Yes, this is unusual, but possible. Show
Hayfever is basically an allergic reaction where pollen triggers activity in the immune system leading to inflammation. For some people, this can also lead to swollen glands around the inflamed tissue in a similar way to what you might get with the common cold or flu. Symptoms of hayfever and colds can overlap and it will be worth considering the possibility of a viral infection as an alternative explanation. In any case, if your swollen glands persist, seek medical advice. How helpful was this answer?Reviews
Rating: 06.10.2020 “As with other reviews, a persistent but mild feeling of swollen glands had me more concerned due to the pandemic. Ten years ago my GP did various tests and and examined me for this same issue with nothing found. I later tied the transient nature of this issue to allergy season. Thank you for confirming that conclusion.” Linda Marie
Rating: 13.06.2020 “Yes, this information can be helpful to we people, Thanks ” c.k.kaw
Rating: 05.06.2020 “Yes. The info here helped my daughter understand and believe me in what I was trying to let her know! Thank you!” Sue If your child is allergic to a food, signs and symptoms can show themselves after the child eats the food. You may already be aware of common ones like hives, itchy mouth or stomach pain, as well as severe symptoms such as trouble swallowing and a weak pulse. Read our post on food allergy symptoms. But have you ever noticed enlarged lymph nodes, especially on your child’s neck, and wondered whether this was connected to a food allergy reaction or unrelated? Let’s take a look at whether this is a possible symptom of food allergies or not. About Lymph NodesLymph nodes are found throughout the body in the neck, under the jaw, on the back of the head, behind the ears, in the armpit and in the groin area. A component of the immune system, lymph nodes can swell when your body is facing certain immune responses. When they’re swollen, they tend to indicate that the body is fighting something like an infection. Enlarged lymph nodes in children are larger than one centimeter wide. Swollen Lymph Nodes and Food AllergiesSince lymph nodes can swell from immune responses and allergic reactions are an immune response, it would make sense to wonder whether they might be connected. However, a food allergy reaction is not one of the reasons lymph nodes swell. Also, lymph nodes rarely enlarge with allergic rhinitis from indoor or outdoor allergens. The exception is when the allergic rhinitis has resulted in an infection of the ears or sinuses that has caused the lymph nodes to swell. Distinguishing the CauseSwollen lymph nodes provide one clue, along with other symptoms, of a problem. They generally show that the body is fighting something, yet it’s not always clear right away what that something is. Pay attention to other symptoms as well as swollen lymph nodes. Most often, swollen lymph nodes act as a sign of a bacterial or viral infection, in which case there would likely be other symptoms of an infection such as runny nose, fever and sore throat. Some symptoms are similar between infections and allergies, so you may think you’re seeing signs of the allergy when they’re actually coming from an infection, or your child could potentially have overlapping symptoms of the separate problems. You should have your child checked by a doctor if there are signs of an infection, if there is a lack of other symptoms to explain swollen lymph nodes, if the lymph nodes are hard or don’t move when pressed, if they don’t go away or get worse after two weeks, or if your child also has night sweats, an ongoing fever or weight loss without another known cause. Overall, don’t assume that swollen lymph nodes are a sign of food allergy, because they are unrelated. On the other hand, don’t let swollen lymph nodes give you the idea that your child couldn’t also be having an allergic reaction, because they could have both at the same time. Take the normal precautions you would for signs of a food allergy response, including using an epinephrine injector and getting immediate medical attention if you see signs of a severe reaction. Allergic disease is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the world. Allergy symptoms can range from mild to a serious life-threatening allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). People with a family history of allergies have a higher risk of allergic disease. Types of allergic diseases include:
Allergic reactions start in your immune system. If you are allergic to a substance such as dust, mold, or pollen and you come into contact with it, your immune system may overreact. It may make antibodies that attack the substance. Something that causes an allergic reaction is called an allergen. They can cause:
What is the immune system?The goal of the immune system is to defend your body. It works to keep harmful bacteria, viruses, and fungi out of your body. It works to kill any of these that get into your body. The immune system is made up of a complex network of cells and organs. All of these work to protect your body from infection.
The organs are called the lymphoid organs. They affect growth, development, and the release of white blood cells called lymphocytes. The blood vessels and lymphatic vessels carry the lymphocytes around the body. Each lymphoid organ plays a role in making and releasing lymphocytes. Lymphoid organs include:
How does a person become allergic?Common allergic reactions, such as hay fever, certain types of asthma, and hives are linked to an antibody made by the body called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Each IgE antibody can be very specific. This means it reacts to certain pollens and other allergens. For example, a person can be allergic to 1 type of pollen, but not another. Allergens can be inhaled, ingested, or enter through the skin. When a person is exposed to an allergen, the body starts making a lot of similar IgE antibodies. The next contact with the same allergen may lead to an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction will vary. They depend on the type and amount of allergen how the body's immune system reacts to that allergen. Allergies can affect people of any age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Allergies are more common in children. But they may occur at any age. Allergic reactions may go away for many years and then come back. These things may also play a role in the development or severity of allergies:
What is anaphylaxis?Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction to certain allergens. It is also known as anaphylactic shock. Anaphylaxis may:
Other symptoms may include:
Anaphylaxis can be caused by an allergic reaction to any of these:
Many people with allergies and a risk of anaphylaxis carry an emergency anaphylaxis kit. This kit has injectable epinephrine. This is a medicine that stimulates the adrenal glands. It increases the rate and force of the heartbeat. Can lymph nodes swell due to seasonal allergies?Yes, seasonal and environmental allergies may cause lymph nodes to swell. Allergens trigger the immune system, which in turn triggers a response from the lymphatic system.
Why did my lymph nodes start hurting?Painful lymph nodes are generally a sign that your body is fighting an infection. The soreness usually goes away in a couple of days without treatment. The lymph node may not return to its normal size for several weeks.
Where do lymph nodes swell with allergies?“An upper respiratory infection, a cold, allergies—all can cause lymph nodes to swell as the body responds to the immunologic 'crisis,'” she explains. These are most often felt on either side of the neck, under the jaw around the throat, or behind the ears.
What helps swollen lymph nodes from allergies?Apply a warm, wet compress, such as a washcloth dipped in hot water and wrung out, to the affected area. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
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