Understanding Swollen Lymph Nodes and Fatigue
Feeling constantly tired and noticing swollen glands in your neck? These two symptoms often go hand-in-hand as possible signs of an underlying medical issue. Swollen lymph nodes and fatigue can be caused by various conditions, ranging from infections to autoimmune diseases. Read on to learn what may be behind your swollen nodes and exhaustion.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are small glands located throughout the body that house white blood cells, which help fight infection. There are lymph nodes in the neck, under the arms, in the chest and abdomen, and in the groin area. Lymph nodes swell as a response to infection, inflammation, or cancer. This is the body's way of isolating and combatting harmful invaders.
Enlarged lymph nodes are commonly referred to as "swollen glands." You may be able to feel them as lumps under the skin when they are swollen. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are often the most noticeable.
What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?
There are many different causes of swollen lymph nodes, including:
- Viral infections like mononucleosis, colds, influenza, or COVID-19
- Bacterial infections such as strep throat or skin infections
- Fungal infections like ringworm
- Parasitic infections including toxoplasmosis or malaria
- Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Cancers like leukemia or lymphoma
In children, swollen glands are most often due to a passing viral infection. However, in adults, persistent swollen glands may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.
When to See a Doctor
You should make an appointment with your doctor if you notice:
- Swollen glands that last more than 2-4 weeks
- Continuously swollen or enlarging glands
- Swollen glands accompanied by high fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
- Swollen glands that are only on one side of the neck or body
Seeking timely medical care is crucial. An examination and tests are needed to determine the exact cause of your swollen lymph nodes.
Diagnosing the Cause
During your appointment, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to feel and inspect your swollen glands. They may order some of the following tests to reach a diagnosis:
- Blood tests to look for signs of infection or inflammation
- Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, or PET scan to examine the lymph nodes
- Biopsy to remove lymph node cells for examination under a microscope
Once the underlying cause is determined, appropriate treatment can begin. Temporary lymph node swelling often resolves with rest and fluids. But medications, antibiotics, antivirals, or other interventions may be necessary depending on the diagnosis.
Fatigue and Tiredness
Fatigue refers to an ongoing and persistent feeling of weakness, tiredness, and lack of energy. Unlike normal drowsiness, fatigue significantly impacts your quality of life and ability to function.
What Causes Fatigue?
There are many possible causes of chronic fatigue including:
- Infections like mononucleosis or Lyme disease
- Inflammatory disorders like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis
- Metabolic conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders
- Sleep apnea
- Heart disease
- Anemia
- Cancers such as leukemia or colon cancer
- Autoimmune diseases
- Medication side effects
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Poor diet or lack of exercise
If fatigue occurs alongside swollen lymph nodes, underlying infections or medical conditions affecting the immune system are often to blame. Autoimmune disorders, blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, or even uncontrolled diabetes can all cause exhaustion and swollen glands.
Seeking a Diagnosis
Make an appointment with your doctor if fatigue is ongoing and interfering with your daily activities. Be prepared to describe your fatigue in detail including:
- When it started and how long it has lasted
- How it impacts your functioning
- Any other associated symptoms
- Your sleep habits
- Medications or supplements you take
- Your diet, exercise, and stress levels
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and order blood tests to check for potential causes like anemia or thyroid disorders. Other testing may include sleep studies, cardiac testing, CT scans, or bone marrow biopsies. Reaching a diagnosis is essential for proper treatment.
When Swollen Glands Accompany Fatigue
Finding the root cause can take time when swollen glands and fatigue occur concurrently. Your doctor will work through various diagnostic steps to uncover the specific source. Here are some of the possibilities when swollen lymph nodes and tiredness happen together:
Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis (mono) is a viral infection typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. It leads to severe fatigue, fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck. Mono is most common in teenagers and young adults. Rest and fluids are the main treatments.
HIV/AIDS
One of the early signs of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is swollen lymph nodes throughout the body. This occurs as the virus attacks and weakens the immune system. Fatigue sets in as HIV progresses. Antiviral medications can help manage symptoms and delay complications.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites. In the early stages, symptoms include fatigue, fever, headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. Antibiotics are used to treat Lyme disease in its early phases. But delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to persisting fatigue and lymph node swelling.
Leukemia and Lymphoma
Leukemia and lymphoma are blood cancers that affect white blood cells, including those that form in lymph nodes. These cancers cause fatigue, recurrent infections, night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarms, or groin. Chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or bone marrow transplant may be treatment options.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints and other body tissues. This leads to swollen, tender joints and swollen lymph nodes. It also causes severe fatigue. Medications can help manage the inflammation and symptoms.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can damage the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Swollen glands, fatigue, fever, and joint pain are among the most common initial symptoms. Steroids and immunosuppressants help treat inflammation.
When to Seek Emergency Care
While swollen glands and fatigue typically develop gradually over time, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. You should seek emergency care if you have
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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