Lymph nodes are an important part of your body’s immune system. Your body relies on the lymphatic system to fight off germs, infections, and abnormal substances such as cancer cells.
Learn more about the causes and treatment options for swollen neck lymph nodes here.
What causes swollen neck lymph nodes?
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Common infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
The more common infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes include viral and bacterial infections. Left untreated, some of these diseases can lead to serious complications and secondary illnesses. Infections that commonly cause swollen neck lymph nodes
- common cold (viral respiratory infection)
- ear infection
- infected tooth (abscessed tooth)
- influenza (flu)
- measles (contagious viral infection also known as rubeola)
- German measles (contagious viral infection also known as rubella)
- mononucleosis (viral infection)
- mumps (viral infection that affects the salivary glands in the neck)
- strep throat (bacterial throat infection)
- tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils in the back of the throat)
- abrasions of the skin around the neck and in the scalp, such as repeated scratching of the scalp, or infected ear piercings
Treating common infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
Treatment of swollen neck lymph nodes due to infectious causes may include:
- treating the underlying cause
- antibiotic treatment
- antiviral therapy
- antifungal therapy
Learn how to treat the flu at home here.
Other infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
Less common, but potentially life threatening infectious diseases that cause swollen neck lymph nodes
- HIV
- cat scratch fever (bacterial infection from being scratched or bitten by a cat that carries the bacteria)
- cellulitis (bacterial skin infection)
- infected wound
- certain sexually transmitted infections
- toxoplasmosis (parasitic infection)
- tuberculosis (serious infection affecting the lungs and other organs)
Treating less common causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
Treating the less common causes of swollen neck lymph nodes will depend on the cause itself.
- HIV treatment can involve multiple medications, including anti-retroviral drugs.
- Cellulitis treatment may require antibiotics and wound care.
- Tuberculosis treatment may need antibiotics, rest, and observation.
Autoimmune diseases that cause swollen neck lymph nodes
Swollen neck lymph nodes can also be caused by problems with the immune system itself,
Treating autoimmune causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
The treatment options for autoimmune causes of swollen neck lymph nodes will depend on the causes, for example:
- Medications for rheumatoid arthritis include biologics, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- Treatment for lupus can include corticosteroids, antimalarials, and aspirin.
Cancers that can cause swollen neck lymph nodes
The most notable life threatening diseases that
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease)
- leukemia
- metastasized cancer that has traveled to the lymph nodes
- non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- head and neck cancer
Treating cancerous causes of swollen neck lymph nodes
Treatment for swollen neck lymph nodes will depend on the cause.
- Treatment options for when leukemia affects the lymph nodes include chemotherapy and biologics.
- Treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and stem cell transplants.
- Surgery for head and neck cancer may involve tumor removal or resection, laser surgery, or micrographic surgery.
Learn to tell the difference between a lump and a lymph node here.
Medications that can cause swollen neck lymph nodes
Medications that can cause swollen lymph nodes
- allopurinol
- penicillin
- sulfonamides
- hydralazine
- atenolol
- primidone
- captopril
- carbamazepine
- cephalosporin(s)
- gold
- phenytoin
- pyrimethamine
- quinidine
- sulindac
If you are taking a medication that is causing your lymph nodes to swell, your doctor
What other symptoms might occur with swollen neck lymph nodes?
Swollen neck lymph nodes often occur with other symptoms that vary in severity depending on the underlying cause.
Symptoms that may occur along with swollen neck lymph nodes
Swollen neck lymph nodes may occur with other symptoms, including:
- bleeding gums
- cold or flu-like symptoms (runny nose, fatigue, fever, sore throat, headache, cough, aches, and pains)
- drooling
- earache
- genital sores (indication of syphilis)
- joint pain
- rash
- tender, warm, and red lymph nodes
- unexplained loss of appetite
Serious symptoms that might indicate a life threatening condition
In some cases, swollen neck lymph nodes may occur with other symptoms that might indicate a serious or life threatening condition that should be evaluated in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these symptoms:
- difficulty swallowing
- high fever
- respiratory or breathing problems
- vomiting blood
How do doctors treat swollen lymph nodes in the neck?
Viral infections that cause swollen neck lymph nodes
However, some infections that are due to bacteria or other pathogens need medical attention.
Seek prompt medical care if your lymph nodes have been swollen for more than 2 weeks, feel irregular, or are red, tender, hard, or if swelling is increasing.
What are the potential complications of swollen neck lymph nodes?
Swollen neck lymph nodes due to a viral infection often get better without treatment.
For persistent or chronic swelling, redness, and pain, it is important to seek medical care because these are symptoms of a possible bacterial infection. Bacterial infections will need to be treated with antibiotics and a treatment plan designed by your doctor. Left untreated, a localized bacterial infection
In addition, untreated or poorly controlled lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers can spread and lead to loss of life.
Summary
Swollen neck lymph nodes are enlarged lymph nodes in the neck area and under the chin. Lymph nodes are small clusters of immune cells that function as part of the body’s immune system.
Swollen neck lymph nodes can result from infection, malignancy, and autoimmune disorders. Swollen neck lymph nodes are also known as lymphadenitis, lymphadenopathy, swollen nodes, or swollen glands.