If you’ve ever felt a small lump in your neck when you had a cold, it was probably a swollen lymph node. Lymph node swelling may feel alarming. But in most cases, it’s a normal sign that your immune system is doing its job.
What are lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, are small, bean-shaped glands found in many parts of your body. They are part of the lymphatic system, which supports your immune system.
These nodes contain white blood cells that help fight off infections. “They are our bodies’ surveillance system. They watch for signs of infection or abnormal cells that need to be broken down and destroyed,” said Elizabeth (Betsy) O'Connor, DO, a family medicine expert with Banner Health.
“Lymph nodes are responsible for filtering lymphatic fluid and trapping viruses, bacteria and abnormal cells to help prevent infection and disease,” she said.
When your body is fighting an infection, the lymph nodes in that area can swell.
Where are lymph nodes located?
Lymph nodes are found throughout your body but clustered in certain parts. You’re most likely to notice swollen lymph nodes in:
- Your neck
- Under the jaw
- Behind the ears
- Your armpits
- Your groin
Swollen lymph nodes are usually found near the part of the body where your immune system is working hard. For example, swollen lymph nodes in the neck are often linked to a sore throat or upper respiratory infection.
What is the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes?
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection. The lymph nodes may enlarge as they work to fight off viruses or bacteria. “Rarely, lymph node swelling can be related to autoimmune diseases or cancer,” Dr. O’Connor said.
Viral infection
Viral infections are the leading cause of swollen lymph nodes. This includes:
- The common cold
- Flu
- COVID
- Mononucleosis
- Sore throat
Bacterial infection
A bacterial infection can also cause swollen lymph nodes. Examples include:
- Strep throat
- Ear infections
- Skin infections
- Dental infections
Less common causes of lymph node swelling are lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and rarely some types of cancer.
Why do swollen lymph nodes hurt?
Swollen lymph nodes can feel tender because they are inflamed. When your body fights an infection, more immune cells move into the lymph node and they can irritate nerves.
That increased activity in the area can cause pain or sensitivity, which usually gets better as the infection clears up.
How long does lymph node swelling last?
Most lymph node swelling improves within a few days to two weeks. It can take a little bit of time for lymph nodes to return to their normal size. So you may notice that they stay slightly enlarged even after you feel better.
If the swelling lasts more than two to four weeks or the lymph nodes seem like they’re getting bigger, it’s a good idea to get them checked.
When should you be concerned about swollen lymph nodes?
Swollen lymph nodes are usually harmless. “Because lymph node swelling is a normal function of the immune system, it usually isn’t a bad thing,” Dr. O’Connor said.
But you should talk with a health care provider if you notice:
- A node that’s larger than one inch
- Hard or fixed nodes that don’t move
- Swelling that lasts more than a few weeks
- Pain in a lymph node that doesn’t improve with warm compresses, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
- Swollen lymph nodes scattered throughout parts of your body
- Fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
These symptoms don’t necessarily mean something serious is going on. But you should have a medical professional check them out.
How can you prevent swollen lymph nodes?
You can’t stop a lymph node from swelling if it’s fighting off infections and you don’t want to. You want to let it do its job.
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 drinking plenty of fluids, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, choosing a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products.
Are swollen lymph nodes a sign of cancer?
Most of the time, no. While feeling a lump can be scary, infection is the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. Cancer is a much less common reason, especially if your lymph nodes get swollen during or after an illness.
If you have swollen lymph nodes that last a long time or are getting bigger, you should have them examined.
What should you do if you notice lymph node swelling?
If you have symptoms of a cold, sore throat or another infection, you can monitor the swelling.
Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and treating the illness that’s causing the swollen lymph nodes usually helps. If you think you have a bacterial infection, see a health care provider, because you may need antibiotics. Warm compresses and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications can help with painful lymph nodes.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your swollen lymph nodes or the swelling isn’t going down, schedule an appointment with a Banner Health provider. A professional can diagnose the cause and connect you with treatment that can help.
