Swollen glands are a sign the body is fighting an infection. They usually get better by themselves within 2 weeks. Show
Check if your glands are swollenSwollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps:
Glands (known as lymph glands or lymph nodes) swell near an infection to help your body fight it. Sometimes a gland on just one side of the body swells. You might also have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or high temperature. Things you can do yourselfSwollen glands should go down within 2 weeks. You can help to ease the symptoms by:
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
Urgent advice: Get advice from 111 now if:
111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Other ways to get helpGet an urgent GP appointment A GP may be able to treat you. Ask your GP surgery for an urgent appointment. Causes of swollen glandsDo not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried. Swollen glands are:
A GP will be able to recommend treatment depending on the cause, which might include antibiotics (antibiotics do not work on viral infections). You have lymph nodes throughout your body—they’re in your neck, armpits, chest, belly and groin area. Sometimes they get swollen. You might notice a lump when they do, and the site might feel sore or tender. Most of the time, a swollen lymph node means your lymphatic system is doing its job. It’s trapping viruses, bacteria and pathogens and signaling your body to make white blood cells that can help you fight infections. “Rather than being something scary, most enlarged lymph nodes are a sign of a healthy immune system,” said Rebecca Moran, MD, a family medicine specialist at Banner Health Clinic in Phoenix. When you have swollen lymph nodes, you’ll probably notice other symptoms from whatever is causing them, such as fatigue, fever, sore throat, runny nose or other signs of infection. What causes swollen lymph nodes?It’s typically things like cold viruses, strep throat, mononucleosis or skin infections that cause swollen lymph nodes. But there can be other causes, too:
How can you prevent swollen lymph nodes?You can’t stop a lymph node from swelling as it fights off infections and other things that don’t belong in the body. “That is what they are designed to do, and we want them to do it,” Dr. Moran said. You can try to prevent the infections that lead to swollen lymph nodes by washing your hands, disinfecting surfaces, avoiding touching your nose and eyes and staying away from people with contagious infections. You can also help keep yourself healthy by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products. How can you treat tender lymph nodes?Tender lymph nodes will feel better when the underlying infection clears. If you have a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. A viral infection needs to run its course. In the meantime, you can apply warm compresses to your tender lymph nodes and take pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If an autoimmune disorder or cancer is causing your tender lymph nodes, your health care provider can provide treatments for those conditions. When should you be concerned about swollen lymph nodes?You don’t need to worry about your swollen lymph nodes most of the time. But you should talk to your health care provider if your swollen glands:
The bottom lineSwollen lymph nodes are a sign your body is fighting off infection, like it is supposed to do. But sometimes, they can signal a more serious problem. If you would like to talk to a health care provider who can help evaluate your lymph nodes, reach out to Banner Health. When should you worry about a swollen lymph node?See your GP if you have swollen glands and:
they feel hard or don't move when you press them. you also have a sore throat and find it difficult to swallow or breathe. you also have unexplained weight loss, night sweats or a persistent high temperature (fever) you don't have an obvious infection and don't feel unwell.
What might a swollen lymph node indicate?Swollen lymph nodes mean your body's immune system is working to clear away infection and/or invading viruses or bacteria. Many people call them swollen glands even though they're really not glands, but part of your lymphatic system.
Is a swollen lymph node serious?Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign that your immune system is fighting off infection, but they may also signal more serious conditions. Lymph nodes are no bigger than a baked bean, but they're powerful weapons in the body's defense against disease and infection.
How long can a swollen lymph node last?Swollen glands should go down within 2 weeks. You can help to ease the symptoms by: resting. drinking plenty of fluids (to avoid dehydration)
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