What are lymph nodes? They are a crucial part of the immune and lymphatic systems that help your body fight infections and disease. They are small, bean-shaped glands that carry nutrients, fluids, and waste between the bloodstream and body tissues. In most of the cases, lymph nodes are not painful, and probable you will not even feel them.
It can be quite a shock for most people to discover swollen lymph nodes in the neck. However, it is quite common to find lymph nodes in the neck, around the head, the armpit area, and groin. Swollen lymph nodes can also create a lump behind the ear.
The problem is when lymph nodes become swollen. This condition is also sometimes called swollen glands, lymphadenitis, or lymphadenopathy.
Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes
The other day I discovered a small bump on my neck. This bump turned out to be nothing serious—but sometimes it could be a sign of a greater problem. When lymph nodes swell in a particular location like the neck, it could indicate a minor infection like a common cold, or something more serious such as an injury, inflammation, or even cancer. The following are potential causes of swollen lymph nodes in the neck:
Viruses: Including herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a common cold, adenovirus measles, chickenpox, and infectious mononucleosis (mono).
Bacteria: Including staphylococcus, streptococcus, cat scratch disease, syphilis, chlamydia, tuberculosis, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Fungal diseases: Including histoplasmosis and coccidiomycosis.
Parasites: Parasites linked with swollen lymph nodes include leishmaniasis and toxoplasmosis.
Inflammatory causes: Inflammatory causes of swollen lymph nodes include lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and sensitivity to certain medications.
Cancer: Cancers linked with swollen lymph nodes include lung cancer, lymphomas and leukemia.
How to Recognize Swollen Lymph Nodes
How can you tell if you have a swollen lymph node in the neck? Swollen lymph nodes can appear as small as a pea or as large as a cherry. It is important to note that swollen lymph nodes are not always the sign of a disease. For instance, lymph nodes may be normal if they are less than a centimeter in size. However, when they swell, they will double or triple in size to the point where they can be felt. What are other symptoms related to swollen lymph nodes glands?
Warm, swollen, and red skin on the lymph node
Lumps
Pain or tenderness when you touch them
Infection symptoms like a sore throat, mouth sores, fatigue, coughing, runny nose, sweating, chills, and a fever
Swollen lymph nodes glands may get smaller without treatment. Other times treatment is required. If this is the case, treatment for lymph nodes in the neck will depend on the cause of the symptom. Below you can read our suggestions.
Homeopathic remedies: Homeopathy can help treat swollen nodes glands such as mercurious solubilis, kali muriaticum, natrum miriaticum, belladonna, iodine, silicea, calcarea fluorica, bromine, calcarea carbonica, and ferrum phosphoricum. Homeopathic tincture will also help drain the lymphatic system and trigger an immune response. For more info consult a homeopath.
Herbal remedies: Garlic represents a well-known natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial herbal remedy that combats infection and supports the immune system. Garlic will reduce swelling and inflammation when the lymph node is swollen. Other herbal remedies that treat swollen glands and the lymphatic system include Echinacea, cleavers, licorice root, peppermint, turmeric, slippery elm, ginger, goldenseal, olive leaf, mullein, fenugreek, colloidal silver, and castor oil.
Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients can also help build the immune and lymphatic systems, including vitamin A with carotenes, vitamin C with bioflavonoids, zinc, selenium, vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), vitamin B12, fish oil, and probiotics.
Lifestyle Changes to overcome Swollen Lymph Nodes
Additionally, we are suggesting you the other ways to manage swollen lymph nodes?
Warm compress: Apply a warm or wet compress to your affected area several times per day.
Massage therapy: Regular massage sessions can help reduce swollen lymph nodes and swelling. Another option is to gently massage your lymph nodes daily for about 15 minutes. This will stimulate the lymph nodes to improve lymphatic function. You can also massage your swollen lymph glands with carrier oils like jojoba, sweet almond, oregano, and eucalyptus oil to help excrete flow and decrease inflammation.
Exercise: It is also a good idea to exercise at least five days each week for 30 minutes a day. Exercise will increase the flow of the lymphatic system. Examples of exercises for swollen lymph nodes include yoga, walking, or light jogging.
Diet: The proper diet has a very important role in reducing swollen lymph nodes in the neck. So, try consuming foods that boost the immune system. For example try to include in your diet dark green leafy vegetables, bone broth soups, and freshly-squeezed vegetable juices.
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