Swollen glands
Swollen glands are a signal the body is combating an infection. They usually get better by themselves within two weeks.
Sings indicating swollen glands
Symptoms include unpleasant, sensitive lumps:
- Across the neck, on each side
- Beneath the chin
- Under the arms
- In the groin area
Near an illness, lymph nodes or glands enlarge to aid the body’s defense against the infection. On occasion, a gland on one side of the body will swell.
Other symptoms are a sore throat, a cough, or a high temperature could also be present.
What causes swollen glands?
Do not self-diagnose; instead, consult a doctor if you’re concerned.
Swollen glands are:
- Frequently brought on by common ailments such as colds, tonsillitis, and ear or throat infections
- Viral illnesses, such as glandular fever, can occasionally be to blame
- Rarely brought on by anything more serious, such as lymphoma or leukemia of the blood system
Depending on the cause, a doctor can suggest a course of therapy that may include antibiotics.
Self-help activities
Within two weeks, swollen glands need to shrink.
You can reduce the symptoms by doing the following:
- Resting
- Consuming a lot of liquids
- Using ibuprofen or paracetamol to treat pain
Consult a doctor if;
- You experience night sweats or a fever lasting longer than three to four days, making you feel shaky.
- Despite having enlarged glands, you show no other symptoms of disease or infection.
- Having an enlarged lymph node just above or below your collarbone ( The bone that connects your breastbone to each of your shoulders)
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022