Swollen Lymph Nodes Causes

Swollen lymph nodes can cause concern in those who have them. Swollen lymph nodes causes can vary from them common cold to cancer. Only a health care professional can determine the cause of a swollen lymph node. Persistently swollen lymph nodes may be caused by a serious illness and those that are temporarily swollen may be from a minor infection. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic (Lymph Node System) and filters debris from the body.

Location of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are located throughout the body and there are approximately 550 lymph nodes on the adult body. Any number of them may be swollen at a given time. Some are noticeable and some are not. Swollen lymph nodes can be found in the groin, neck, armpits, neck, abdomen, and chest.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

There are various causes of lymph node swelling; most of the causes are from common infections. When the cause is from an infection, the lymph node will return to its former size once the infection is gone. The infection can be caused from a simple cut that has a slight infection or from a serious infection like MRSA. The lymph nodes close to the infection will be affected the most. Swollen lymph node causes include the following:

  • Abscessed tooth
  • Throat infection
  • Common cold
  • Childhood diseases like mumps or measles
  • Virus infections
  • Fungal infections
  • Tuberculosis
  • Alcoholism
  • Mononucleosis

Other more serious causes of swollen lymph nodes include the following:

Most causes of swollen lymph nodes are not serious, but they should be checked if there are concerns or accompanied with signs of a serious illness, disease, or infection.

Serious Swollen Lymph Node

When lymph nodes are serious, it is not always serious, but some times swollen lymph nodes can be caused by serious conditions. These are some of the signs that swollen lymph nodes should be checked by a health care professional:

  • Swelling that last for over 2 weeks
  • Hard swollen lymph nodes
  • Fixed node
  • Rapidly growing lymph nodes
  • Swollen lymph node on neck or collar bone
  • Skin on or around lymph node is red and inflamed

A healthcare provider should also be seen when swollen lymph nodes are accompanied by weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, or a long lasting fever because it may be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Treating Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Once the cause of swollen lymph nodes is diagnosed, treatment can begin. Treatment will be determined by the diagnosis. Antibiotic treatment will be used to treat infections. Chemo and radiation will be necessary to treat cancer. There may be surgery necessary to remove swollen lymph nodes to test for cancer.

When a swollen lymph node is first noticed it can just be watched. Keep dated notes regarding the swollen lymph node and any other symptoms that are present. This information if you need to go to a doctor to find the cause of the swollen lymph nodes.

Lymph Nodes

Know the basics about Lymph Nodes in your body.