Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small nodular glands that are the main component of lymphatic system and play a role in body’s defense mechanism. These are usually present in groups but are also found in isolated forms. In some conditions, the lymph nodes get swollen in reaction to some abnormality becoming more prominent. Swollen lymph nodes represent the lymph accumulation in them showing the defective lymph circulation locally.

CAUSES

Major causes for swollen lymph nodes are:

• Infections

• Tumors

• Trauma or injury

• Sore throat

• Cold

• Circulatory problems

SYMPTOMS

The only symptom that is purely related to lymph nodes is the enlarged size and prominent appearance of these nodes. The patient may feel mild pain on pressing the lymph nodes that show tenderness. Fever usually follows. Other symptoms are usually related to underlying cause of causing swollen lymph nodes.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis for swollen lymph nodes is easy to make and it requires a physical examination of the patient. The doctor can feel beans like nodular raised lymph nodes around the site of infection.

TREATMENT

Treating the cause cures the swollen lymph nodes. As swollen lymph nodes are not a problem themselves but an indication to a problem, so removing the cause treats the swelling of lymph nodes. Antibiotics are most commonly used, as the most common reason for swollen lymph nodes is the infections such as sore throat.