Therapy of lymph node swelling after vaccination | Swelling of lymph nodes after vaccination

Therapy of lymph node swelling after vaccination

Since lymph node swelling after vaccination is often a symptom of the desired activation of the immune system, in many cases no therapy for lymph node swelling is necessary. However, accompanying symptoms such as fatigue and light fever can be treated symptomatically. Physical rest is often sufficient for a few days, and children are often given additional antipyretic medication.

If the lymph node swelling is an expression of an infection, this infection should also be treated symptomatically at first. The main focus is on sufficient fluid intake and fever reduction. Antibiotics can also be used for bacterial infections. Serious vaccination complications such as allergic reactions can be treated with antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs). In rare cases, emergency medical care is also necessary for severe reactions up to allergic shock.

How long does the lymph node swelling last?

The duration of lymph node swelling after vaccination should be about as long as the other accompanying symptoms last. Often the swelling starts the day after vaccination and continues for a few days. Afterwards, the immune system has completely processed the vaccine, so that the lymph nodes also swell again.If there is an excessive reaction to the vaccination, the swelling of the lymph nodes may last longer, but it usually disappears again after a few days or weeks. Only a serious and dangerous reaction to the vaccination can cause a longer lasting swelling of the lymph nodes.

When do I have to go to the doctor?

With a lymph node swelling after vaccination you do not need to see a doctor at first, because a certain reaction of the immune system is normal and therefore a swelling of the lymph nodes is to be expected. However, if other symptoms such as severe malaise and fever occur (some fever/high temperature and a slight feeling of illness may also be normal after vaccination), a doctor should be consulted. If the vaccination site is severely reddened or swollen, or if the redness spreads, for example, over the (vaccinated) arm, you must see a doctor to rule out a serious complication. You should also see a doctor if there are signs of an allergic reaction (skin rash, severe itching, sudden shortness of breath, circulatory shock).