Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Jaw: Causes and Treatment for Allergy-Related Swelling

Swollen Lymph Nodes Under the Jaw: Causes and Treatment

Lymph nodes under the jaw can become swollen due to infections, inflammation, or cancer. But one of the most common causes of swollen under jaw lymph nodes is allergies.

Anatomy of Lymph Nodes Under the Jaw

Lymph nodes are small glands that filter lymph fluid and contain white blood cells to fight infection. There are over 300 lymph nodes in the head and neck area with several located under the jawbone:

• Submental lymph nodes under the chin
• Submandibular lymph nodes below the jawbone
• Jugulodigastric nodes beside the salivary glands

When you have an infection or allergic reaction, these lymph nodes swell as they activate to fight off pathogens or allergens.

Allergies Causing Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Jaw

Allergies like hay fever cause swollen under jaw lymph nodes through an inflammatory response. When allergens like pollen or pet dander enter the body, the immune system sees them as harmful invaders. This triggers release of antibodies like histamine that cause inflammation and swelling in lymph nodes.

Common allergies that can swell the lymph nodes under the jaw include:

• Seasonal allergies to pollen
• Dust mite allergies
• Pet dander or saliva allergies
• Food allergies like nuts or shellfish
• Skin contact allergies like latex or cosmetics

The swelling may start soon after exposure to the allergen or build up over repeated exposures. Symptoms like itchy eyes, runny nose, and sneezing accompany the swollen glands.

Other Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Jaw

While allergies are the most common cause, other conditions can also lead to swollen under jaw lymph nodes including:

• Bacterial infections like strep throat or tooth abscess
• Viral infections like mononucleosis, mumps, or measles
• Fungal infections like histoplasmosis or candidiasis
• Skin infections like cellulitis of the face or scalp
• Cancers of the mouth, throat, or neck
• Immune disorders like HIV or rheumatoid arthritis

Swollen nodes from infection may be accompanied by other symptoms like fever, chills, fatigue, or skin rashes depending on the cause. Cancerous lymph nodes are usually firm, painless, and grow over weeks to months.

Diagnosing the Cause of Swollen Lymph Nodes

To diagnose the reason for swollen under jaw lymph nodes, doctors consider your medical history, recent exposures, symptoms, and perform an examination. They may recommend:

• Allergy testing through skin or blood tests
• Blood tests looking for antibodies from infections
• Throat culture to identify strep bacteria
• Biopsy of lymph node for cancer testing
• CT scan or ultrasound imaging of the swollen nodes

Often the history and exam provide enough clues to pinpoint allergies as the cause. But cancer or obscure infections may require the additional testing.

Treating Swollen Lymph Nodes from Allergies

To reduce swollen under jaw lymph nodes from allergies, treatment focuses on avoiding the allergen trigger and controlling inflammation:

• Avoiding exposure to confirmed allergens as much as possible
• Taking antihistamine medications like Claritin or Zyrtec
• Using nasal corticosteroid sprays like Flonase
• Trying allergy shots for desensitization over time
• Rinsing sinuses with saline to remove pollen or irritants
• Using HEPA filters to reduce indoor allergens

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen help relieve discomfort from the swollen nodes as they go down. Severe swelling may require prescribed oral steroids like prednisone to reduce inflammation.

When to See a Doctor

You should make an appointment with your doctor or allergist if:

• Swollen nodes last more than 2 weeks
• Nodes are rapidly enlarging
• Nodes feel very hard or fixed in place
• You have trouble swallowing or breathing
• You have fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
• Swelling is accompanied by severe pain

These signs and symptoms may indicate a more serious cause like cancer. Your doctor can evaluate the nodes and determine if imaging or biopsies are needed for diagnosis.

Monitoring Lymph Nodes at Home

You can monitor mild jaw node swelling at home. Notice if the nodes:

• Go up and down with allergy flare-ups
• Feel soft, oval, and moveable under skin
• Go down after taking allergy medications
• Decrease after exposure to allergen ends

These are reassuring signs the swelling is likely due to allergies. But seek medical advice if nodes persist or become worrisome.

When to See an Allergist

Consult an allergist if:

• You don't know what triggers your allergies
• Allergy symptoms disrupt your quality of life
• Over-the-counter medications don't relieve symptoms
• You have new rashes, swelling, or trouble breathing

Allergists can perform skin prick or blood tests to identify your allergy triggers. They may recommend immunotherapy like allergy shots to desensitize your immune system long-term.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in Children

Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw are common in children due to their developing immune systems. Causes include:

Viral Infections

Illnesses like mononucleosis, influenza, measles, and chickenpox often lead to swollen under jaw lymph nodes as the body fights off the infection.

Strep Throat

Strep throat from group A strep bacteria can cause painful, tender nodes under the jaw. They may persist for 1-2 weeks after starting antibiotics.

Mouth Injuries

Cuts, bites on the tongue or mouth, and tooth issues like abscesses can lead to mild swelling of lymph nodes while healing.

Allergies

Children with seasonal allergies may have recurrent swollen under jaw lymph nodes when exposed to triggers like pollen or pet dander.

Head and Neck Cancers

While very rare in children, swollen jaw lymph nodes that are firm and don't go down can be a sign of cancers like lymphoma. Seek medical care promptly in such cases.

Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes in children resolve on their own or with treatment of the underlying trigger. But recurrent or persistent swelling should be evaluated.

Preventing Swollen Lymph Nodes from Allergies

You can take proactive steps to prevent swollen under jaw lymph nodes from allergies:

Avoid Triggers

Stay indoors with windows closed on high pollen count days. Use HEPA air filters at home and work. Don't pet or touch animals youre allergic to.

Take Medications Preventatively

Start taking daily antihistamines and nasal sprays before allergy season begins and continue throughout.

Rinse Off Pollen

Shower and wash your hair after being outdoors to rinse off pollen. Don't dry laundry outside when pollen counts are high.

Reduce Dust Mites

Use allergen covers on pillows and mattresses. Wash bedding weekly in hot water. Keep humidity low inside.

Clean Often

Dust and vacuum frequently to remove dust mites and pet dander. Change HVAC filters regularly.

While not fail proof, being proactive can reduce swelling episodes and need for medications. Talk to an allergist about additional allergy prevention strategies.

Conclusion

Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw are commonly caused by allergic reactions as the immune system activates. Seasonal allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and molds often trigger the swelling. Avoiding exposures, controlling inflammation with medications, and allergy shots can help reduce swollen jaw nodes from allergies. Monitor swelling carefully and see a doctor if nodes feel hardened or don't go down, as cancers need ruled out. With proper prevention and treatment, allergies should not lead to persistently enlarged lymph nodes.

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.