Swollen lymph nodes can cause pain and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure. Here you can find out what causes the swelling and what you can do about it.
What are lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are rounded, small tissue nodes that are part of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and pervades our entire body. Its main function is to remove fluid from the tissue. This fluid reaches the lymph nodes, where it is filtered and cleaned of bacteria and foreign bodies, for example. Then it gets back into the blood.
Everyone has around 600 to 700 lymph nodes in their body. They are not only found on the neck, but also in numerous other places in the body, for example in the groin, in the armpits or in the neck. Swollen lymph nodes can have various causes. We present the most common ones here.
How do swollen lymph nodes occur?
Swollen lymph nodes indicate a defense reaction in the body against a disease. The swelling occurs because antibodies are formed in the tissue nodes. Thus, even a simple cold can lead to a swollen throat and difficulty swallowing.
Lymph nodes are often swollen, especially in children, because their immune system is still very active to produce antibodies against many different pathogens.
Among other things, these cause diseases according to Netdoktor swollen lymph nodes:
- cold
- flu
- measles
- rubella
- Glandular Pfeiffer fever
- bacterial infections such as tonsillitis
So the range of causes for swollen lymph nodes ranges from a simple one flu up to serious illnesses. If the swelling occurs in combination with fever, runny nose and Sore throat on, the reason is usually a harmless cold. However, you should definitely see a doctor if
- you feel the swelling for a long period of time of more than three to four weeks.
- there is no evidence of an infection.
- the swollen lymph nodes are only on one side of the body.
Home remedies for swollen lymph nodes
Treatment for swelling depends on the cause and the underlying disease. In general, however, you should primarily leave the swelling alone and press it as little as possible.
Some home remedies for swollen lymph nodes from a simple infection include:
- warm and cold compresses: You simply place this on the swelling for five to ten minutes. According to popular saying, cold compresses are said to have a pain relieving effect. Warmth is said to promote blood flow to the lymph nodes. However, this effect has not yet been clearly proven scientifically. If you find the compresses soothing and pain-relieving, they can at least make your sick days a little easier.
- Honey: One to three teaspoons of honey a day should have an anti-inflammatory effect on infections of the throat and mouth and thus promote the swelling of the tissue nodes.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is also said to have an antibacterial effect. So that it can help against the swollen lymph nodes, you dip a rag in a mixture of vinegar and water and place it on the affected areas for a few minutes. You should do this once or twice a day.
- Salt water: Salt water is said to have a decongestant effect, especially in the case of infections in the throat and throat area. Mix half a teaspoon of salt with 300 milliliters of water and gargle the solution several times a day.
The effect of these remedies is however in no case scientifically proven. They will not cause any additional damage to the swelling, but their positive effect is also questionable. The only universal measure against swollen lymph nodes in a harmless disease is therefore: wait and see to drink tea!
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