Have you ever noticed a lump or swelling in your neck? It could be a swollen lymph node, and while it may seem alarming, it’s a common occurrence.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a crucial role in our immune system, and they can become swollen for various reasons. In some cases, it’s simply a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, while in others, it could be a symptom of a more severe condition.
Whatever the cause, it’s essential to understand the potential causes of swollen lymph nodes in the neck and when you should seek medical attention. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
How do the Lymph Nodes work?
Lymph nodes play an essential role in the body’s immune system. They are small bean–shaped structures with immune cells that help filter and trap bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body in the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin.
Lymph nodes are connected by a system of vessels that transport lymphatic fluid (lymph) throughout the body. When the lymphatic fluid enters a lymph node, it passes through a specialized structure called a sinus. This structure is where immune cells, such as macrophages and B–cells, are located and where they interact with the lymphatic fluid.
As the lymphatic fluid passes through the lymph node, the immune cells detect and identify any foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses, and initiate an immune response. The immune cells then produce various chemicals, such as antibodies and cytokines, to fight the invader.
If a foreign substance is identified, the lymph node will swell as the immune cells work to fight the invader. In addition to fighting foreign invaders, the lymph nodes help filter and remove damaged cells, toxins, and other waste materials from the body. The lymph fluid is then recycled back into the bloodstream, which can be used to help the body’s organs and tissues.
What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes in Neck?
When the lymph nodes in your neck swell up, your body is under attack from an infection, illness, or stress.
1. Infection: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are commonly caused by infections such as the common cold, flu, and strep throat. These types of conditions usually cause the lymph nodes on both sides of the neck to swell. Other signs of infection may include fever, body aches, and sore throat.
2. Mononucleosis: Mononucleosis, commonly known as the “kissing disease”, is a contagious virus that can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Other signs of mononucleosis may include fever, fatigue, sore throat, and swollen tonsils.
3. Cancer: Cancer can cause the lymph nodes in the neck to become swollen. Lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting the neck, chest, abdomen, and arms lymph nodes. Other signs of lymphoma may include fever, night sweats, itching, and weight loss.
4. Allergies: Allergies can cause the lymph nodes in the neck to become swollen. Symptoms of allergies may include sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and coughing.
5. HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS can cause the lymph nodes in the neck to become swollen. Other signs of HIV/AIDS may include a fever, fatigue, and weight loss.
6. Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders can cause the lymph nodes in the neck to become swollen. Examples of autoimmune diseases include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Other signs of autoimmune disorders may include fever, fatigue, and muscle aches.
7. Injury: Injury to the neck can cause the lymph nodes in the neck to become swollen. Examples of injuries that can cause swollen lymph nodes to include a bite from an animal or insect, cuts, scrapes, and burns.
How to check lymph nodes for swelling
If you’re wondering if your lymph nodes are swollen, you can gently rub the sides of your neck.
Swollen lymph nodes will feel like soft, small bumps that are tender to touch—your swollen lymph nodes may be the size of a small pea or a grape.
Sometimes, your lymph nodes may swell suddenly and have an abnormally large size.
Your lymph nodes are on both sides of the neck, so if you feel inflammation or notice one side of your neck is bigger, you may have swollen lymph nodes.
If you have swollen lymph nodes, you may feel pain when eating foods hard to chew, turning your head sharply, or even bobbing your head.
Depending on the type of infection that causes your lymph nodes to swell, your swollen lymph nodes can also accompany other symptoms, including strep throat, a common cold, and fever.
Home remedies to treat swollen lymph nodes in your neck
If the cause of your swollen lymph nodes isn’t severe, you can try some home remedies to relieve the symptoms.
1. Hot and Cold Compresses:
Applying hot and cold compresses to your neck can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with swollen lymph nodes. To use this remedy, start by soaking a cloth in hot water and then applying it to the affected area. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then repeat the process with a cold compress. This should be done three times a day for 10 minutes each time.
2. Turmeric:
Turmeric is a natural anti–inflammatory that can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with swollen lymph nodes. To use this remedy, mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drink it twice a day for a few days.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is an effective home remedy for swollen lymph nodes. To use this remedy, mix two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drink it twice a day for a few days.
4. Ginger:
Ginger is a powerful anti–inflammatory that can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with swollen lymph nodes. To use this remedy, mix one teaspoon of grated ginger in a glass of warm water and drink it twice a day for a few days.
5. Echinacea:
Echinacea is a natural herb that can help boost your immune system and reduce the swelling associated with swollen lymph nodes. To use this remedy, take 500 mg of Echinacea thrice daily for a few days.
6. Garlic:
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and anti–inflammatory that can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with swollen lymph nodes. To use this remedy, crush two cloves of garlic and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Eat this mixture once a day for a few days.
7. Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is a natural anti–inflammatory that can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with swollen lymph nodes. To use this remedy, mix one teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel with a glass of warm water and drink it twice a day for a few days.
8. Green Tea:
Green tea is a natural anti–inflammatory that can help reduce the swelling and pain associated with swollen lymph nodes. To use this remedy, drink one cup of green tea twice daily for a few days.
When should you see a doctor?
Swollen lymph nodes don’t usually require medical treatment. Usually, your swollen glands should clear up after a few weeks. However, if your swollen glands don’t return to their normal size after the infection is treated, you need to see your doctor.
Other signs you should watch out for before seeing your doctor include the following;
- If your lymph nodes don’t return to normal after 2-4 weeks or if your child has swollen lymph nodes, they should return to normal in 5 days.
- Lymph nodes that swell up abruptly
- If your lymph nodes feel hard and don’t move when you touch them.
- If you see pus in the swollen lymph nodes, you should see a doctor.
- Swollen lymph nodes that come with sudden weight loss
- The affected area turns red or purple
- The affected area feels warm
- When you have enormous lymph nodes (bigger than a kidney bean or a grape).
- If you have swelling in your groin (You may have an STD)
- If your swollen lymph nodes come with a fever that persists.
- Experience profuse night sweating.
If you notice any of these when you have swollen lymph nodes, you must visit your doctor immediately.
