Swollen Glands

Swollen glands refer to one or more enlarged lymph nodes. If your lymph nodes are enlarged, it probably means they're busy fighting an infection in your body. Unfortunately, because they often become enlarged quickly, swollen lymph nodes may be painful. Ordinarily, they are about the size of a pea, and they produce the antibodies your body uses to fight infections.

Location of lymph glands that are easy to feel

Causes

Lymph nodes can become swollen because of infection, inflammatory conditions, an abscess or cancer. Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. The location of the swollen lymph node can tell you where the infection is. An infection in the feet, legs or genital area -- it can be as simple as athlete's foot or an ingrown toenail -- may cause lymph nodes in the groin to swell. A swollen lymph node in the armpit might be from an infected cut on the arm or finger. Allergies and bug bites can also cause lymph nodes to swell.

Most people connect the term "swollen glands" with the lymph nodes between the ear and the angle of the jaw. These lymph nodes often swell during sore throats and ear infections. Swollen lymph nodes down the sides or back of the neck might be from an infection in the scalp or from mononucleosis. "Mono," as it is commonly known, is an illness that causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, severe fatigue and other symptoms.

If your lymph nodes enlarge more slowly and continue to swell without signs of infection, call your doctor. You may have a more serious illness.  Cancer can cause enlarged and frequently non-tender lymph nodes. Some of the cancers that may produce enlarge lymphnodes are stomach and esophagel cancer, thyroid cancer (usually in the neck nodes) and breast cancer (usually in the nodes under the arm). Widespread malignancy such as Hodgkin's disease, leukemia or lymphoma may cause lymph nodes in multiple places to become enlarged.

Treatment

Most of the time, swollen glands are caused by viral infections and no treatment is necessary. Sometimes, however , a bacterial infection will lodge in the glands themselves, making them red, warm and tender. Bacterial infection in glands requires antibiotics. In some cases, the glands need to be surgically drained.

Self-Care Steps for Swollen Lymph Nodes

If you have significant discomfort, you can take acetaminophen and use warm or cold compresses to relieve pain and swelling. The soreness will get better in a few days, although the lymph nodes may remain somewhat swollen for several weeks. It takes longer for lymph nodes to return to their natural size than it does for them to enlarge.