Can Allergies Cause Glands to Swell?
Allergies are a common condition that affect millions of people worldwide. An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to a normally harmless substance called an allergen. Things like pollen, pet dander, mold, dust mites, foods, insects, medications, and latex can all cause allergic reactions.
When a person with allergies is exposed to an allergen, their body releases chemicals like histamine to defend against it. This causes allergy symptoms like sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and skin rashes. In severe cases, allergies can also trigger serious reactions like anaphylaxis.
In some cases, allergies may also lead to swelling of the glands. Let's take a closer look at the connection between allergies and gland swelling.
What are the Symptoms of Allergies?
Common allergy symptoms include:
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy throat
- Itchy skin, hives, or rash
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other body parts
The specific symptoms a person experiences depends on the type of allergen as well as the severity of their allergy. Food allergies, for example, often cause stomach and skin symptoms. Outdoor allergies like pollen or mold tend to cause nose, eye, and respiratory symptoms.
What Causes Swelling During an Allergic Reaction?
During an allergic response, the immune system releases chemicals like histamine that cause inflammation. This inflammation leads to allergy symptoms like swelling, itching, mucus production, and smooth muscle contraction.
Any area of the body can become swollen due to an allergic reaction. Common areas include:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Throat
- Eyes
- Face
- Hands
- Feet
Swelling occurs because histamine and other inflammatory chemicals cause fluid leakage from tiny blood vessels into the surrounding tissues. This fluid buildup results in visible puffiness and swelling.
Can Allergies Cause Swollen Glands?
Yes, allergies can sometimes cause the lymph nodes or glands to become swollen and enlarged. This is often referred to as "allergic lymphadenopathy".
The lymph nodes or glands are small, bean-shaped organs located throughout the body. They play an important role in the immune system by filtering out toxins, waste, and pathogens. Lymph nodes become swollen as they activate to fight infection or inflammation.
During an allergic reaction, lymph nodes may swell as they respond to the inflammation caused by histamine release. This is most commonly seen in the lymph nodes of the neck, groin, armpits, and around the ear and jaw.
Swollen glands from allergies are not usually painful. They may feel like soft, movable lumps under the skin. The swelling often goes down once the allergic reaction is treated and under control.
Other Causes of Swollen Glands
While allergies can cause swollen glands, there are many other potential causes including:
- Viral infections like cold, flu, mono, measles
- Bacterial infections like strep throat
- Skin infections
- Tooth infections
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancers like lymphoma
- Autoimmune disorders
- Medications
- Injuries or trauma
Swollen glands with pain, redness, extreme swelling, or that persist longer than 10-14 days may indicate an infection or medical condition that requires evaluation by a doctor.
Treating Swollen Glands from Allergies
The main treatment for swollen glands caused by allergies is to control the allergic reaction with medications like:
- Antihistamines - Block the effects of histamine and help reduce allergy symptoms.
- Decongestants - Relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
- Nasal sprays - Reduce inflammation in the nasal airways.
- Inhalers - Help open airways and improve breathing.
- Epinephrine - Reverses life-threatening allergy symptoms from anaphylaxis.
- Corticosteroids - Powerful anti-inflammatories that can rapidly reduce swelling.
Avoiding exposure to known allergens can also prevent recurring allergic reactions and gland swelling. For severe allergies, immunotherapy or "allergy shots" can help desensitize the immune system over time.
Applying a warm compress to swollen glands may help provide comfort. But swollen glands usually don't require specific treatment beyond controlling the allergic reaction itself.
See a doctor right away if you experience extreme gland swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of anaphylaxis after an allergic reaction. These can be life-threatening side effects that require emergency treatment.
FAQs about Allergies and Swollen Glands
Can allergies cause swollen lymph nodes under jaw?
Yes, allergies can sometimes cause swelling of the lymph nodes under the jaw and around the neck. The lymph nodes may enlarge as they react to inflammation from an allergic response elsewhere in the body.
Why do my glands swell up when I eat certain foods?
If your glands swell after eating certain foods, you may have a food allergy. When the body is exposed to a food allergen, it can trigger an immune reaction that causes inflammation and swelling of lymph nodes and glands.
Can allergies cause swollen glands for months?
Swollen glands from allergies should not persist for months. Allergy-related gland swelling is usually temporary and goes away once the reaction is treated. If glands stay swollen longer than 10-14 days, it's important to see a doctor to check for an infection or medical condition.
Can allergies cause swollen salivary glands?
Yes, salivary glands can occasionally swell up due to allergies. Salivary glands may become inflamed and enlarged as part of a systemic allergic reaction. This can cause symptoms like mouth pain and swelling under the jaw.
Can allergies cause glands to swell without other symptoms?
It's uncommon, but possible for gland swelling to occur without other noticeable allergy symptoms. Even a minor allergic response can trigger lymph node inflammation and enlargement. But gland swelling without any other symptoms is unusual for allergies.
When to See a Doctor
In most cases, minor gland swelling from allergies will go away on its own once the allergic reaction is under control. But it's important to see a doctor if you experience:
- Very large, painful, or tender glands
- Swollen glands without any other allergy symptoms
- Swollen glands that persist longer than 10-14 days
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Signs of infection like fever, chills, or pus
Seeking prompt medical care can help identify any underlying infections
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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