What are Lymph Nodes?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
10. Why Do Lymph Nodes Swell?
Swollen lymph nodes, also called lymphadenopathy, is a symptom of infection. When a high number of harmful organisms get into lymph nodes, white lymphocytes go to work, fighting the invaders and producing antibodies.
If the invaders are difficult to subdue, more lymphocytes are produced, and there is a state of continuing fighting. This causes irritation and inflammation of the affected lymph nodes, leading to swelling. Swelling can also occur due to the presence of cancer cells within the lymph nodes.
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