Can allergies cause swollen lymph nodes?Īllergies don’t typically cause swollen lymph nodes. Notify your healthcare provider if you have recently started a new medication and are concerned that your lymph nodes are swollen. Common vaccines and medications known to cause swelling include: In rare cases, vaccines, certain medications, or an allergic reaction to a medication can trigger lymph node swelling. Usually, the lymph node swelling in autoimmune diseases is in multiple areas of the body.Įxamples of autoimmune diseases that can cause swollen lymph nodes are: Autoimmune diseaseĪutoimmune diseases can cause lymph node swelling, too. Lymphomas can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, collarbone area, and groin. There are different types of lymphomas including: There are also cancers of the lymph nodes. Kaposi’s sarcoma (cancer of the blood vessels or lymph vessels) Examples of cancers that cause lymph node swelling include: Sexually transmitted infection such as syphilisĬancer is a less common cause of swollen lymph nodes. More serious infections can cause generalized lymph node swelling along with other symptoms. Mild infections generally cause swollen lymph nodes in the area of the infection.

Infections are the most common cause of lymph node swelling. This is called generalized lymphadenopathy and is sometimes seen in more serious illnesses. Sometimes, people have swollen lymph nodes in multiple areas of the body. For instance, the lymph nodes in your neck may feel swollen when you have a sore throat, or an upper respiratory tract infection. In many cases, the swelling takes place at or near the area of the body that is affected. The location of the swollen lymph nodes, and any other symptoms, can help to determine the cause. Swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) can be caused by many things ranging from mild infections to serious illnesses like autoimmune diseases and cancer. The medical term for a swollen lymph node is lymphadenopathy. A lymph node that is greater than 1 cm in size can be considered swollen or enlarged. Swelling may occur as these germs, lymph, and WBCs build up within your lymph nodes. After this process, the filtered lymph fluid is released back into your bloodstream. The WBCs attack and remove any foreign substances that are detected. When your immune system recognizes germs or other foreign material, the WBCs in your lymph nodes get to work. Lymph nodes work by filtering the lymph flowing through the lymphatic system. This network allows lymph (a clear fluid filled with blood cells, fats, and proteins) to flow throughout the body.Īs lymph runs its course in the body, it collects and traps harmful matter such as:

Your lymphatic system is made up of a broad network of vessels, tissues, and organs that are important to your immune system. Lymph nodes play a key role as filters in your lymphatic system. Some lie just below the surface of your skin, while others reside deeper within your body. It is estimated that your body houses several hundred lymph nodes. But in children, it may be more easily detected. Lymph nodes can be found in clusters throughout the body and are an important part of your immune system.Ī normal lymph node is 1 cm in size or less and is not normally seen or felt in adults. Your lymph nodes hold white blood cells (WBCs) that help rid your body of harmful germs that cause illness. Lymph nodes are small, pea-sized glands that help the body recognize and fight infection. Keep reading to find out what causes swollen lymph nodes, when to see your healthcare provider, and how they’re treated. Indeed, it is often a sign that your immune system is working hard to fend off an illness. But before you worry, bear in mind that this swelling can be a normal response. Lymph nodes can also enlarge due to cancer in the lymphatic system, such as Hodgkin disease.You may be concerned if you have swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes, the lymph nodes themselves can become inflamed and enlarged, a condition called lymphadenitis. However, the lymphadenopathy may be generalized, with lymph node enlargement in more than one area, which is typical of a viral illness. Swollen lymph nodes around the jaw may be due to an infection in the teeth or mouth. For example, an infant with a scalp infection may have enlarged lymph nodes at the back of the neck. Since enlarged lymph nodes are often near the source of infection, their location can help determine the cause. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat caused by the streptococcus bacterium, can also cause lymphadenopathy. Nearly all children will develop lymphadenopathy at some time, as the condition commonly occurs in response to an infection from a virus, such as an upper respiratory infection. As infection-fighting cells and fluid accumulate, the lymph nodes enlarge to many times their normal size. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and functions to fight disease and infections.

Back neck lymph nodes swollen