![]() ![]() ![]() Most people have localized lymphadenopathy, in which only the lymph nodes in one particular area of the body swell up. It is important to contact a doctor to discuss any possible side effects of medications. These conditions can include:Ĭertain medications can also cause swelling. Many different conditions cause the lymph nodes to swell, particularly the nodes in the head and neck. For example, an ear infection may cause swollen lymph nodes near the ear, while someone with an upper respiratory tract infection may notice swollen lymph nodes in their neck. The location of the swelling often relates to the affected area. The swelling occurs as a result of immune cell activity in the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes may swell when a person has an infection. Lymph nodes also contain immune cells that help fight infection by attacking the germs that the body’s lymph fluid has collected. The lymph nodes filter the fluid and release it back into the bloodstream together with salts and proteins. While doing so, it collects and traps harmful matter, such as bacteria, viruses, and bodily waste products. Lymph fluid flows in and out of the lymph nodes throughout the body before finally making its way back to the chest. The main lymph nodes that people may see or feel are found: The human body has hundreds of lymph nodes. The lymph nodes collect and filter fluids, waste materials, and harmful germs. Bloods tests, a chest x-ray and an ultrasound scan of the neck may be necessary as part of the work up.Share on Pinterest Jovo Jovanovic/Stocksy United Your Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) Specialist will want to examine your head and neck thoroughly, and include nasal endoscopy as part of his/her assessment. Family history of nose or thyroid cancer.Flare ups of any skin problems – eczema or psoriasis.Dental infections or recent dental treatment.These are areas doctors often fail to examine The presence of nodes elsewhere such as your groin or armpit.This is a checklist to run through with your doctor – it is not exhaustive but if any of these are present, do highlight it. One common cause of neck node enlargement in the neck amongst adults is nose cancer and this can only be identified with nasal endoscopy.Ī thorough history is an important part of the management of enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. A Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist (ENT) is best placed to see patients with enlarged neck lymph nodes because we are in a position to evaluate the upper aerodigestive tract (nose and throat) with endoscopy for a source of these enlarged lymph nodes. It is important to seek the right specialist to evaluate your enlarged neck nodes. Spiking fevers, nights sweats (often drenching) and unexpected weight loss.Pain after consumption of alcohol is said to be a feature of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Pain – this often points to an infection or inflammation.Failure to respond to antibiotics warrants a specialist consultation Most general practitioners will try a course of antibiotics initially. Presence for more than 2-4 weeks without signs of resolution.Persistent enlargement of one or several lymph nodes without an obvious cause e.g.Some symptoms or signs are reasons to have a specialist consultation for enlarged neck lymph nodes. When should you be worried about enlarged lymph nodes? In recent times, a common cause for enlarged lymph nodes is recent vaccination with an mRNA Covid vaccine. For example, a recent history of a blocked or runny nose, fever and cough may suggest that lymph nodes have enlarged due to a simple respiratory tract infection. I often asks patients of associated symptoms that may give me a clue as to the cause of their lymph node enlargement. Metastatic disease – cancers from elsewhere in the head and neck spreading to the draining lymph nodes.Lymphomas – primary tumours of the lymph nodes.Inflammatory conditions – Kawasaki’s disease, Kikuchi’s etc.Eczema or atopic dermatitis of the skin of the scalp.Infectons – viral (such as glandular fever), bacterial or tuberculosis (TB).There are many reasons for a lymph node to swell. Location of lymph nodes in a child’s neck. ![]()
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