Swollen glands can freak anyone out. You wake up with a tender lump under your jaw or behind your ear, and all sorts of questions start popping up. Is it an infection? Could it be something more serious? Don’t hit the panic button yet—swollen glands are super common, and most of the time, they point to something quite ordinary.
So what actually causes your glands to swell? The medical word for these lumps is 'lymph node swelling.' Lymph nodes are tiny, bean-shaped things all over your body that trap germs and help fight illness. When you catch a cold, have a sore throat, or even a dental infection, your immune system gets busy and those nodes swell as white blood cells rush in to help.
Turns out, most swollen glands are harmless and usually mean your immune system is doing its job. They’re often soft, tender, and move around when you press them. You’ll notice swelling under your jaw, in your neck, behind your ears, or in your armpits. Classic triggers? Think strep throat, ear infections, mono, or even regular old seasonal allergies. Even a small cut or bug bite nearby can set things off.
When should you worry? If the glands are bigger than a walnut, stay swollen for more than two weeks, or feel rock-hard or stuck to your skin, that’s your cue to check in with a doctor. Toss in night sweats, fever, or unintended weight loss, and you shouldn’t ignore it. Sometimes swollen glands hint at something more serious, like lymphoma or other health conditions—but that’s way less common.
What can you actually do to feel better? Start with rest and hydrate like crazy. A warm compress helps with soreness. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen offer relief if things get uncomfortable. If you notice redness, warmth, pus, or the swelling spreads fast, don’t risk it—these are signs of a bacterial infection and may need antibiotics.
Wondering what NOT to do? Don’t poke or squeeze the swollen area, and skip heavy exercise until you’re feeling better. Glands need time to shrink back down, usually within a few days after the infection clears up. If they don’t, or if you have other symptoms, your healthcare provider can suggest blood tests, a quick scan, or a biopsy to dig deeper.
Curious about prevention? Good hand washing helps prevent the bugs that lead to swollen glands in the first place. Keep your dental health in check, too since gum or tooth infections often trigger flare-ups in the neck or jaw.
Swollen glands can be annoying and sometimes a little scary, but they’re often just your body’s way of saying, 'Hey, I’ve got this.' Pay attention to the signs, know when to chill, and when to reach out for extra help if the swelling sticks around or you feel worse than expected.
Swollen glands are common and often not a cause for concern, but there are situations when you should seek medical advice. This article explores the common causes of swollen glands, symptoms to watch for, and tips on when it's necessary to see a doctor.