Swollen Tongue: Causes and Treatment

Do Allergies Cause Lymph Node Swelling?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body that are part of the lymphatic system. This important system helps fight infections and filter out harmful substances. Lymph nodes often swell as a reaction to infection or inflammation. But can allergies also lead to swollen lymph nodes?

The short answer is yes, allergies can sometimes cause lymph node swelling or enlargement. However, this is not a direct reaction, but rather due to excessive mucus drainage and postnasal drip from allergy symptoms. The mucus drainage and inflammation from allergies can spread to lymph nodes and cause them to become swollen.

How Allergies Affect Lymph Nodes

During an allergic reaction, the immune system identifies a harmless substance, like pollen or pet dander, as harmful. This triggers the release of chemicals like histamine that lead to allergy symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Runny nose and nasal congestion
• Sneezing and coughing
• Itchy skin, hives, or rash

Excess mucus production is part of the immune response to allergens. All the drainage from nasal passages, down the throat, and into the stomach can irritate and inflame lymph nodes along the way.

The excessive mucus triggers the lymph nodes to swell and become enlarged as they work to filter out the unwanted substances. Lymph nodes commonly affected by allergies include:

• Submental lymph nodes under the chin
• Jugulodigastric nodes along the sides of the neck
• Posterior cervical nodes at the back of the neck
• Submandibular nodes at the corners of the jaw

Other Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

While allergies can cause swollen lymph glands, there are other common causes including:

• Infections - Bacterial and viral infections often lead to lymph node inflammation as the body fights it off.
• Autoimmune disorders - Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can cause lymphadenopathy.
• Cancers - Swollen lymph nodes can result from lymphoma, leukemia, and metastatic cancers.
• Medications - Certain prescription and OTC medications may trigger lymph node enlargement.
• Injuries and surgery - Physical trauma to lymph nodes or nearby tissue can cause swelling.

So while allergies are one potential cause, it's important to see a doctor for persistent or severe lymph node swelling to rule out other conditions.

Allergy Swollen Lymph Node Symptoms

It's common for lymph nodes enlarged due to allergies to be painful or tender. Other possible symptoms include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes under the chin, along the jaw, or on the neck
• Difficulty turning the head or pain when swallowing
• Puffy face or difficulty opening the mouth
• Firm, rubbery feeling lymph nodes when touched
• Redness or warmth over affected lymph nodes

Severe swelling can sometimes limit mobility. The lymph nodes may decrease in size once the worst of the allergic reaction has passed. But chronic allergies can lead to recurrent bouts of lymph node inflammation.

Treating Swollen Lymph Nodes from Allergies

The most effective way to treat swollen glands due to allergies is to get the allergies under control. Treatment typically involves a combination of avoidance, medications, and immunotherapy:

• Avoidance - Limit exposure to known allergy triggers as much as possible.
• Medications - Oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, and other allergy drugs can relieve symptoms.
• Immunotherapy - Allergy shots or sublingual tablets expose you to small amounts of allergens to desensitize your immune response over time.

The lymph nodes should return to normal size once allergy symptoms clear up. Using saline nasal sprays can also help flush out mucus drainage. Applying a warm compress to swollen lymph nodes may provide relief.

Severe swelling interfering with breathing or swallowing requires prompt medical care. Rarely, swollen glands due to allergies become infected. Antibiotics are needed to treat lymphadenitis.

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any of the following:

• Persistent or worsening lymph node swelling
• Lymph nodes remain enlarged longer than 2 weeks
• Difficulty turning the head or opening the mouth
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
• Fever, chills, or skin redness
• No relief from over-the-counter allergy medications

While lymph nodes enlarged by allergies tend to improve as symptoms subside, it's important a doctor evaluate persistent or concerning lymphadenopathy. Swollen lymph nodes could potentially indicate a more serious underlying condition.

When to See an Allergist

If your doctor determines swollen lymph nodes are caused by allergies, you may be referred to an allergist. An allergist can help identify your specific allergy triggers through skin or blood testing. They may recommend immunotherapy treatment to desensitize your immune system to the allergens.

Being evaluated by an allergist can get you on the road to long-term allergy relief and prevent future uncomfortable lymph node swelling.

Summary

Allergies can sometimes cause swollen lymph nodes, especially under the chin and along the neck. Excess mucus drainage from allergy symptoms irritates nearby lymph tissue, triggering inflammation and enlargement. The lymph nodes are simply working hard to filter out the unwanted substances.

Effective allergy treatment through avoidance measures, medications, and immunotherapy helps reduce mucus production and related lymph node swelling. See a doctor promptly for evaluation of persistent, painful, or severe lymph node enlargement to rule out infection or other medical conditions.

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.