Can you get swollen lymph nodes from a cold

Salt water gargles are a cheap, easy, and natural alternative to medicated mouthwashes. Gargling with salt water can help clean the mouth and ease…. What can cause a sore throat and swollen glands? Medically reviewed by Cameron White, M. Strep throat Cold or flu Epiglotittis Mononucleosis Peritonsillar abscess Suppurative thyroiditis Lymphoma Treatment When to see a doctor Outlook Often, the same illness causes a sore throat and swollen lymph glands.

Strep throat. Share on Pinterest Strep throat is one possible cause of a sore throat and swollen glands. A common cold or the flu. Peritonsillar abscess. Suppurative thyroiditis. When to see a doctor. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What to do about tightness in the throat.

What is pharyngitis? A GP will be able to recommend treatment depending on the cause, which might include antibiotics antibiotics do not work on viral infections. Page last reviewed: 25 September Next review due: 25 September Swollen glands. Check if your glands are swollen Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps: on each side of the neck under the chin in the armpits around the groin Glands known as lymph glands or lymph nodes swell near an infection to help your body fight it.

Swollen lymph nodes are one sign that your lymphatic system is working to rid your body of infection and illness. For example, the lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen in response to an upper respiratory infection , such as the common cold. Sexually transmitted infections STIs such as syphilis or gonorrhea can bring about lymph node swelling in the groin area.

Serious conditions, such as immune system disorders or cancers , can cause lymph nodes throughout the body to swell. Immune system disorders that cause the lymph nodes to swell include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Any cancers that spread in the body can cause the lymph nodes to swell. When cancer from one area spreads to the lymph nodes, survival rate decreases. Lymphoma , which is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes the lymph nodes to swell. They can often be felt simply by running your hand over your neck just below your jawline.

They may be tender as well. This information is vital in helping them determine the cause of your symptoms. The doctor will also ask you about your medical history. Since certain diseases or medications can cause swollen lymph nodes, giving your medical history helps them find a diagnosis.

After the physical examination, blood tests may be ordered to check for certain diseases. If necessary, the doctor may order an imaging test to further evaluate the lymph node or other areas of your body that may have caused the lymph node to swell.

Common imaging tests used to check lymph nodes include:. If the above tests suggest the need for further evaluation, the doctor may order an MRI. In certain cases, even further testing may be needed following the MRI. Though not as common, swollen lymph nodes can also indicate cancer , in which case treatment could include surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. In the most common cases, swelling should go down as the infection clears up.

This could take about two weeks. In more serious cases, such as cancer, swelling may be chronic and not resolve. You should contact your doctor if the swelling persists and does not resolve within two to four weeks, if the lymph nodes feel hard or rubbery, if the swelling occurs with unexplained weight loss, night sweats or a persistent fever or if the swelling appears with no cause.

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