HIV or tuberculosis.
Swollen lymph nodes: What to do?
The treatment of swollen lymph nodes always depends on the cause of the symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms subside on their own after a few days. If a bacterial infection is the trigger, it can be treated with antibiotics in more severe cases. In the case of viral infections, only other symptoms that occur, such as fever, are usually treated – in some cases, however, it may also be useful to take a virostatic agent.If the swelling of the lymph nodes persists for more than two to three weeks or if the symptoms return, a doctor should be consulted. This also applies if the following symptoms occur in addition:
- Severe pain
- High fever
- Shortness of breath
- Severe difficulty in swallowing
In such cases, be sure to make an appointment with a doctor to rule out a serious illness. The first point of contact is usually the family doctor, who may refer you to a specialist such as an internist, an ear, nose and throat specialist, a dentist or an oncologist. During a palpation examination, the doctor will determine whether the swelling is hard or soft, movable or immovable, and whether touching it triggers pain. This information can already be extremely helpful in determining the cause. If the lymph nodes are deeper or if other possibilities, such as cysts or abscesses, are possible triggers for the swelling, the doctor will perform an ultrasound examination (sonography). If necessary, the doctor may then take a tissue sample (biopsy) of the lymph node.
Home remedies for swollen lymph nodes
If the cause of the swollen lymph nodes is a cold or flu, it helps to fight the symptoms of this disease to accelerate swelling of the lymph nodes. Anti-inflammatory drinks, such as ginger, sage or thyme tea, can help. A high fluid intake also stimulates salivation, which helps flush the salivary glands. Cold compresses can also help to reduce inflammatory reactions in the body and thus promote swelling of the lymph nodes.
Swollen lymph nodes in children
Lymph nodes can swell not only in adults, but also in children. This reaction of the immune system occurs much more frequently in children than in adults, because children come into contact with many germs for the first time. When pathogens are detected in the body, the production of immune cells in the lymph nodes is ramped up. This can cause the nodes to swell. In children, it is not unusual for the lymph nodes to remain swollen for several weeks, but in such a case you should still consult a doctor to be on the safe side. He can clarify whether there is not a serious disease behind the complaints.
