What Is Diphtheria?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
8. Swollen Neck
It is common for patients with diphtheria to develop a swollen neck. This is caused by the swollen mucosa and cervical lymphadenopathy. Remember that lymph nodes are also located in the neck and it is common for these to become swollen in diphtheria infections causing a “bull’s neck” appearance.
This occurs because the lymph nodes help to protect the body against infection and are a type of “filter”, helping to remove pathogens from the blood. When an infection is present, the regional lymph nodes are called into action, and become swollen.
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