“I have swollen glands.” This phrase is very common to hear, and is usually accompanied by a self-check on both sides of the neck and on the lower jaw.

The inflammation is in most cases benign, but on occasion it may indicate the presence of a serious pathology. In this article we will explore lymphadenopathy or swollen nodes, its causes and the most relevant warning symptoms.

What are ganglia?

Nodes, or lymph nodes, are a series of structures through which lymph circulates. They are responsible for filtering this substance, so that they prevent bacteria or viruses from spreading through the lymphatic system , and then integrate it into the blood vessels.

The lymphatic system can be considered part of the immune system , since another major function of the lymph nodes is to contain the lymphocytes that fight infection and the entry of pathogens into the body. Thus, they are very relevant in contributing to the body’s immune activity, but they also have relevant functions by the lymph absorbing nutrients from the digestive system and then directing them to the veins and maintaining a balance in the interstitial fluid level.

These nodes are distributed in chains throughout the body, with some of the most well-known areas being those in the neck (under the chin, on both sides), armpits and groin, and also in the abdomen or chest. But the lymph nodes can become infected and swollen for some reason .

Lymphadenopathy or swollen glands

Sometimes the ganglia may have some kind of abnormality that causes them to become swollen. This is called lymphadenopathy, and can occur in a single node or in a chain, or it can spread to the whole system.

Swollen glands often cause harmful and troublesome symptoms. In particular, in addition to the swelling of the node itself , there is often a feeling of warmth, redness and increased sensitivity in the area . It is also very common to have a fever, weight loss, sweating and pain in the area where the node or nodes are located. It is also common for the appetite to be reduced and for tiredness and respiratory disorders to appear.

Most people have suffered at some time in their lives from some type of lymphadenopathy for one reason or another: it is a phenomenon that can occur at any age and under any condition, but it is usually especially common in childhood. Having swollen nodes is not a disorder or disease in itself , but rather a symptom of the existence of an infection or problem of some kind.

Possible causes of inflammation

In general, the vast majority of people with swollen glands have them this way due to the presence of minor alterations, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection.

Some frequent causes are the presence of infections such as the flu, the suffering of pharyngitis or tonsillitis . Some diseases in which it also appears are chickenpox and measles, mononucleosis or rubella. Sometimes the inflammation remains for a while even when the subject has finished rejecting a previous infection.

Another possible cause of swollen glands can be found in lack of adequate and complete nutrition, as well as lack of rest and high stress. It may also appear as a side effect of taking certain medications .

However, not all causes of ganglion inflammation are so relatively mild. This is because lymphadenopathy also appears in such serious diseases as cancer (for example, lymphoma or cancer of the breast, lung or testicle), malaria, lupus or venereal diseases such as HIV infection (in AIDS) or syphilis. Diseases such as bubonic plague also caused such inflammation.

Should I be worried? Warning signs

Although, as we have said before, lymphadenopathies usually have causes that are not very serious and tend to disappear easily, the truth is that they can also be a symptom of a serious health problem that could even be endangering our lives.

That is why it is always advisable to go to the doctor at the time that the lymphadenopathy appears to ensure its causes and receive treatment , even if we consider that the cause may be slight.

However, it is especially urgent to consult a professional when the nodes are swollen in situations where no fever has appeared, they are hard to touch or the node has suddenly grown very large. Although it may seem contradictory, if the inflammation appears without any type of pain, it can also be worrying. Likewise, if the inflammation continues for more than a month after the disappearance of the infection that caused it , a consultation should be made .

It should also be taken into account whether the inflammation is hard and stiff or whether they are mobile. Although the second case is common in infectious processes, the existence of great rigidity could tell us about a serious disease, such as cancer.

The size of the lymph node is one of the criteria to take into account : if they exceed four centimetres we may be facing a major infection.

Finally, the area where the ganglion becomes infected must also be taken into account. For example, it is not uncommon to have swollen neck nodes and in many cases the causes are not usually serious. The inguinal nodes are usually related to infections of the lower limbs or sexually transmitted diseases. With regard to those located in the clavicle regardless of their characteristics require a quick visit to the clinic, as they tend to be dangerous and may be linked to suffering from some type of cancer.

Treatment

Treatment of swollen glands will depend largely on their cause. Usually antibiotics will be prescribed to treat an infection, and/or pain medication will be prescribed to relieve pain while the infection subsides.

In other cases it may be necessary to drain the nodes, initiate specific treatment for autoimmune disorders or start treatment for problems such as cancer if the diagnosis is confirmed.

Bibliographic references:

  • Fauci, A. (2008). Harrison: Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th Edition. McGraw-Hill; Interamericana de México.