The diagnosis
A bump on the neck should always first be palpated. Criteria such as size, shape and any external redness are important. But also the movability, possibly also accompanied by swallowing, and the delimitability of the lump to surrounding tissue are essential criteria.
Thus different causes can be classified as probable or less probable. Depending on the trigger, further diagnostic tools are important. If there is a problem with the thyroid gland, for example, an ultrasound and a check of the blood values can be carried out by the attending physician in order to examine the disease more closely.
The Therapy
The treatment of a bump on the neck depends on the location and the cause. If the cause is unclear or the lump has been present for several weeks, a doctor should always be consulted for clarification. In many cases, a lump on the neck is a swollen lymph node, as is the case with influenza or an infection of the respiratory tract.
In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are the most important therapy. Physical protection and warmth are also very important. If the swelling on the neck is an enlarged thyroid gland, this condition must be treated in consultation with a doctor.
A more conscious and consistent supply of iodine is often sufficient. However, it can also be an autoimmune disease, such as Graves’ disease, which is treated with so-called thyrostatic drugs. These are drugs that inhibit excessive production of thyroid hormones.
A lipoma, as a tumour of fatty tissue that occasionally appears on the side or back of the neck, can be removed by a low-risk minor operation. Various home remedies can help relieve the swelling of a lump on the neck. In addition to physical protection, these include warmth in the form of warm compresses or tea.
Honey and garlic also have an inhibiting effect on inflammation and thus also help to reduce the bump on the neck. For example, honey can be stirred into the tea and garlic can be used more often when cooking. If the cause is unclear, however, a doctor should be consulted, as many household remedies only have a decongestant effect, but do not cure a possible illness.
In the case of a bump on the neck, the range of possible homeopathic remedies is wide, as there are different possibilities depending on the cause. In general, Apis mellifica, Bellis perennis and Apisinum are particularly suitable for swelling. Potassium carbonicum and Agaricus muscarius can also have a decongesting effect. If the bump on the neck is caused by swollen lymph nodes, hepar sulfuris is also an effective homeopathic remedy.
The duration
The duration of a bump on the neck can vary depending on the cause. In the case of an acute flu or laryngitis, the swelling of the lymph nodes often lasts from a few days to a few weeks. A lump caused by the thyroid gland can subside under therapy. If a lump on the neck persists for several weeks, a doctor should be consulted for clarification.
