Swollen Lymph Nodes
Swollen Lymph Nodes Causes
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, especially viral infections such as the common cold. However, there are other types of infection, including parasitic and bacterial, and other possible swollen lymph node causes, such as strep throat, mumps, measles, ear infections, infected tooth, mononucleosis, and wound infections.
Swollen Lymph Nodes Definition
Swelling of lymph nodes typically results from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy
Swollen Lymph Nodes Diagnosis
The doctor may perform blood tests, imaging studies, and a lymph node biopsy.
Swollen Lymph Nodes Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms include: runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection; general swelling of lymph nodes throughout the body, indicative of infections such as HIV or mononucleosis, an infection of the glands, or immune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis; red, inflamed skin over the swollen lymph node; swollen limb, possibly indicating lymph system blockage caused by swelling in a lymph node too far under the skin to feel; and hardened, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, possibly indicating a tumor.
Swollen Lymph Nodes Treatment
The most commonly-used treatment for swollen lymph nodes caused by a bacterial infection is antibiotics. Some OTC pain relievers and fever reducers include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).