Swollen Lymph Nodes: What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes Around Neck

Causes Of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Contrary to common perception, lymph nodes are not glands as they do not secrete or release any hormones or chemicals. Rather they are part of the lymphatic system which is in turn is part of the immune system. The lymph nodes are located in the neck, the under arm region and the groin. There are several conditions and infections that can cause swollen lymph nodes and these include common colds, viruses, tonsillitis, lymphoma, mononucleosis and leukaemia. Hodgkin’s disease, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, secondary syphilis, yaws, cat scratch fever, lymphatic obstruction, toxoplasmosis and even infected wounds can cause swollen lymph nodes. It is important to pay a visit to your local health care provider in order to identify the cause of swelling and to treat it accordingly.

If the nodes are only inflamed, you need not worry too much, but if it is accompanied by the symptoms of any other condition, schedule an appointment with your doctor immediately. The symptoms you should check for include swelling that has appeared for no apparent reason, if they have been present for more than two weeks and continue to get enlarged, if they are hard to the touch, are accompanied by an unexplained loss of weight, fever and sweating at night and if they appear warm, tender and red in colour. At home you can try to apply a warm compress or elevate the swollen area to get some relief. If the swelling is the result of an infection, a course of antibiotics or antiviral medication will be prescribed by your doctor. However, the most common cause for a swelling of lymph nodes especially in the neck is a sore throat and a common cold. Take a cup of warm water and add some table salt to it. A salt water gargle twice a day is likely to clear up the infection and provide relief. The swelling is also likely to go down in a few days if you continue with the treatment. Boil a stick of cinnamon along with some basil leaves and once this concoction is brewed, you may sip it slowly throughout the day. Continue to do so for about 10 days for the swelling dissappear. Avoid ice creams and cold water during this period and stick to soups, preferably chicken broth with lots of vegetables added to provide you the necessary nutrition. Garnish your food with ginger and perhaps a dash of turmeric to keep infections at bay. Avoid coffee and other caffeinated and artificially flavoured beverages as well as alcohol and smoking as these will only aggravate your condition.