THERAPY of swelling of lymph nodes in the neck

As a rule, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck does not require a specific therapy. The underlying disease, such as an infection, is decisive for the therapeutic measure. Often, however, a simple infection does not require a specific therapy.

These are usually caused by viruses and can be treated symptomatically. This means drinking a lot and keeping calm. If there is pain, taking painkillers can help.

Only in rare cases are so-called antivirals advised, which are supposed to fight the viruses. If an infection caused by bacteria is suspected, antibiotic therapy should be started. If a tumor disease is present, it must be treated as specifically as possible.

In the treatment of lymph gland cancer, this usually means chemotherapy and radiation. In most cases, if there is swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, no treatment is necessary and the swelling subsides of its own accord. The most important recommendation here is to give the body rest and recuperation so that it can fight off the disease and lymph node swelling decreases.

Especially in the case of pain or a feeling of pressure, some home remedies can give the body additional support. These include gently massaging the swollen lymph nodes with your fingers in circular movements. This stimulates the lymph flow.

In addition, one can take advantage of the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effect of castor oil. To do this, massage the swollen areas with some cold-pressed castor oil and then apply a warm compress. This application can be done once or twice a day.

Especially in case of respiratory tract infections it helps to gargle some salt water several times a day. However, if the swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck remains or continues to increase over the course of a week, a doctor should definitely be consulted in order to recognize and treat a serious illness in good time. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck as a result of an infection usually disappears by itself.To support the body’s recovery, the use of homeopathic remedies can be considered.

However, there is no scientific proof of their effectiveness. Which remedy can be used depends on the cause of the lymph node swelling. Among others, the following are used: Abrotanum, Barium carbonicum and iodatum, Calcium fluoratum and Chimaphila umbellata, Clematis, Iodum and various Mercurius preparations.

If the swelling of the lymph nodes does not improve in the course of 2 weeks or even increases further, a doctor should be consulted to rule out a serious illness. If lymph node swelling in the neck causes pain, this is usually due to so-called lymphadenitis, i.e. inflammation of the lymph nodes. In contrast to most inflammatory complaints, one should not cool but warm the lymph nodes.

The best way to do this is to put a washcloth in warm water and place it on the swollen lymph nodes in the neck. The heat stimulates their blood circulation and activity. The swelling and pain can be relieved.

This application can be repeated several times a day. If a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck occurs in connection with a cold or the like, the swelling does not need to be treated separately. Because in these cases the swelling heals with the disease.

Symptomatic therapy and possibly cooling of the lymph node can provide relief. In the case of inflammatory processes that occur in connection with fever and overheating, a doctor should be consulted, because therapy with antibiotics may be necessary if the inflammation was caused by bacteria. In the case of isolated swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, a doctor should be consulted to determine the cause of the lymph node swelling. It may be necessary to surgically remove the lymph node and further examination.