WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
You're most likely to encounter Lymphadenopathy
(limf-AD-en-OP-o-thee), or swollen lymph nodes, in your neck,
armpits, or groin. Children are more likely to have swollen
nodes than are adults. In children, the problem is usually a
sign of infection. When older people develop the condition,
there may be a more serious underlying
cause.
Causes
Lymphadenopathy is usually caused
by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include
allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and
an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
Signs/Symptoms
When you're fighting an
infection, nearby lymph nodes get bigger and become tender.
Normally, lymph nodes are less than 1/2 inch across (about the
size of your fingernail). But, with an infection, they can
swell to 2 or 3 times their usual size. They will slowly return
to normal in 2 to 4 weeks, when the infection is gone. The
lymph nodes may also feel hard or firm, and may seem misshapen.
The skin near a swollen lymph node may feel warm.
Care
Your doctor will treat the cause
of the swelling. If you have an infection, you may need to take
an antibiotic or an antiviral medication. If your doctor is not
sure what is causing the problem, you may need to have the
swollen node biopsied. To perform this procedure, your doctor
will insert a needle in the lymph node, remove a sample of
tissue or fluid, and send the sample to a
laboratory.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Do not poke or squeeze the swollen lymph nodes. This
could keep them from returning to
normal.
-
You may take acetaminophen for pain and fever, but do
NOT take aspirin or give it to children who have an
infection.
-
Always take your medicine as directed. If you feel it
is not helping, call your doctor, but do not stop taking it
on your own.
-
If you are taking antibiotics, finish the entire
prescription even if you feel well. Failure to complete the
treatment may leave enough bacteria alive to cause another
infection.
-
Putting heat on the swollen nodes may help reduce
pain. Use an electric heating pad (set on low) or warm, wet
towels.
-
If you have a sore throat, gargling with warm salt
water (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) or with
double-strength tea may provide some
relief.
-
If you have a fever, rest until your temperature
returns to normal (98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C). You may
resume normal activity slowly after your fever is gone. Be
sure to rest whenever you feel tired.
-
You may not have much appetite while you are ill, but
try to eat as much healthy food as possible. Drink at least
8 soda-can sized glasses of liquids each day, especially
while you have a fever.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You develop a high temperature.
-
A swollen node grows to more than 1 to 2 inches
across.
-
A swollen node remains larger than 1/2 inch for more
than 1 month.
-
Your lymph nodes continue to feel tender or get
worse.
-
A swollen node grows more tender to the touch, red
streaks develop near it, the overlying skin becomes red, or
you develop a rash.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
The node interferes with moving your neck, breathing,
or swallowing.
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