Swollen tonsils and swelling of the lymph nodes
The tonsils are located at the transition from the mouth to the throat and are similar in structure and function to the lymph nodes. This is why the tonsils can swell considerably during inflammations. This is usually the case with tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils).
The swelling can go so far that swallowing and breathing are impaired. Tonsillitis in turn causes swollen lymph nodes. These are then mainly found in the throat area. Swollen lymph nodes can also be found in the neck and jaw when the tonsils are inflamed.
Can lymph nodes swell due to stress?
Swollen lymph nodes that swell due to stress alone are not described in medicine. Swelling is always a response to irritation by certain pathogens such as bacteria, tumor cells or a systemic infection. Stress alone does not usually cause swollen lymph nodes. However, stress can help to weaken the body’s own defense system and, for example, promote an infection. For example, swollen lymph nodes may be present longer and more extensively under stress.
Can lymph nodes swell due to rheumatism?
It is not very typical, but lymph nodes can swell due to rheumatism. Swollen lymph nodes can be detected, especially if an inflammatory flare is the main cause of rheumatism. These can occur in different parts of the body depending on the pattern of the disease. If the inflammation diminishes, the swollen lymph nodes also recede.
Lymph node swelling during pregnancy
Swollen lymph nodes can also occur during pregnancy. This can be caused by all the triggers already mentioned, which also cause swollen lymph nodes in healthy people. These include infections, local inflammatory reactions and theoretically also tumor diseases.
In many cases, swollen lymph nodes are just as harmless during pregnancy. However, it must be remembered that not only the mother, but above all the unborn child can be harmed by certain diseases.This may be the case with certain infections that cause swollen lymph nodes. During pregnancy, these include measles, rubella, CMV infection and infection with varicella.
These can break out if the mother lacks immunity and, in the worst case, cause severe malformations in the unborn child. Therefore, swollen lymph nodes should always be carefully examined during pregnancy. If necessary, a specific therapy can be initiated quickly and further consequences prevented. In most cases, however, the swelling of the lymph nodes is harmless or non-specific and does not require any special treatment.
