7 Common Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes You Should Know

Swollen lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy, occur when the small, bean-shaped glands in your lymphatic system become enlarged. These lymph nodes are located throughout your body, with the most noticeable ones in your neck, under your chin, in your armpits, and in your groin. They play a crucial role in your immune system, filtering harmful substances and producing white blood cells to fight infection.

When lymph nodes swell, it’s usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection or dealing with another medical condition. While swollen lymph nodes are often harmless and resolve on their own, understanding the symptoms can help you determine when medical attention is necessary. The lymph nodes in neck are particularly common areas where swelling becomes noticeable, as they respond to infections in the throat, ears, or respiratory system.

In this article, we’ll explore the seven most common symptoms associated with swollen lymph nodes, helping you recognize when your body’s defense system is actively working to protect you.

1. Visible Lumps or Bumps Under the Skin

The most obvious symptom of swollen lymph nodes is the appearance of noticeable lumps or bumps beneath your skin. These enlarged nodes can vary in size, ranging from as small as a pea to as large as a cherry or even bigger in some cases.

Where you might notice them:

• Along the sides of your neck
• Under your jaw or behind your ears
• In your armpits
• In your groin area
• Above your collarbone

These lumps are typically round or oval-shaped and may feel firm to the touch. When lymph nodes are functioning normally, they’re usually too small to feel. However, when they swell in response to infection or illness, they become palpable and sometimes even visible, especially in thinner individuals or when located in the neck area.

The swelling can occur on one side of the body or both sides simultaneously, depending on the underlying cause. For instance, if you have a throat infection, you might notice swollen lymph nodes in neck on both sides, while a localized skin infection might cause swelling only on the affected side.

2. Tenderness or Pain When Touched

Swollen lymph nodes often become tender or painful, especially when pressure is applied. This tenderness is a key indicator that your lymph nodes are actively fighting an infection or responding to inflammation.

The level of discomfort can range from mild sensitivity to significant pain. You might notice this symptom when:

• Turning your head from side to side
• Swallowing food or liquids
• Touching the affected area
• Wearing tight collars or jewelry
• Lying down in certain positions

Painful vs. painless swelling: Generally, lymph nodes that are tender and painful suggest an acute infection, such as a bacterial or viral illness. The pain typically develops quickly and correlates with the severity of the infection. In contrast, painless swollen lymph nodes that persist for weeks may warrant closer medical evaluation, as they could indicate other conditions that require professional assessment.

The surrounding skin might also feel warm to the touch, which indicates increased blood flow to the area as your immune system works to combat the underlying issue.

3. Swelling in Multiple Locations Simultaneously

While swollen lymph nodes can occur in isolated areas, experiencing swelling in multiple lymph node locations throughout your body simultaneously is a significant symptom that often indicates a systemic infection or condition.

Common patterns of multiple-site swelling:

• Generalized lymphadenopathy: When lymph nodes in three or more different regions of your body become swollen at the same time
• Upper body concentration: Swelling in neck lymph nodes, armpits, and chest area together
• Bilateral swelling: Symmetrical swelling on both sides of the body

This widespread swelling typically occurs with systemic viral infections like mononucleosis, certain autoimmune conditions, or when your body is responding to a significant immune challenge. Where are lymph nodes located becomes particularly relevant here, as understanding the distribution can help healthcare providers identify the underlying cause.

If you notice swelling in multiple areas that persists beyond a few weeks or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

4. Difficulty or Discomfort When Swallowing

When lymph nodes in your neck become significantly swollen, they can create difficulty or discomfort during swallowing. This symptom is particularly common with neck lymph nodes that enlarge due to throat infections, respiratory illnesses, or dental problems.

Why this happens: The swollen nodes can press against your esophagus or create a sensation of fullness in your throat. Depending on the location and size of the swelling, you might experience:

• A feeling of something stuck in your throat
• Pain when swallowing solid foods
• Discomfort with liquids
• A choking sensation
• The need to swallow more frequently

This symptom often accompanies conditions like strep throat, tonsillitis, or other upper respiratory infections where the lymph nodes are responding to bacteria or viruses in the throat area. The swallowing difficulty typically improves as the underlying infection resolves and the lymph nodes return to their normal size.

In some cases, severely swollen lymph nodes in the neck can even affect your voice, causing hoarseness or changes in pitch, particularly if they press against structures involved in voice production.

5. Redness and Warmth of the Overlying Skin

The skin covering swollen lymph nodes may appear red or pink and feel noticeably warm to the touch. This symptom indicates active inflammation in the area and increased blood flow as your immune system responds to infection.

Characteristics of this symptom:

• The redness may spread beyond the immediate area of the swollen node
• The skin might appear stretched or shiny if the swelling is significant
• The warmth is typically localized to the affected area
• The intensity of redness can vary from subtle pink to deep red

While some redness and warmth are normal with swollen lymph nodes, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention:

• Rapidly spreading redness
• Red streaks extending from the swollen area
• Skin that’s hot to the touch
• Accompanying fever above 101°F (38.3°C)

These more severe symptoms could indicate a bacterial infection that may require prompt medical intervention. The presence of red streaks, in particular, might suggest that an infection is spreading through the lymphatic system, a condition known as lymphangitis.

6. Limited Range of Motion in Affected Areas

Significantly swollen lymph nodes can restrict your movement and create stiffness in the affected body region. This symptom is most noticeable when lymph nodes in the neck or armpits become enlarged.

How movement can be affected:

• Neck area: Difficulty turning your head fully to the left or right, tilting your head up or down, or rotating your neck
• Armpit area: Reduced ability to lift your arm overhead, discomfort when reaching across your body, or stiffness when moving your shoulder
• Groin area: Discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, or lifting your leg

The restricted movement typically results from a combination of factors: the physical size of the swollen nodes limiting space, pain that causes you to unconsciously limit movement to avoid discomfort, and inflammation in surrounding tissues.

You might find yourself naturally adjusting your posture or movements to accommodate the swelling. For example, with swollen neck lymph nodes, you might hold your head in a particular position or move your entire upper body instead of just turning your head.

This limitation usually improves gradually as the swelling decreases. However, if you experience severe restriction of movement, especially if it appears suddenly or is accompanied by severe pain, seeking medical evaluation is advisable.

7. Associated Systemic Symptoms

Swollen lymph nodes rarely occur in isolation. They’re typically accompanied by other systemic symptoms that reflect the underlying cause of the lymph node enlargement. Recognizing these accompanying symptoms provides important context about what your body is fighting.

Common systemic symptoms that may accompany swollen lymph nodes:

• Fever: Elevated body temperature indicating your immune system is actively fighting infection
• Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or exhaustion as your body directs energy toward healing
• Night sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep that may soak your pajamas or sheets
• Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying over a period of weeks or months
• Sore throat: Pain or scratchiness in the throat, especially with swollen neck lymph nodes
• Runny nose or congestion: Upper respiratory symptoms that often trigger lymph node response
• Headaches: Persistent or recurring head pain
• Body aches: General muscle soreness or joint pain throughout your body
• Skin rash: Various types of rashes that may appear with certain infections

The specific combination of symptoms helps healthcare providers identify the underlying cause. For instance:

• Fever, sore throat, and swollen neck lymph nodes typically suggest a throat infection
• Fever, fatigue, and widespread lymph node swelling might indicate mononucleosis
• Night sweats, weight loss, and persistent swollen lymph nodes require medical evaluation

Paying attention to these accompanying symptoms and noting when they began, their severity, and any patterns can provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.

Common Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Understanding what causes lymph nodes to swell can help you better recognize when the condition might resolve on its own versus when medical attention is needed. Lymph nodes become swollen when they’re working overtime to filter out harmful substances or produce more immune cells.

Infections (Most Common Cause):

• Viral infections: Common cold, flu, mononucleosis, HIV, measles, and COVID-19
• Bacterial infections: Strep throat, ear infections, skin infections, dental abscesses, and cat scratch disease
• Other infections: Toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, and certain fungal infections

Immune System Disorders:

• Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjögren’s syndrome

Localized Issues:

• Tooth infections or gum disease affecting lymph nodes in neck
• Skin wounds or infections affecting nearby lymph nodes
• Insect bites or stings

Medications:

• Certain medications can cause lymph node swelling as a side effect
• Vaccines may cause temporary swelling in nearby lymph nodes

Other Causes:

• Lymphoma and other cancers (though less common)
• Leukemia
• Metastatic cancer spreading to lymph nodes

Where are your lymph nodes located can also give clues about the cause. For example, swollen lymph nodes in the neck often relate to head, throat, or upper respiratory infections, while swollen nodes in the groin might relate to infections in the legs, feet, or genital area.

Most cases of swollen lymph nodes result from common infections and resolve within 2-3 weeks as your body fights off the illness. However, persistent swelling lasting more than 3-4 weeks, progressively enlarging nodes, or nodes that feel hard and immovable warrant medical evaluation.

Prevention Strategies

While you cannot always prevent lymph nodes from swelling—since they’re simply responding to infections or other conditions—you can take steps to reduce your risk of developing the infections that commonly cause lymph node enlargement.

Practice Good Hygiene:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available
• Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

Maintain Oral Health:

• Brush your teeth twice daily and floss regularly
• Visit your dentist for regular check-ups
• Address dental problems promptly to prevent infections that can cause neck lymph nodes to swell

Strengthen Your Immune System:

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Get adequate sleep (7-9 hours for adults)
• Exercise regularly
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water

Avoid Infection Exposure:

• Keep distance from people who are sick when possible
• Avoid sharing personal items like utensils, cups, or towels
• Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
• Practice safe food handling and preparation

Protect Your Skin:

• Clean cuts and scrapes promptly and keep them covered
• Use insect repellent to prevent bug bites
• Wear protective clothing when in wooded or grassy areas
• Check for ticks after outdoor activities

Pet Care:

• Keep your pets’ vaccinations current
• Avoid rough play that might result in scratches or bites
• Wash your hands after handling pets

By following these preventive measures, you can reduce your likelihood of developing infections that lead to swollen lymph nodes. However, remember that even with excellent prevention practices, lymph node swelling can still occur as a normal immune response, and this isn’t necessarily cause for concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for swollen lymph nodes to return to normal size?

Most swollen lymph nodes caused by common viral or bacterial infections return to normal size within 2-3 weeks after the infection resolves. Some lymph nodes may remain slightly enlarged for several weeks longer, especially after more significant infections. If swelling persists beyond 3-4 weeks or continues to enlarge, consult a healthcare provider.

Where are lymph nodes located in the body?

Lymph nodes are distributed throughout your body, with major concentrations in your neck (including sides, front, and back), under your jaw, behind your ears, in your armpits, in your chest and abdomen, and in your groin area. You have hundreds of lymph nodes, but you typically only notice them when they become swollen.

When should I see a doctor about swollen lymph nodes?

Seek medical attention if your swollen lymph nodes are accompanied by high fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Also consult a doctor if the nodes feel hard and immovable, continue growing, persist longer than 3-4 weeks, or appear without any obvious infection or illness.

Can stress cause lymph nodes to swell?

Stress itself doesn’t directly cause lymph nodes to swell. However, chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that cause lymph node swelling. Additionally, stress and anxiety can make you more aware of normal lymph nodes, leading you to notice them more when they’re actually not significantly enlarged.

Are swollen lymph nodes always a sign of something serious?

No, swollen lymph nodes are most commonly caused by minor infections like colds, flu, or throat infections and are not serious. Your lymph nodes are simply doing their job of fighting infection. However, certain characteristics—such as very hard texture, rapid growth, painless swelling that persists, or swelling accompanied by concerning symptoms—should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Can only one lymph node become swollen?

Yes, it’s common for just one lymph node or a small cluster of nodes to swell, especially when responding to a localized infection. For example, a single swollen lymph node in your neck might respond to a tooth infection on that side, or a swollen node in your armpit might respond to a cut or infection on that arm.

What’s the difference between lymph nodes in the neck versus other locations?

Neck lymph nodes function the same as lymph nodes elsewhere in your body, but they specifically filter lymph fluid from your head, face, throat, and upper respiratory system. This is why they commonly swell with colds, flu, sore throats, ear infections, and dental problems. They’re also more noticeable when swollen because there’s less tissue covering them compared to lymph nodes deeper in your body.

Can children get swollen lymph nodes more easily than adults?

Yes, children tend to develop swollen lymph nodes more frequently than adults because their immune systems are still developing and encountering many infections for the first time. Additionally, children’s lymph nodes may feel more prominent because they have less body fat covering them. Most swollen lymph nodes in children are benign and related to common childhood infections.

Should swollen lymph nodes be massaged?

Generally, it’s best to avoid massaging or repeatedly touching swollen lymph nodes. While gentle manual lymphatic drainage performed by trained professionals can sometimes be beneficial for certain conditions, aggressively massaging swollen lymph nodes can potentially spread infection or cause additional irritation. If you’re concerned about swollen lymph nodes, consult with a healthcare provider rather than attempting self-treatment.

Can swollen lymph nodes affect only one side of the neck?

Yes, swollen lymph nodes frequently affect only one side of the neck, especially when responding to a localized infection such as an ear infection on one side, a tooth abscess, or a skin infection affecting one side of the face or scalp. The lymph nodes drain specific regions, so they swell in the area closest to the infection source.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Swollen Lymph Nodes
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Lymphadenopathy
• Cleveland Clinic – Swollen Lymph Nodes
• NHS – Swollen Glands
• National Cancer Institute – Cancer Symptoms