Lymph node swellings in the neck are characteristic of infections in the head area. These include otitis media and infections of the nasopharynx.
Diseases of the salivary glands, thyroid glands and suppurations in the jaw or tooth area can also lead to swelling of the lymph nodes, as these are reactively involved in the immune system.
In most cases, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck is not dangerous, and there is rarely anything dangerous behind it.
Whether or not swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck is dangerous depends on the trigger or cause. Usually a simple infection is the cause, then the swelling is completely harmless and should go away on its own.
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In rare cases, a malignant disease can also be behind a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. If the swelling does not occur in connection with an infection, if it occurs on one side or is accompanied by B-symptoms, a doctor should clarify it.
The cause of swollen lymph nodes is often an infection, as lymph nodes are part of the body's own immune system and thus fight off infections. In defense against infection, lymph nodes absorb foreign substances and pathogens such as bacteria from the lymph. As a result, antibodies are formed. Overall, this leads to a swelling of the lymph nodes.
The infectious disease can be, for example, a harmless cold, tonsillitis or scarlet fever.
Malignant diseases can also lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck area. These include lymphoma, a cancer that affects the lymph nodes, especially in the neck region. A distinction can be made between Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In addition to swelling, the disease is accompanied in part by fever, weight loss, night sweats and tiredness.
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If cancer is responsible for the swelling, it does not always have to develop primarily in the lymph node, but can also settle there through metastasis. Metastasis to the throat / neck lymph nodes is common in lung, thyroid, nose and stomach cancers. Tuberculosis has become rare, but it can also cause lymph node swelling. The venereal disease syphilis can also lead to swelling of the lymph nodes. In addition to these bacterial diseases, viral diseases can also be the cause. These include influenza infections, influenza and also Pfeiffer's glandular fever, which is triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus. Especially in the neck, lymph nodes are usually swollen when there is inflammation in the throat area, in the mouth area and inflammation of the parotid glands.
Read more on the topic: Lymph node swelling after surgery
During a vaccination, substances that are very similar to certain pathogens or weakened pathogens are injected into the body. The aim of the vaccination is that the immune system can train its defense against this pathogen without the risk of infection. A vaccination is therefore always accompanied by an activation of the immune system. One possible consequence of this is swelling of the lymph nodes. These often occur in the armpit of the vaccinated arm, and lymph node swelling can also be caused by the vaccination on the neck, jaw, chin and neck.
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$config[ads_text3] not foundYou might also be interested in this topic: Lymph node swelling after vaccination
Lymph nodes usually do not swell due to muscle tension.
However, if swollen lymph nodes occur, e.g. as part of an infection, this can lead to tension in neighboring muscles.
The reason for this is that a suddenly swelling lymph node puts pressure on the neck muscles and can lead to irritation of the muscle. The tension usually disappears at the latest with the decongestion of the lymph node causing it.
In some people, tension and swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck area have the same cause. They can occur together, for example, as part of a cold, an inflammation of the throat or even meningitis. In these cases, swollen lymph nodes are a sign of the defense reaction to pathogens and usually swell again within 2 weeks after the infection has healed.
Occasionally it happens that lymph nodes that have been enlarged for a long time are only noticeable when the neck muscles are tensed, because more attention is then paid to the neck region.
If the lymph nodes are swollen, tender to pressure and painful at the same time, this indicates an infectious process. At the same time, accompanying symptoms of infection strongly suggest a harmless cause of the lymph node swelling.
Swollen lymph nodes in the context of tumors have a firmer consistency and are usually not painful. There is a special feature of Hodgkin's lymphoma, because several lymph nodes are fused together and can be painful after consuming alcohol. This is known as alcohol pain. A tumor disease is often accompanied by the so-called B symptoms, which consist of the symptoms fever, night sweats and weight loss.
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As a rule, bilateral lymph node swelling occurs. If swelling only occurs on one side, this should be classified as suspicious. Therefore, especially if there is no accompanying infection, a biopsy (tissue removal) of the lymph node should be taken so that the material can be examined microscopically for malignant tissue.
Child / toddler: Swelling of lymph nodes occurs much more frequently in children than in adults, as their immune system is not yet as strong and they often come into contact with new germs for the first time. If the lymph nodes are swollen over a long period of time, a doctor should be consulted. However, very rarely is a more serious cause of the swelling responsible in children.
Read more on the subject at: Swelling of the lymph glands
Neck pain owing to Lymph node swelling are not uncommon and occur relatively frequently on.
The reason is often an inflammation of the lymph nodes caused by the penetration of pathogens from the bronchi, the throat or the nasal cavity. Such inflammations usually only last for a short time, but can be painful, especially when pressed. In addition, the sudden increase in size from pressure on the surrounding tissue pain cause or trigger slight muscle tension.
Occasionally, inflammation or infection of the skin in the neck area causes pain and swelling of the lymph nodes. People with acne, immune deficiency and diabetics are particularly prone to skin infections, which can also occur in the neck area.
In rare cases the Combination of lymph node swelling and neck pain Signs of meningitis. The neck pain is in the Usually strong and are provoked by various movements such as bending over or bowing the head. In most cases, other symptoms such as headache, fever or paralysis quickly appear in the case of meningitis.
Mild neck pain can be treated with pain relievers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac. If they last longer or get stronger, however, a doctor should be consulted.
Neck tension and neck pain are usually due to muscular problems. In connection with a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, the tension mainly occurs as a result of reflexive tension in the neck muscles and other accompanying symptoms such as headaches. Often the swollen lymph nodes are due to an infectious disease, this triggers headaches and fatigue, which can lead to tension in the neck muscles. In the case of painfully enlarged lymph nodes, the pain can also radiate into the neck and thus cause pain-related tension.
$config[ads_text1] not foundLymph node swelling occur in the context of Colds, of the flu or other infectious diseases like sinus infection often together with a headache. Additional symptoms such as cough, sore throat, body aches, rash or runny nose are typical with these diseases.
At unvaccinated children can Headache with simultaneous swelling of the lymph nodes be the beginning of a childhood illness such as rubella or measles. A doctor's visit is necessary if the symptoms are very severe or if there are indications of one of the typical children's diseases in order to prevent potentially dangerous disease courses early on.
Kick strong Headache and swelling of the lymph nodes isolated on, they can, among other things, first Signs of meningitis be.
Ear pain can be both the cause and the result of swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. If the ear pain is due to an infection in the ear, this can activate the immune system and cause the lymph nodes to swell. A cold can also cause earache through the connection between the nasopharynx and the middle ear. It is not uncommon for colds and other infections of the upper respiratory tract to be associated with swelling of the lymph nodes. However, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck can generally also cause ear pain. More precisely, there are also lymph nodes immediately behind the ears. If these are swollen together with the neck lymph nodes, they can lead to earache through local pressure.
Accumulations of pus in the skin are signs of an infection with bacteria such as streptococci or staphylococci.
Skin infections often lead to swelling in nearby lymph nodes. For example, infections in the neck, head or upper back can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
Read more on the subject at: Abscess on the head
The pus is usually located in a small cavity, a so-called abscess (neck abscess). From a certain size, it must be removed by a doctor in order to ensure rapid healing.
If not properly treated, purulent skin infections can spread under the skin and lead to life-threatening diseases such as phlegmon. In some cases, pus that cannot get out through an opening is mistaken for lymph node swelling.
Read more on the topic: Abscess in the neck
Pain in swollen lymph nodes occur in the neck relatively often on and can have different causes.
As a rule, pathogens enter the lymph nodes as part of a cold or another harmless infection. This leads to an inflammatory response that can cause pain. In addition, due to the swelling, the lymph nodes press on the neighboring tissue and can cause pain or tension. The pain usually only lasts a few days.
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In most cases, non-painful lymph node swellings speak against an infectious cause of the symptoms. In this case, the swollen lymph nodes are often fused with the environment so that they cannot be pushed against the skin. If there is a single, painless, swollen lymph node, other causes of the swelling should also be investigated. There is a tendency for painless lymph nodes to be considered suspicious of tumorous diseases and should be examined by a doctor.
You might also be interested in this topic: Causes of painless lymph node swelling
Lymph nodes in the neck and neck area can swell as a result of many and very different diseases. With some of these diseases, the lymph nodes in the neck are affected more on one side, with others on both sides.
If they are only swollen on one side, the cause is usually an infection of the respiratory tract, throat or skin. Lymph nodes are then usually only relatively small, soft, painful and easy to move under the skin.
Rapidly and strongly growing, non-painful lymph nodes that are caked with the environment and are only visible on one side should, however, be clarified as soon as possible, because they can be the first symptom of cancer. Other diseases that mainly cause unilateral enlarged lymph nodes are infectious diseases that are rare in Germany, such as tuberculosis or cat disease. These illnesses are only relevant after stays abroad. In the case of one-sided swollen lymph nodes, it is also unimportant whether the left or right side is affected.
Whether the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen on one side or on both sides is not always an additional indication of the causal disease. In the majority of cases, the causative disease is a harmless viral infection of the throat or throat. These can cause unilateral and bilateral lymph node swelling.
In everyday medical practice, it is therefore not more important to know which side is affected, but rather, for example, how long the swelling has been going on, whether the affected lymph nodes are painful, whether there are other accompanying symptoms or what previous illnesses are present.
Read more on the topic: Swelling on the side of the neck
Lymph node swellings in the neck that are swollen on both sides can occur in many diseases. The most common causes are Respiratory infections or the throat and pharynx, for example by viruses, streptococci or in the context of Pfeiffer glandular fever.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are rarely the first sign serious illnesses again HIV infection, different Autoimmune diseases or one Cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma.
Slight bilateral lymph node swellings are usually not a cause for concern. They only require clarification if the affected lymph nodes grow rapidly, remain swollen for more than 4 weeks or if there are no typical accompanying symptoms such as fever, sore throat or cough.
When looking for the cause of a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, the doctor usually asks how first long the swelling has been going on as well as after other symptoms, and Pre-existing illness.
During the physical exam is usually the first Inspected skin near lymph nodes, because skin infections and diseases are common reasons for lymph node swelling. Besides that, it can Touch Provide evidence of the cause. The size of the lymph nodes, their ability to move within the skin, their clogging with other lymph nodes and their painfulness under pressure indicate whether they are more swollen due to an infection, a tumor, or other reasons. Usually the scanning is followed by the Examination of the mouth and throat and possibly the thyroid gland.
In many cases, a Blood test to confirm or exclude the suspicion of a Infectious disease such as mononucleosis, rubella, toxoplasmosis or tuberculosis.
If the cause of a long-lasting or otherwise noticeable lymph node swelling is unclear or if other symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats or lymph node swelling in other parts of the body appear, further diagnostic means must be used to find the cause. This can include a X-ray image the lungs and the abdomen, Ultrasound examinations as well as the Computed Tomography belong. In some cases, individual lymph nodes must be removed in order to clarify the cause and determine how to proceed.
Lymph node swelling in the neck is often located exactly on the lower edge of the skull bone on the back of the head. The medical term for lymph nodes on the back of the head is occipital Lymph nodes. At the affected area, the swollen lymph nodes can usually be felt with a small "knob". This can usually be moved against the skin, palpation can be painful as well as painless. Often times, a swollen lymph node does not appear on its own, so that further lymph node swellings can be found in the neck or in other places (behind the ears, on the side of the neck, etc.).
The question of how long lymph nodes remain swollen can be do not answer in general. If there is a swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, for example as part of a simple cold or one Infection of the tonsils on, keep lymph node swelling in some sufferers only a few days on. In others, the lymph nodes remain on the other hand palpable for several weeks and only slowly regress.
If lymph node swelling occurs repeatedly as part of infections, it can develop within the Lymph node adhesions develop. This causes the affected lymph nodes to continue despite the infection subsiding permanently palpable stay.
It should be noted that the duration of the lymph node swelling in the neck can vary significantly with different diseases. In HIV and tuberculosis, they can last for months, while in other infectious diseases they typically last only a few days.
Lymph nodes that swell as a result of a tumor or metastases often remain swollen until death or only shrink again after therapy. Despite the mostly harmless causes, palpable lymph nodes that have not yet disappeared within 3-4 or are growing noticeably should be presented to a family doctor.
Please also read our page Chronic swelling of the lymph nodes.
Since the cause of the lymph node swelling is usually not primarily in the Lymph nodes is not targeted to reduce the swelling, but rather the underlying disease, which usually does not need to be treated in the case of a harmless infection.
Part becomes a bacterial disease then treated with an antibiotic, which then also regresses the lymph node swelling. Is there a Cancer chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy must be carried out.
More information can be found here: Therapy of lymph gland cancer
Homeopathic remedies can also be used against swelling of the lymph nodes. Which remedy is used depends on the cause of the lymph node swelling. The following are used, among others: Abrotanum, Barium carbonicum and iodate, Calcium fluoratum and Chimaphila umbellata, Clematis, Iodum and various Mercury-Preparations.
Whether antibiotics are needed in the case of swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, depends on the causal disease and the severity of the symptoms. Swollen lymph nodes themselves are not a reason to take antibiotics per se.
The most infectionsleading to swelling of the lymph nodes heal without the support from antibacterial drugs. This usually also leads to the swelling of the lymph nodes. On the other hand, some infections such as severe tonsillitis, severe otitis media or tuberculosis must be treated with antibiotics.
In rare cases Lymph node swellings, the causes of which remain unknown despite extensive diagnostics, are treated with antibiotics because they still cause pain even after several weeks.
In the case of swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, if there is no clear cause of the swelling, the doctor should first be consulted. He is responsible for the treatment of lymph node swelling in the context of colds, infections or vaccinations. However, if a vaccination has been given by another doctor (for example a gynecologist), you can also present yourself to this doctor with the lymph node swelling. If the family doctor cannot find an explanation for the lymph node swelling in the neck, he usually first refers the affected person to a radiologist, who can perform an image of the affected body region. Depending on the findings, other doctors can then be included in the therapy.
Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck area may be the first sign of HIV infection. A special feature of the infection with the HI virus is that lymph nodes can swell in several places at the same time - for example on the neck, throat, armpit and groin. The lymph nodes are often about 3 cm in size and are usually not painful. Often, flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever and body aches appear.
In particular, if those affected had sexual intercourse with potentially HIV-positive people shortly before the onset of the symptoms or if they used a non-sterile syringe, swollen lymph nodes or the simultaneous swelling of several lymph node stations should be clarified by a doctor.
What else indicates an HIV infection? You can read the detailed answer below: Symptoms of HIV
Lymph node swelling is more common in children than in adults. This is because their immune systems are still developing and infections are more common.
Lymph node swellings are typical, especially in toddlers and school-aged children. In most cases, enlargements of the lymph nodes in the neck are caused by simple, quickly passing infections. Typical are colds, bronchitis or tonsillitis. Rubella and measles can also be associated with swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
It is important for parents to keep an eye on the enlarged lymph nodes of the children and to watch out for accompanying symptoms such as headache, cough, rashes and fever. In the case of enlargement of the lymph nodes that cannot be explained by typical infectious diseases, a doctor should clarify.
This is especially the case if the swelling has been around for a long time, is growing unusually quickly, or is already very large. Possible causes are then, for example, autoimmune diseases and tumors of various kinds. To rule out such diseases, at least blood must be taken from the child. Often an ultrasound examination is also carried out and an X-ray image of the head region and the lungs is made.
Read more on the topic: Swelling of the lymph nodes in the child
Lymph node swellings in babies hardly differ in terms of cause from swelling in older children.
They occur much more frequently than in adults because children have an immature immune system and are therefore more often affected by infections. The most common triggers in babies and toddlers are mundane infections such as a cold or an infection of the skin.
Other, much rarer causes are childhood diseases such as rubella and measles, autoimmune diseases, metabolic diseases or tumor diseases such as leukemia.
Parents are advised to observe the child's lymph node swelling. Lymph nodes usually shrink within 2 weeks after an infection in babies.
If the lymph nodes are swollen or larger than 2 cm, regardless of an infection, they should be examined by a pediatrician. To clarify the cause, blood is drawn, an examination with the ultrasound device is carried out and an X-ray is taken. It is important to tell the doctor how the swelling has changed over time, whether there were any other symptoms, and any recommended vaccinations have been taken.
