Lymph nodes are known to be a part of the lymphatic system or the system responsible for fighting off infections in the body. Normally, these soft nodules of tissue may come swollen and are palpable in different areas of the body particularly – in the neck, behind the ear, under the jaw or chin, in the armpit or underarm, in the groin, and other parts of the body.

Mistaken as an illness, the presence of lymph nodes is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom that your body is fighting off an infection. Learn more as we tell you about swollen lymph nodes causes and treatments by reading the entire article below.

Causes of Swollen and Enlarged Lymph Nodes

There are several reasons why there is enlargement or swelling of your lymph glands. Among them are the following:

• Infection
• Virus such as sore throat and HIV
• Cancer such as breast cancer, Hodgkin’s disease
• Cancer of the blood like Leukemia or Lymphoma
• Inflammation, injury, or trauma to the different areas of the body

How to Treat Swollen Lymph Nodes

Apparently, its presence isn’t something that you should make a big fuss about. However, when other signs and symptoms are seen apart from its enlargement, then it may be necessary to seek your doctor’s advice. Seek medical help if:

• Persistent swelling for more than two weeks
• The area where swelling is present is painful, reddened, and inflamed
• Symptoms like fever, night sweats, easy fatigability, unintentional weight loss are seen

Diagnosis shall be made then by your doctor and tests such as biopsy may be ran to see if the growth is cancerous or not. On the other hand, in a harmless situation, a couple of remedies can help provide relief for treatment of the situation.

How to Cure Swelling of the Lymph Nodes

• Treating the underlying condition like fever is one of the conventional treatments for the problem. Therefore, reduce fever by giving acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Medication for colds and sore throat may be given as well.
• One home remedy includes application of warm compress on the area of affectation. Another home remedy is through gargling of a mixture of salt and a glass of water.
• Antibiotic therapy is usually given as drug of choice for the situation especially when it is caused by bacteria. If it is caused by a virus, then antiviral drug should be taken.
• If there is presence of pus or abscess, you can try draining it by cutting a portion of the skin.
• Of course, rest and drinking of plenty of water can be done as prevention tip to avoid worsening of the problem.

The presence of these nodes usually last for a week or two. But then again, once it has become present for a long time, it is necessary to just talk with your doctor to detect untoward situation that may possibly arise.

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