Swollen Tongue: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body that play an important role in the immune system. They contain white blood cells that help fight infection and filter out harmful substances. Swollen lymph nodes are a common sign that the body is responding to an infection, illness, or inflammation. But can allergies also lead to swollen lymph nodes?

The short answer is yes, allergies can sometimes cause lymph node swelling. Let's take a closer look at how allergies affect lymph nodes and what you can do if you notice swollen glands during allergy season.

How Allergies Lead to Swollen Lymph Nodes

When you have an allergic reaction, your immune system identifies a harmless substance like pollen or pet dander as a threat. It releases antibodies like histamine to attack the perceived invader. This causes allergy symptoms like coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

All this immune activity can also lead to swollen lymph nodes. Here are some ways allergies cause lymph node inflammation:

• Drainage - As your nose runs or your throat drips, the fluid drains down and can collect in lymph nodes in your neck and head. This influx of fluid causes the nodes to swell.
• Fighting infection - Allergies may make you more prone to Sinus infections. Your lymph nodes swell as they send out white blood cells to battle the infection.
• Inflammation - Histamine and other chemicals released during an allergic reaction can inflame lymph nodes throughout the body.

The lymph nodes most likely to swell due to allergies include:

• Submandibular - Under the jaw
• Parotid - In front of the ears
• Cervical - Neck
• Occipital - Back of the head
• Axillary - Under the arms
• Inguinal - Groin area

Treating Swollen Lymph Nodes from Allergies

Here are some tips for dealing with enlarged lymph nodes due to allergies:

• Take an oral antihistamine like Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin to reduce swelling by blocking histamine.
• Use a nasal steroid spray like Flonase to decrease inflammation in your nasal passages and sinuses.
• Try a decongestant like Sudafed to alleviate congestion and drainage that may be leading to node inflammation.
• Use a cool compress on swollen glands to ease discomfort and reduce swelling.
• Get adequate rest, as fatigue can tax the immune system and worsen allergies.
• Stay hydrated to support lymph flow and keep nodes from becoming blocked.

If your swollen lymph nodes persist for more than 2-4 weeks or you develop other concerning symptoms like high fever or trouble breathing, see your doctor to rule out a more serious condition. Prompt allergy treatment will help reduce unnecessary immune activity and allow lymph nodes to return to normal size.

When to See a Doctor for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are usually nothing to worry about. They get inflamed as part of the body's normal immune response. But in some cases enlarged lymph nodes may indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical treatment. See your doctor if you have:

• Severely swollen or painful lymph nodes
• Lumps or bumps near your lymph nodes
• Swollen nodes that last several weeks or longer
• Enlarged lymph nodes along with fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or fever
• Trouble swallowing or breathing due to swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Some conditions that can lead to abnormal lymph node swelling include:

• Infection - Viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections often cause inflamed lymph nodes as immune cells cluster to fight infection.
• Cancer - Lymphoma and cancers like leukemia can cause lymph nodes to swell as abnormal cells accumulate.
• Immune disorders - Diseases where the immune system is overactive or attacks the body's own tissues can enlarge lymph nodes.
• Medications - Some medications like antibiotics or seizure drugs may cause swollen lymph nodes as a side effect.

Your doctor will first take a medical history and perform a physical exam feeling for swollen glands in your neck, underarms, and groin. They may order blood tests looking for signs of infection or other immune activity. An ultrasound, CT scan, or biopsy of an enlarged lymph node may be done to check for cancer or other abnormalities. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

While swollen glands are usually nothing serious, it's important to have persistent or severe lymph node swelling evaluated. Prompt treatment of an infection or starting cancer therapy early leads to better outcomes. Contact your doctor anytime you have enlarged lymph nodes along with unexplained symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Most enlarged lymph nodes can wait to be evaluated by your regular doctor. But in rare cases, severely swollen lymph nodes can block airflow or blood flow and require emergency care. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to enlarged lymph nodes compressing your airway.
• Visible swelling or protruding lymph nodes on both sides of your neck.
• Sudden, extreme swelling of lymph nodes on one side of the neck, which may indicate an infection like strep throat.
• Redness, hotness, and severe tenderness in an area of swollen lymph nodes, which may signal an abscess.

Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you have any signs of airway obstruction or rapid swelling in the neck area. Quick treatment is needed to prevent complications. Swollen lymph nodes that develop rapidly or cause pain and functional issues should not wait for a regular doctor's appointment.

When Swollen Lymph Nodes Are Normal

It's common to feel small, painless lumps under your skin around your neck, underarms, and groin area. These are usually normal lymph nodes at work filtering germs and waste. Here are some cases where mildly swollen lymph nodes are harmless and no cause for concern:

• During or after illness - Your lymph nodes swell temporarily as they fight infection. They should return to normal size within 2-4 weeks after you recover.
• After injury or surgery - Lymph nodes near an injury or surgical site may enlarge as part of healing.
• During puberty - Hormonal shifts can cause lymph nodes to swell, especially around the neck and collarbone.
• With allergies - Seasonal allergies can cause drainage and mild inflammation of lymph tissue.
• With skin irritation - Rashes, skin infections, or shaving irritation near lymph node areas can cause mild swelling.

As long as lymph nodes return to normal size within a few weeks, feel rubbery rather than hard, and are not associated with other symptoms, they are usually nothing to worry about. But persistent or worrisome lymph node swelling should be evaluated.

When to See a Doctor for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are usually nothing to worry about. They get inflamed as part of the body's normal immune response. But in some cases enlarged lymph nodes may indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical treatment. See your doctor if you have:

• Severely swollen or painful lymph nodes
• Lumps or bumps near your lymph nodes
• Swollen nodes that last several weeks or longer
• Enlarged lymph nodes along with fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or fever
• Trouble swallowing or breathing due to swollen lymph nodes in the neck

Some conditions that can lead to abnormal lymph node swelling include:

• Infection - Viral, bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infections often cause inflamed lymph nodes as immune cells cluster to fight infection.
• Cancer - Lymphoma and cancers like leukemia can cause lymph nodes to swell as abnormal cells accumulate.
• Immune disorders - Diseases where the immune system is overactive or attacks the body's own tissues can enlarge lymph nodes.
• Medications - Some medications like antibiotics or seizure drugs may cause swollen lymph nodes as a side effect.

Your doctor will first take a medical history and perform a physical exam feeling for swollen glands in your neck, underarms, and groin. They may order blood tests looking for signs of infection or other immune activity. An ultrasound, CT scan, or biopsy of an enlarged lymph node may be done to check for cancer or other abnormalities. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause.

While swollen glands are usually nothing serious, it's important to have persistent or severe lymph node swelling evaluated. Prompt treatment of an infection or starting cancer therapy early leads to better outcomes. Contact your doctor anytime you have enlarged lymph nodes along with unexplained symptoms.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Most enlarged lymph nodes can wait to be evaluated by your regular doctor. But in rare cases, severely swollen lymph nodes can block airflow or blood flow and require emergency care. Seek immediate medical attention if you have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to enlarged lymph nodes compressing your airway.
• Visible swelling or protruding lymph nodes on both sides of your neck.
• Sudden, extreme swelling of lymph nodes on one side of the neck, which may indicate an infection like strep throat.
• Redness, hotness, and severe tenderness in an area of swollen lymph nodes, which may signal an abscess.

Call 911 or go to the nearest ER if you have any signs of airway obstruction or rapid swelling in the neck area. Quick treatment is needed to prevent complications. Swollen lymph nodes that develop rapidly or cause pain and functional issues should not wait for a regular doctor's appointment.

When Swollen Lymph Nodes Are Normal

It's common to feel small, painless lumps under your skin around your neck, underarms, and groin area. These are usually normal lymph nodes at work filtering germs and waste. Here are some cases where mildly swollen lymph nodes are harmless and no cause for concern:

• During or after illness - Your lymph nodes swell temporarily as they fight infection. They should return to normal size within 2-4 weeks after you recover.
• After injury or surgery - Lymph nodes near an injury or surgical site may enlarge as part of healing.
• During puberty - Hormonal shifts can cause lymph nodes to swell, especially around the neck and collarbone.
• With allergies - Seasonal allergies can cause drainage and mild inflammation of lymph tissue.
• With skin irritation - Rashes, skin infections, or shaving irritation near lymph node areas can cause mild swelling.

As long as lymph nodes return to normal size within a few weeks, feel rubbery rather than hard, and are not associated with other symptoms, they are usually nothing to worry about. But persistent or worrisome lymph node swelling should be evaluated.

Self-Care for Swollen Lymph Nodes

If your swollen lymph nodes are caused by a minor infection or allergy flare-up, there are some self-care steps you can take to find relief:

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Apply warm compresses to the affected lymph nodes to encourage drainage and soothe pain.
• Gently massage the area to increase lymph circulation. Use light, circular motions.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to support lymph flow.
• Gargle with salt water or take guaifenesin to thin mucus if nodes are swollen from drainage.
• Get extra rest to allow your immune system to heal.

Avoid applying cold compresses or ice directly to swollen lymph nodes, as this constricts blood vessels and may prolong swelling. Don't attempt to pop or drain enlarged lymph nodes, as this increases infection risk.

Note any lymph nodes that don't diminish in size within a few weeks or nodes that continue to grow larger rather than smaller. See your doctor to find out if antibiotics or other treatment may be needed.

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have:

• Lymph node swelling that persists longer than 2-4 weeks
• Severely enlarged or painful lymph nodes
• Fever over 101°F along with swollen lymph nodes
• Unexplained weight loss and swollen glands
• Visibly enlarged lymph nodes that form lumps under the skin
• Swollen lymph nodes that are red, hot, or tender

Let your doctor know if you recently had an infection, illness, or injury near the swollen lymph nodes. Be prepared to discuss any other symptoms you’ve experienced along with the node enlargement. With an exam and possible tests, your doctor can diagnose the cause and provide appropriate treatment.

When Swollen Lymph Nodes Signal Cancer

Although less common, swollen lymph nodes can sometimes be the first sign of cancers like lymphoma or leukemia. Lymph nodes enlarge as cancerous cells accumulate inside them. Nodes most commonly swell around the neck, underarms, and groin area. Swollen lymph nodes due to cancer often have distinctive traits:

• They get progressively larger rather than going down after an infection.
• They feel hard or rubbery with defined edges.
• They don’t go down with antibiotic treatment.
• They are generally not painful.

Other possible signs of cancer along with swollen nodes:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained fever
• Drenching night sweats
• Constant fatigue
• Itchy skin
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Cough, trouble breathing

Have swollen lymph nodes evaluated promptly if you notice any of these red flags. Though unlikely, the possibility of cancer needs to be ruled out. Catching it early makes a big difference in cancer survival rates and response to treatment.

Your doctor will perform exams and order imaging or biopsies as needed to diagnose the cause of enlarged lymph nodes. If it is cancer, they will refer you to an oncologist to discuss your treatment options. Though frightening, try to stay positive - treatment is very effective for most lymph node cancers when detected early.

Outlook for Swollen Lymph Nodes

In most otherwise healthy people, swollen lymph nodes are due to normal immune responses to illnesses and infections or a flare-up of allergies. They may be uncomfortable but are not dangerous. Within a few weeks, the swelling should diminish as your immune system clears the infection or allergen exposure ends.

Use self-care to manage discomfort from enlarged glands. See your doctor if they don't go down within a couple weeks, continue to enlarge, or are accompanied by fever, weight loss, or other concerning symptoms. Though less likely, persistent swollen lymph nodes can indicate an underlying condition needing treatment.

Swollen lymph nodes alone aren’t usually an emergency. But seek prompt medical care for rapidly worsening node swelling, especially around the neck area. With an exam and tests, your doctor can accurately diagnose the cause and oversee effective treatment so swollen glands won't turn into a bigger health issue.

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.