Swollen lymph nodes Treatments and drugs
Swollen lymph nodes Treatments and drugs
Mayo Clinic
Jan. 24, 2009
Causes:
A lymph node is a small, round or bean-shaped cluster of cells covered by a capsule of connective tissue. The cells are a combination of lymphocytes — which produce protein particles that capture invaders, such as viruses — and macrophages, which break down the captured material. Lymphocytes and macrophages filter your lymphatic fluid as it travels through your body and protect you by destroying invaders.
Lymph nodes occur in groups, and each group drains a specific area of your body. The lymph nodes that most frequently swell are in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and in your groin. The site of the swollen lymph nodes may help identify the underlying cause.
The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. However, there are other types of infection, including parasitic and bacterial, and other possible swollen lymph node causes. They include:
Common infections
* Strep throat
* Mumps
* Measles
* Ear infections
* Infected (abscessed) tooth
* Mononucleosis
* Wound infections
Other infections
* Tuberculosis
* Certain sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis
* Toxoplasmosis — a parasitic infection resulting from contact with the feces of an infected cat or eating undercooked meat
* Cat scratch fever — a bacterial infection from a cat scratch or bite
Immune system disorders
* Lupus — a chronic inflammatory disease that can target your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, heart and lungs
* Rheumatoid arthritis — a chronic inflammatory disease that targets the tissue that lines your joints (synovium)
* Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) — the virus that causes AIDS
Cancers
* Lymphoma — cancer that originates in your lymphatic system
* Leukemia — cancer of your body's blood-forming tissue, including your bone marrow and lymphatic system
* Other cancers that have spread (metastasized ) to lymph nodes
Other possible, but rare causes, include certain medications, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), used to prevent seizures, and certain immunizations, such as for malaria.
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Swollen lymph nodes caused by a virus may return to normal sometime after the viral infection resolves. Antibiotics are not useful to treat viral infections. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from other causes depends on the cause:
* Infection. The most common treatment for swollen lymph nodes caused by a bacterial infection is antibiotics. Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Aspirin and ibuprofen also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the inflammation. Don't give your child aspirin without consulting your doctor because of its link to Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a rare, but serious illness that can affect the blood, livers and brains of children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection.
* Immune disorder. If your swollen glands are a result of HIV, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is directed at the underlying condition.
* Cancer. Swollen glands caused by cancer require treatment for the cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER)
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