Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes In Neck
The lymph nodes are an important part of our immune system. They help to filter pathogens from the blood and act as an outpost for white blood cells that can be called upon to defend the body when needed. They are found in several locations in the body, including in the neck.
When there is a problem in the body, the lymph nodes will often need to work harder to help keep us safe, and this can cause them to become swollen. There are numerous potential causes of this, some of which are serious, so it is something that you should get checked.
1. The Common Cold
The common cold is perhaps the most common illness of all, and a lot of people will catch a cold once or twice a year. It is, thankfully, not serious and we will usually make a full recovery in just a few days or so. That is not to say that it cannot be unpleasant, though, and a common cold can result in some unwelcome symptoms. Regardless of the severity of the disease, the body will still react to its presence and the immune system will kick into action to deal with the threat. This can result in the lymph nodes becoming swollen. The same can also happen in other common diseases, including the flu and mono.
2. Strep Throat
Strep throat is a relatively common condition that mostly affects children, but it can also affect adults. It is caused by an infection of the group A streptococcus bacterium. Although it can cause a very sore throat, strep throat in itself is not dangerous. However, if left untreated, it can develop into scarlet fever, and even rheumatic fever.
Thus, it is a good idea to get strep throat treated as soon as possible, so see a doctor when you recognize the signs. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.
3. Sinus Infections
At the front of our skull in the cheek area and the forehead is a system of cavities. These cavities, known as the sinuses, help produce mucus and they are also thought to perform a number of other roles. They are lined by tissues that can easily become inflamed, and they can also become infected.
Sinus infections can cause a number of unwelcome symptoms, particularly congestion and a runny nose. Other symptoms include facial pain, fever, and swollen nymph nodes. The condition is not usually serious and is relatively easy to treat. It will usually pass having done no permanent damage within 4 weeks.
4. Ear Infections
A middle ear infection, also called otitis media, is a known cause of swollen lymph nodes. This disease is characterized by earaches, fever, ear discharge, a feeling of fullness, and in some cases partial hearing loss.
As the disease progresses it can cause the cervical lymph nodes to become enlarged. These symptoms should clear after the infection is treated.
5. Tooth Infection
If we don’t take proper care of our teeth, or if they are somehow damaged, then bacteria can begin to multiply and this can cause problems. Bacteria will slowly eat away at a tooth’s enamel, eventually exposing the soft center, creating a haven for infections.
Tooth infections can cause considerable pain for the patient and a trip to the dentist will be necessary. This is not just to help deal with the pain, however, because tooth infections can be dangerous if they are not treated. A tooth infection will cause various unwelcome symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes are among them.
6. Measles
Measles is a very contagious disease that often affects young children, although it can affect people of all ages. Measles, can cause some unpleasant symptoms but the vast majority of people will make a full recovery within 10 days or so.
It can, however, become very serious indeed and cause further complications that can lead to fatalities in some cases. Unfortunately, cases of measles have seen a sharp rise in recent years due to a recent trend of refusing vaccinations. Swollen lymph nodes are one of the symptoms of measles, so you should speak to a doctor if you or your child shows the symptom.
7. Wound Infections
If you cut yourself then you leave yourself exposed to the possibility of pathogens entering into the body through the wound. If pathogens do manage to enter the body, then there is a chance that they can form an infection. In some cases, such an infection can turn out to be very dangerous for the patient.
The immune system will recognize this danger and do what it can to fight off the invaders. The lymph nodes get called into action and they become swollen as a result. Another important sign that an area has become infected is that it feels hot to the touch.
8. Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis also called the kissing disease, it’s a condition caused mostly by the Epstein Bar Virus (EBV) and the Cytomegalovirus (CMV. Even though, most patients are asymptomatic, this condition is characterized by a sore throat, fever, malaise, and swollen lymph nodes.
For the patients that do present symptoms, the disease should clear in a week or two.
9. Pharyngitis
Pharyngitis is defined as the inflammation of the pharynx and/or the tonsils. It is a fairly common condition and can be caused by many viruses and bacteria.
This condition is characterized by a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever and swollen lymph nodes.
10. Meningitis
Meningitis is defined as the inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are membranes surrounding our central nervous system. When the meninges become infected, patients usually exhibit a classic triad of headaches, fever, and neck stiffness.
As the disease progresses, other symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain, and malaise may appear. It is important to seek medical attention if this condition is suspected to prevent further complications.
