What is Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy means that your lymph glands are swollen or larger than normal (enlarged). Lymph glands, also called lymph nodes, are collections of tissue that filter bacteria, viruses, and waste from your bloodstream.

They are part of your body’s disease-fighting system (immune system), which protects your body from germs.

There may be different causes of lymphadenopathy, depending on where it is in your body. Some types go away on their own. Lymphadenopathy can occur anywhere that you have lymph glands, including these areas:

• Neck (cervical lymphadenopathy).
• Chest (mediastinal lymphadenopathy).
• Lungs (hilar lymphadenopathy).
• Underarms (axillary lymphadenopathy).
• Groin (inguinal lymphadenopathy).

When your immune system responds to germs, infection-fighting cells and fluid build up in your lymph glands. This causes some swelling and enlargement. If the lymph glands do not go back to normal after you have an infection or disease, your health care provider may do tests. These tests help to monitor your condition and find the reason why the glands are still swollen and enlarged.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. Your health care provider may recommend over-the-counter medicines for pain.
• If directed, apply heat to swollen lymph glands as often as told by your health care provider. Use the heat source that your health care provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad.
  • Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
  • Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.
  • Remove the heat if your skin turns bright red. This is especially important if you are unable to feel pain, heat, or cold. You may have a greater risk of getting burned.
• Check your affected lymph glands every day for changes. Check other lymph gland areas as told by your health care provider. Check for changes such as:
  • More swelling.
  • Sudden increase in size.
  • Redness or pain.
  • Hardness.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if you have:

• Swelling that gets worse or spreads to other areas.
• Problems with breathing.
• Lymph glands that:
  • Are still swollen after 2 weeks.
  • Have suddenly gotten bigger.
  • Are red, painful, or hard.
• A fever or chills.
• Fatigue.
• A sore throat.
• Pain in your abdomen.
• Weight loss.
• Night sweats.

Get help right away if you have:

• Fluid leaking from an enlarged lymph gland.
• Severe pain.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.

Summary

• Lymphadenopathy means that your lymph glands are swollen or larger than normal (enlarged).
• Lymph glands (also called lymph nodes) are collections of tissue that filter bacteria, viruses, and waste from the bloodstream. They are part of your body’s disease-fighting system (immune system).
• Lymphadenopathy can occur anywhere that you have lymph glands.
• If your enlarged and swollen lymph glands do not go back to normal after you have an infection or disease, your health care provider may do tests to monitor your condition and find the reason why the glands are still swollen and enlarged.
• Check your affected lymph glands every day for changes. Check other lymph gland areas as told by your health care provider.