Introduction:
The lymphatic system consists of lymph vessels throughout the body. The lymph nodes are small glands that filter the lymph and circulate through the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes play a major role in the body's defense. Lymph nodes help the body fight against infection, germs, and other foreign substances. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged and are known as lymphadenopathy. Swollen lymph nodes occur due to an infection from bacteria, viruses, malignancy, and autoimmune disorders. Due to an infection, the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen, tender, soft, and painful. The shape of swollen lymph nodes can be pear or bean-shaped. Swollen lymph nodes act as filters and help the body eliminate germs, bacteria, and viruses. Lymph fluid is clear and slightly yellowish, made up of white blood cells, proteins, and fat. Swollen lymph nodes can occur on one or both sides of the neck, and they can also occur in the armpit, axillary area, and groin. Infectious diseases like the common cold, throat, or ear infections cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Some swollen lymph nodes in the neck get treated without treatment, whereas some need medical attention.
What Are the Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck?
The causes of swollen neck lymph nodes include;
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The most common infectious causes of swollen neck lymph nodes are viral infections, bacterial infections, and immune disorders. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications and illnesses. Viral infections include the common cold, ear infections, influenza, measles, rubella, mumps, an infected tooth, Strep throat (bacterial throat infection), tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsil), sinus infection, and mononucleosis. Some life-threatening infectious diseases cause swollen neck lymph nodes, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), tuberculosis, cellulitis (skin infection), infected wound, bacterial infections like syphilis, cat scratch fever, and toxoplasmosis (a parasitic infection).
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Other Non-infectious Diseases include fatigue syndrome (a disorder that leads to fatigue for at least six months) and lymphatic obstruction (tissue swelling due to fluid accumulation).
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Autoimmune disorders include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (joint pain in children), Sjogren syndrome (dry eyes and dry mouth), and systemic lupus erythematosus (when the immune system attacks its tissues).
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Malignant diseases (cancer) include Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, (blood oral, and larynx cancer).
What Are the Risk Factors for Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes?
Swollen neck lymph nodes can affect all ages, sex, and race, but those aged forty years or older with malignant problems are at more risk. The risk factors are as follows:
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Infections: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are a sign of an infection in the body, such as flu, cold, and throat infections.
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Cancer: Some types of cancer such as leukemia can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
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Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck.
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Stress: Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and make it more susceptible to infections.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of the Swollen Lymph Node in the Neck?
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The symptoms depend upon the severity of the disease. Symptoms include bleeding gums, pain, swelling, runny nose, fever, sore throat, cough, ache, fatigue, cold, ear and joint pain, rash, loss of appetite, and lymph nodes that are warm, red, and tender.
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Some serious conditions can lead to life-threatening conditions, including high fever, difficulty swallowing and breathing, vomiting, and blood in sputum.
How Can Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck Be Diagnosed?
The following test diagnoses the swollen lymph nodes.
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Physical Examination - The healthcare provider will diagnose the cause of swollen neck lymph nodes through physical examination, symptoms, and by medical history from the patient.
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Blood Test - The doctor can prescribe a blood test to look for bacterial and viral infections like syphilis, HIV, and tuberculosis.
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The doctor can prescribe Imaging tests like ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging scans to look closely at lymph nodes and the surrounding body structures.
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Lymph Node Biopsy - The doctor will numb the area and make a small cut to remove a section of lymph node tissue to send a sample to the laboratory for examination under a microscope.
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Fine Needle Aspiration - The doctor may perform the test by using a small needle to remove some cells for lymph node diagnosis, infection, and swelling.
How Can Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck Be Managed?
Swollen neck lymph nodes usually disappear once the infection clears. Treatment for pain and neck swelling depends upon the specific cause and condition. Healthcare providers may use the following treatment to treat the swollen neck lymph nodes.
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The doctor prescribes antibiotics if bacterial infections cause swollen neck lymph nodes.
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The physician can prescribe supportive care such as resting and pain relievers if the cause of swollen neck lymph nodes is viral infections.
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Cancer treatment like lymphoma may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplant, and medications like antibiotics.
How Can Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes Be Prevented?
The only way to prevent the swollen lymph nodes in the neck is to eliminate the cause of infection. The preventive measures include.
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Washing hands regularly with soap and water.
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Maintenance of dental hygiene to keep the teeth and gums healthy.
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Stay away from people who are sick.
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Avoid sharing food, beverages, and towels with anyone with an infection, such as a cold or flu.
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Avoid touching eyes, nose, face, and mouth with unwashed hands.
What Are the Complications of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck?
Untreated and undiagnosed swollen neck lymph nodes can lead to serious complications, including the formation of tooth abscesses, the spread of cancer, infection to blood, scarlet fever (bacterial infection), and rheumatic fever (inflammatory disease).
Conclusion:
Swollen neck lymph nodes are usually an infection symptom and tend to resolve independently within several weeks. Healthcare providers like doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and pharmacists can educate people about swollen neck lymph nodes. Most cases of infection are non-specific, and the healthcare provider can advise the patient to monitor and check for abnormal growth in the lymph node sites in the neck. The people must adopt preventive measures. The healthcare team can work together to achieve better outcomes.
