HomeAnswersPediatricslymph node enlargementWhy does my baby have swollen lymph nodes after COVID-19?

Are persistent swollen lymph nodes following COVID-19 infection a cause of concern in babies?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At July 4, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 9, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My 13-month-old baby has three swollen lymph nodes in the neck which were noticed after he acquired COVID-19 infection. It has been six months since then. I have also attached his CBC reports. Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We will pay close attention to your worries and address all your questions with utmost care.

I have gone through the CBC (complete blood count) reports (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), the values are within acceptable limits. Please note that occasionally during illness, children below eight years of age may have swollen lymph nodes that may come and go as a part of the illness. When the child is unwell, the lymph nodes may swell and eventually reduce once the child gets well. Nothing needs to be done about the same.

The following lymph node swellings are abnormal in any age group:

  1. Rapidly enlarging nodes.
  2. Nodes joined to each other.
  3. Nodes oozing pus from within or are ulcerating.
  4. Nodes more than 20 mm in any dimension.

If your child falls into the above category, it is best to do a CT (computed tomography) scan of the neck and thorax to rule out any major issues.

I will be always available in case you have any further queries.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

Is the increased number of lymphocytes within the normal limits?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

We are elated to have you back again.

Yes, it is fine since the total WBC (white blood cells) count is normal. Although the lymphocyte subset of WBC counts has increased when compared to the other subsets, the overall WBC counts are fine, which is acceptable.

If the WBC count was raised with a raised lymphocyte subset, it would have been slightly worrisome. However, it is not so in this case.

I hope I was able to help you.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim
Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Pediatrics

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