Does common cold cause swollen glands?

Glands are lymph nodes, small immune-system structures that filter fluid and respond to nearby infection. During a cold, nodes in the neck may become tender or easier to feel as the body responds to infection in the nose and throat. They may occur alongside a runny nose, cough, sore throat, or fever. Swollen glands have other possible causes, so their presence alone does not establish the reason.

Rest and drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale. A warm compress may ease tenderness, and ordinary pain relief may help when it is suitable for you. Do not repeatedly press or massage the lump, because this can make the area more irritated. Notice its location, tenderness, and whether it changes as your other cold symptoms settle.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing neck swelling, or severe illness. Arrange a clinical review if a node is hard, fixed, painless, continues enlarging, appears without an obvious infection, or remains swollen after you otherwise recover. Also seek advice for persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or repeated episodes.

Where are the swollen nodes and do they fit with my throat or nose symptoms? How should I monitor them? What examination is needed if they do not settle?