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Swollen lymph nodes are a good indicator that the body’s health is being compromised in some way. In most cases, swollen glands are no more ominous than a runny nose. In rare cases, however, swollen lymph nodes can indicate that something serious might be going on, so a visit to a healthcare provider may be in order.
What are swollen lymph nodes?
Swollen lymph nodes are a commonly-experienced sign that the body is responding to an infection or some other problem. Also called lymphadenopathy, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom just like a sore throat or runny nose. However, lymphadenopathy could be a symptom of any number of underlying issues. The healthcare provider’s job is to carefully study the clues to identify and then treat the cause.
The lymphatic system is like an ongoing rinse cycle for the body’s tissues. Lymphatic fluid is blood plasma that squeezes out of the tiniest blood vessels. The fluid flows around cells, delivers nutrients, and rinses away waste materials, dead cells, and foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses.
Eventually, the lymphatic fluid seeps into lymphatic vessels and flows to collection points called lymph nodes which return the fluid to the blood. There are about 600 pea- to bean-sized lymph nodes in the body, mostly clustered in the jaw, side of the neck, collarbone, armpits, and groin area.
Lymph nodes are filled with white blood cells, the immune system’s front line against infections and foreign invaders. The white blood cells filter out and destroy bacteria, dead cells, viruses, and other stuff that passes through the node. When the white blood cells recognize a foreign invader, they kick into action and generate more white blood cells to go after that specific invader.
Once the alarm is sounded, white blood cells in the node can triple, quadruple, or increase by as many as five times in just one 24-hour period. That, in a nutshell, causes lymph nodes to swell.
Most of the time, then, enlarged lymph nodes only mean your body is fighting off an infection or has been triggered by an allergy. However, there are other causes, and some, though rare, can be serious.
Swollen lymph nodes are caused by:
- Infections, such as mononucleosis or strep throat
- Lymph node infection (lymphadenitis)
- Allergies
- Immune system disorders, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Metabolic disorders
- Medicines
- Environmental toxins
- Cancer (Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, metastatic breast cancer, and others).
Most patients visit their doctor worrying about the last one, but cancer is discovered in less than six out of every 100,000 patients with swollen glands. The vast majority of patients with swollen lymph nodes have benign conditions that resolve in a few days or weeks. However, healthcare providers all agree that swollen lymph nodes require medical care if there are other symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Trouble breathing
- Redness above the swollen nodes
- Excessively enlarged lymph nodes
- Lymph nodes that are swollen for several weeks
- A cluster of swollen lymph nodes that seem to be “joined” together
- Lymph node swelling throughout the body.
How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?
In most cases, lymphadenopathy and its cause are diagnosed with a careful medical history and a physical examination. In some cases, testing, imaging, or a biopsy may be required if the cause is not readily apparent.
Most people will be diagnosed and treated by a family physician. Some patients, however, may require a specialist to perform specific tests and treat the underlying condition.
The healthcare provider will primarily look for other symptoms. Some conditions that cause swollen lymph glands, such as strep throat or chickenpox, are readily identifiable based on other symptoms.
The healthcare provider will also feel the lymph nodes on several areas of the body to answer a few important questions:
- Where are the lymph nodes swollen?
- Is the swelling in one place or generalized across the body?
- What do the swollen lymph nodes feel like, soft, firm, hard, or like small pellets?
- Are the swollen lymph nodes tender to the touch?
- Do the swollen lymph nodes fell clumped together like they’re joined?
The answers to all these questions point to possible diagnoses. If the diagnosis is not readily apparent from other symptoms and the nature of the swelling, a detailed medical history usually nails down a cause. On your first visit to a doctor, expect questions like:
- How long have the lymph nodes been swollen?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Have you traveled anywhere?
- Have you had unprotected sex?
- What medications do you take?
- Do you smoke or drink?
By this point, the doctor will have made a diagnosis or will need to perform blood tests, skin tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound to find the root cause. In the rare cases in which additional tests still don’t arrive at a diagnosis, the doctor will perform a lymph node biopsy if the risk for cancer is high.
Swollen lymph nodes treatment options
Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom, not a disease. Once a diagnosis has been made, the underlying condition will be treated.
Bacterial infections
Bacterial infections will be treated with antibiotics, symptom support, and, sometimes, surgery.
Viral infections
Some viruses, such as HIV infections, can be treated or managed by antiviral medication. If not, the virus will be treated by observation and managing the symptoms.
Other infections
Antifungal or antiparasite medications can help resolve other infections.
Lymphadenitis
Lymphadenitis, a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection of the lymph nodes, is treated with appropriate antimicrobial medications.
Medications or toxins
If swollen lymph nodes are a side effect of medication, the medication will be stopped or changed. If the cause is an environmental toxin, the patient will be asked to avoid exposure.
Allergies and immune disorders
Allergies are treated by allergen avoidance and medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids. Immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be managed with immunosuppressants or immune-modulating medications.
Cancer
Lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers that cause swollen lymph nodes will be treated with some combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.
Managing swollen lymph nodes
As a symptom, swollen lymph nodes can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, warm compresses, and rest.
Swollen lymph nodes medications
Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of an underlying condition: bacterial infections, viral infections, immune system disorders, allergies, cancer, and other causes. Each of these will be treated using medications appropriate to the diagnosis.
The pain, discomfort, and swelling of the lymph nodes can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or naproxen.
What is the best medication for swollen lymph nodes?
Patients can effectively manage the discomfort of swollen glands with store-bought pain relievers. People respond differently to various types of pain relievers based on underlying conditions, genetics, and medications they are currently taking. For this reason, the “best” pain reliever is the one that provides the most relief with the fewest side effects.
| Best medications for swollen lymph nodes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Name | Drug Class | Administration Route | Standard Dosage | Common Side Effects |
| Motrin (ibuprofen) | NSAID | Oral | Two tablets every four hours | Nausea, bleeding, stomach pain |
| Aleve (naproxen) | NSAID | Oral | One 220 mg tablet taken with food or water every 8 to 12 hours | Nausea, bleeding, stomach pain |
| Aspirin | NSAID | Oral | One or two 325 mg capsules or tablets with water per day | Upset stomach, heartburn, bleeding |
| Tylenol (acetaminophen) | Over-the-counter analgesic | Oral | Two 325 mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours | Nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite |
Many of the standard dosages above are from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are the common side effects of swollen lymph nodes medications?
Side effects will vary based on the medication. This is not a complete list, and you should consult with a healthcare professional for possible side effects and drug interactions based on your specific situation.
Pain relievers such as over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are widely available and safe. NSAIDs, however, interfere with blood clotting, so the most serious side effects of NSAIDs are bleeding, bruising, and gastrointestinal bleeding causing stomach and intestinal pain.
Swollen lymph nodes are common in children. Because of the risk of a potentially fatal condition called Reye's syndrome, aspirin should never be given to children or teenagers with flu-like symptoms, chickenpox, or any other viral infection.
Unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not interfere with blood clotting. Acetaminophen commonly disrupts the digestive system, provoking side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and upset stomach. The most serious side effect of acetaminophen is overdose. Acetaminophen is a poison that can damage the liver if taken in excessive amounts. Always follow the dosage indicated by a physician or the product label.
Drug interactions may be an issue when managing lymph node swelling and discomfort. Some drugs, such as steroids, should not be taken with certain over-the-counter analgesics. Always consult with the prescribing doctor about pain relievers that you’re using.
What is the best home remedy for swollen lymph nodes?
Home remedies can help manage the discomfort and swelling of swollen lymph nodes while the underlying condition is resolving.
Use over-the-counter pain relievers
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen, can relieve some of the swelling and discomfort of swollen lymph nodes.
Apply a warm compress
Apply a warm, moist compress to the affected area every 20 minutes to relieve pain and discomfort.
Rest
Rest allows the body to recover from the underlying illness.
Frequently asked questions about swollen lymph nodes
How long does it take for swollen lymph nodes to go away?
Swollen lymph nodes are caused by underlying conditions, such as infections, allergies, or some other cause. The swelling will decrease when the underlying infection or condition resolves. However, lymph nodes can stay swollen for a few days or weeks after the body has cleared an infection. This is normal and shouldn’t be cause for alarm. In case the swollen lymph node(s) does not disappear, check with your physician.
How do you treat swollen lymph nodes?
Swollen lymph nodes are treated by addressing the underlying condition. To relieve pain, swelling, and discomfort, use over-the-counter pain relievers, and regularly apply a warm compress to the affected area.
How long do lymph nodes stay swollen after antibiotics?
Lymph nodes can stay swollen for days or weeks after the body has cleared an infection. It takes them a while to return to their original size. Give them about two weeks after the end of antibiotic therapy to return to their original size before seeking medical care.
When should I be concerned about swollen lymph nodes?
Swollen lymph nodes are usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection or reacting to an allergen. Sometimes, however, enlarged nodes may hint at a more serious problem. Healthcare providers all agree that it’s time to see a doctor if you notice other symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Redness around the swollen area
- Excessively enlarged nodes
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swollen lymph nodes all over the body
- Persistent lymph nodes for several weeks
In particular, if a group of swollen nodes seems to be “glued” together in a single mass—called “matting”— this is a potentially dire symptom, and it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional.
What medications cause lymph nodes to swell?
Some medications cause swollen lymph nodes as a side effect. These include:
- Some antibiotics (cephalosporins, sulpha drugs, penicillins)
- Some blood pressure medications (captopril, atenolol, hydralazine)
- Some anticonvulsants (carbamazepine, phenytoin, lamotrigine, primidone)
- Quinidine, allopurinol, sulindac, pyrimethamine, and gold.
What do doctors prescribe for swollen glands?
For swollen lymph nodes, doctors prescribe medications that treat the underlying condition, such as antibiotics for a bacterial infection.
What is a natural remedy for swollen lymph nodes?
Swollen lymph nodes resolve when the underlying condition clears up. In many cases, this happens naturally and without medical intervention, such as a cold or flu.
What foods are good for swollen lymph nodes?
In general, diet does not help to reduce lymph node swelling other than contributing to resolving the underlying condition. Swollen lymph nodes are not, as some popular sources suggest, “blocked” by bad stuff like a sink clogged with hair. Instead, lymph nodes swell because the body increases the number of white blood cells in the lymph nodes to fight infections. As always, however, a diet high in nutritious foods and low in processed foods is a good idea in maintaining and fighting infections.
What is the best way to drain lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes naturally drain lymphatic fluid back into the blood system. Lymph node swelling is not due to drainage but to the rapid proliferation of white blood cells within the node. This swelling is a natural and healthy response to infection or other conditions.
What tea is good for swollen lymph nodes?
No tea or natural herb has been convincingly demonstrated to be “good” for swollen lymph nodes. However, many herbs used in teas, such as echinacea, cinnamon, peppermint, chili, and parsley, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, or relaxing properties that might help people manage the discomfort and swelling of enlarged lymph nodes.
Does apple cider vinegar help swollen lymph nodes?
Some chiropractors, naturopaths, and homeopaths advise apple cider vinegar for a variety of ailments including swollen lymph nodes. However, apple cider vinegar has not been demonstrated to have any effect on swollen lymph nodes.