The Body’s Virus Protection
Every day, some viruses could harm a computer. That’s why most machines come built-in with virus protection to screen and eliminate threats. The body works the same way. All over the body lies the lymphatic system, a series of organs, vessels, and nodes. This system is dedicated to trapping and eliminating bacteria and viruses. Lymph nodes are located in the head, neck, armpit, and groin areas. If these nodes become swollen, there could be an underlying issue or infection.
Where the action happens
Lymph nodes in the neck are the most common to appear swollen due to infections. Most viruses and bacteria enter through the nose and mouth. So these neck glands will get the first crack at fighting the intruders. Swollen neck glands are often a sign that the lymphatic system is hard at work. Other symptoms include fever, fatigue, coughing, and chills. These are just 3 of many reasons behind enlarged lymph nodes.
1. The case of the common cold
The common cold or flu are two of the main reasons for swollen neck glands. Adults get the cold 4-6 times per year on average. Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, fatigue, excess mucus, and sore throat. However, there are times where the neck glands become enlarged. Swollen lymph nodes mean the lymphatic system is hard at work to fight the unwanted virus. These could remain swollen throughout the flu, returning to normal in a few weeks. The cold is not the only infection to cause this reaction. Tonsilitis, sinusitis, strep throat, tooth infections, and mononucleosis can cause swollen glands.
2. Waging war on the body
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. So there would be a reaction if there is an immune disorder at play. An autoimmune disease is a circumstance where the immune system starts attacking the body’s cells. Some of these diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, and sarcoidosis. Signs of an autoimmune disease can cause lymph nodes to become enlarged.
3. The overwhelming cause of swollen neck glands
Stress and anxiety create a host of emotional and physical reactions. Add enlarged neck glands to the list. While stress is not the exact reason for enlarged lymph, too much psychological pressure can be the catalyst. Persons experiencing stress and anxiety may have a weaker immune system. That means the lymph nodes work a bit harder to repel viruses.
Do any of these signs ring a bell?
Discovering an enlarged neck gland is reason enough to see a doctor. Is the enlarged gland accompanied by fever, pains, or changes in weight? Then schedule a visit with an ENT. If the swollen gland becomes too large, painful to touch, and won’t go down, seek medical help immediately. The reason could be stress, an infection, or one of several other causes, including possible cancer. Better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t ignore the bump
Swollen lymph nodes are the body’s alarm bells that something’s wrong. In most cases, this is just the glands hard at work, keeping the body safe from infection. At the same time, the swollen gland could be the sign of a deeper concern. Seek advice from an ENT who is skilled in identifying and treating the underlying cause.
Recent Posts
Nasal & Sinus Surgery: What Are The Benefits Of FESS For Chronic Sinusitis?
Long-lasting relief for chronic sinusitis is possible with FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blockages through the nasal cavity.
Getting Active Again: 4 Simple Stretches To Improve ROM After A Total Knee Replacement
After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Knee Surgery: 4 Questions To Ask Your Doc Before ACL Reconstruction
Some people with an ACL tear require knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing what to ask the orthopedic surgeon can help speed recovery.
FESS & Chronic Sinusitis: Who Are Ideal Candidates For Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
FESS treats serious sinus conditions. Candidates include chronic sinus infection or inflammation, nasal obstruction, nasal polyp or tumor, and deviated septum.
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
Recent Posts
Nasal & Sinus Surgery: What Are The Benefits Of FESS For Chronic Sinusitis?
Long-lasting relief for chronic sinusitis is possible with FESS, a minimally invasive procedure that removes blockages through the nasal cavity.
Getting Active Again: 4 Simple Stretches To Improve ROM After A Total Knee Replacement
After a total knee replacement, improving range of motion is essential. Simple stretches can reduce pain and improve flexibility.
Knee Surgery: 4 Questions To Ask Your Doc Before ACL Reconstruction
Some people with an ACL tear require knee reconstruction surgery. Knowing what to ask the orthopedic surgeon can help speed recovery.
FESS & Chronic Sinusitis: Who Are Ideal Candidates For Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery?
FESS treats serious sinus conditions. Candidates include chronic sinus infection or inflammation, nasal obstruction, nasal polyp or tumor, and deviated septum.
