What causes swollen glands?

Lymph nodes are small parts of the immune system that filter fluid and help organise immune responses. They can become more noticeable while the body is dealing with a nearby problem.

An infection in the throat, nose, ears, teeth, or skin can make nearby nodes swell. Nodes in the neck often enlarge with a common cold, sore throat, tonsillitis, or glandular fever. Strep throat and tonsillitis can also cause throat pain, fever, or trouble swallowing.

The location can offer a useful clue, but it does not identify the cause on its own. Groin nodes may react to a problem in the leg, foot, genital area, or lower abdomen, while underarm nodes may react to a problem in the arm, hand, chest, or breast area.

Swelling may be tender and move slightly under the skin during an infection. A clinician considers the whole pattern, including other symptoms, recent illnesses, medicines, travel, and any exposure that could be relevant.

If you have mild cold-like symptoms and feel otherwise well, rest, fluids, and usual self-care may be appropriate. Avoid repeatedly pressing or checking a swollen node, as this can keep the area sore and make it harder to judge whether it is changing.

Arrange a routine appointment if the swelling does not settle after the illness has passed, keeps returning, or has no clear accompanying infection. The clinician may examine the areas that drain to the node and decide whether tests are needed.

Seek prompt medical advice for a node that is hard, fixed in place, enlarging, or associated with unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, unintentional weight loss, a widespread rash, or persistent tiredness. Get urgent help for trouble breathing or swallowing, severe neck swelling, or if you feel very unwell.

Some infections need specific assessment and treatment. For example, persistent symptoms after exposure to tuberculosis, HIV infection, or measles should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly if you also have fever, cough, rash, or feel unwell.

Tell the clinician when you first noticed the swelling, where it is, whether it hurts, and whether it has changed. Mention sore throat, dental pain, skin wounds, cough, rash, recent infections, new medicines, travel, and close contact with anyone who was ill.

You may want to ask what area the node drains, whether examination or blood tests could clarify the cause, and what changes should prompt you to return sooner.