What causes swollen lymph nodes and throat discomfort?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am not currently taking any medication. I am an 18-year-old female, of a healthy weight as I am very sporty. I woke up at 3 this morning due to discomfort in my throat, yet no actual pain. I also had a headache. Upon waking up again for the second time, I realized that on the right-hand side of my throat, my gland was very swollen, yet feel no pain. I am not aware whether I have an infection with no cold, no pain, and no sore throat.

My neck, however, is tender when touched or turning my head or facing upwards. My cheeks have been very red and I have had very short breath all day. The gland is noticeably bigger than the left, and when I look in my mouth it almost looks like there are two glands there, instead of one, on the right-hand side. The gland is noticeable and visible when just by looking at my neck, despite not being too skinny and having quite a chubby neck and face. There is only pain when touched, and only slight discomfort when swallowing food or water. My voice sounds a bit hoarse sometimes.

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Lymph nodes(glands) are located in many areas all around the body, including numerous nodes in the neck and jaw area. Lymph nodes typically swell or enlarge when there is an infection close by to their drainage area as they form an important part of the bodies immune response by storing immune cells. Enlarged or painful nodes are thus often a sign that one has an infection in the area.

From the symptoms, you describe some of the most likely possibilities are:

1. Tonsilitis (infection of the tonsillar glands at the back of the throat). Tonsillitis is quite common and often requires treatment with antibiotics so that the infection does not spread down the airway causing pneumonia.

2.Mumps (viral infection of the parotid gland). Mumps is most commonly caused by a virus and is treated symptomatically and monitored for complications.

3. Other bacterial or viral infection, most likely of your upper airway that might be spreading down your airway.

I would strongly advise that you consult with a trusted physician so that he or she can examine you clinically and confirm or exclude any of the above and treat accordingly to prevent complications. Once treated, the glands typically return to normal within a few days.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.