Swollen Lymph Nodes Under Jawline: Causes and Link to Rheumatoid Arthritis

What Are Lymph Nodes and Why Do They Swell?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands located throughout the body that play a vital role in your immune system. They filter lymph fluid that travels through the lymphatic system, trapping bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other harmful substances. This helps fight infection and prevent illness.

Lymph nodes are located in clusters in areas like the neck, armpits, groin, abdomen, and chest. There are also hundreds situated deep inside the body adjacent to major organs.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes swell as they fight infection. This is a normal protective immune response. Swelling signals that the nodes are carrying out their duty and working hard to filter out harmful invaders.

Causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

• Viral infections like colds, flu, mono, chickenpox
• Bacterial infections like strep throat
• Skin infections like impetigo or abscess
• Other localized infections like tooth abscess
• Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Cancer that has spread from another part of the body

Lymph Node Groups and Locations

Some of the major groups of lymph nodes found throughout the body include:

• Cervical lymph nodes: Located in clusters along the neck, behind the ears, under the jaw, and chin.
• Axillary lymph nodes: Situated under the arms, in the armpits, near the breast tissue.
• Inguinal lymph nodes: Found in the groin area where the legs meet the torso.

Swollen Lymph Nodes Under the Jaw and Chin

Lymph nodes under the jawline and chin and are called cervical lymph nodes. There is a cluster found on each side of the neck going down alongside the windpipe towards the collarbones.

The lymph system drains fluid from tissues and organs in the head and neck area. Any contaminants get filtered out by cervical nodes before the fluid returns to the bloodstream.

Causes of Swollen Nodes Under the Jaw

Some common causes of swollen lymph nodes under the jaw and chin include:

• Tooth infections like gingivitis, abscesses, and cavities.
• Throat infections including tonsillitis, strep throat, and mononucleosis.
• Skin infections of the face and mouth like cellulitis or cold sores.
• Piercings in the ear, lips, cheeks, or tongue area.
• Facial trauma such as cuts, bites, or dental procedures.
• Cancer originating in the organs or tissues of the head and neck.

When to See a Doctor

In most cases, swollen lymph nodes in the jawline are nothing to worry about and will go away on their own once the infection clears. However, if nodes stay enlarged for more than 2 weeks or the swelling gets progressively worse, it's best to make an appointment to get checked out.

See a doctor promptly if you have swollen nodes under the jaw along with any of the following:

• Nodes feel very hard or immobile when pressed
• Swelling is accompanied by high fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
• The skin over the nodes is red or warm to the touch
• You have trouble swallowing, turning the head to one side, or opening the mouth fully

These can signal an abscess, aggressive infection, or possibly cancer. Quick evaluation and treatment is important.

The Link Between Swollen Lymph Nodes and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease where the body's immune defenses start attacking healthy tissues and organs. This leads to painful swelling and damage to bone, cartilage, and tendons mainly in the joints of hands and feet.

How RA Impacts Lymph Nodes

While joint inflammation is most common, RA can also cause enlarged lymph nodes throughout the body as the immune system overreacts. Nodes near affected joints often swell as they work to drain excessive fluid and filter out destructive enzymes and antibodies attacking tissues.

RA also makes people more prone to infection, which may trigger reactive node swelling as they fight germs. Taking immunosuppressant drugs to treat RA might also interfere with normal lymph function.

Signs of RA-Related Lymphadenopathy

Distinct signs pointing to rheumatoid arthritis as the likely culprit behind swollen lymph nodes include:

• Node groups near painful or swollen joints are enlarged
• The lymph nodes feel soft, spongy, and "rubbery"
• Swelling develops gradually over weeks or months
• Both sides of the body tend to be affected
• You have additional RA symptoms like fatigue, stiffness, and skin rashes

When to Consult Your Doctor

Always mention any enlarged or unusual feeling lymph nodes to your rheumatologist, even if they seem likely tied to your RA.

See the doctor without delay if you have any of these more concerning signs:

• Sudden onset of very large, rock hard nodes
• Swelling combined with recurring fevers or chills
• Significant tenderness or pain in the nodes
• You feel generally unwell or fatigued

These may indicate an infection, medication reaction, new onset lymphoma, or RA complication needing prompt evaluation.

Getting Treatment for Lymphadenopathy

Once rheumatoid arthritis or another cause for the swollen nodes is pinpointed, targeted treatment steps usually include:

1. Treating any underlying infection with antibiotics or antivirals
2. Managing the RA more aggressively - changing medications or dosage
3. Trying steroid injections around swollen glands to reduce inflammation
4. Using immunosuppressants if lymph system is over-reacting
5. Addressing pain and swelling symptoms with cold packs, massage, rest
6. Getting a lymph node biopsy if lymphoma seems possible
7. Using radiation or chemotherapy if cancer cells are found

Seeing an oncologist or cancer specialist is prudent if nodes stay abnormally enlarged for over 6 weeks or keep growing progressively larger. Though rare, some forms of lymphatic cancers like Hodgkin's disease that may first look like uncomplicated swollen nodes.

Outlook and Prevention Tips

Fortunately, benign swollen lymph nodes related to a rheumatoid arthritis flare or infection most often return to normal as the underlying condition is brought under control. No specific prevention is needed.

Following healthy lifestyle tips can help avoid throat and mouth infections that might trigger reactive node swelling:

• Practice good dental hygiene - brush and floss daily
• Quit smoking which raises infection risk
• Avoid contact with those who are ill
• Wash hands frequently
• Stay current on flu and pneumonia vaccinations

While swollen glands under the jaw can feel concerning, they signal your immune defenses working properly. With prompt attention and care, nodes shouldn't stay enlarged long.

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.