How to Tell if Your Lymph Nodes are Swollen

Your body has many unique functions to help fight off infections, viruses, and other invaders that might affect your health. In addition to your immune system, you have the lymphatic system. It's a network of nodes and vessels. Do you want to know what's the difference between allergies and swollen lymph nodes? Visit this website.

The lymph nodes act as filters, trapping illness-causing bacteria. While most associate the lymphatic system with bacterial infections and viruses, it also helps filter out the presence of allergens. Allergies and swollen lymph nodes go hand in hand.

But how do you know that your lymph nodes are swollen at all?

Understanding the Lymph Nodes

The lymphatic system spans your entire body. The nodes are the connection points. They're small, bean-shaped organs filled with cells that filter the lymphatic fluid. The nodes develop as clusters, and they work to drain particular areas of the body.

For example, you have lymph nodes in your head and neck, armpits, groin, and more.

Usually, you don't see or feel the lymph nodes. But sometimes, they swell up, causing a noticeable lump below the skin.

Swollen Lymph Node Symptoms

The most common symptom of swelling is the ability to see and feel the lymph nodes. They grow in size, often creating a noticeable lump the size of a kidney bean. If you touch the node, it may feel tender.

Other possible symptoms include fever, night sweats, and upper respiratory infection. Allergies and swollen lymph nodes often result in runny noses, sore throats, difficulty breathing, and more.

Why Lymph Nodes Swell

If you notice your lymph nodes growing in size, there's likely something going on in your body! Your lymphatic system is attempting to flush those allergens out of your body. It could also be an infection or virus to blame. Either way, the cells accumulate in the lymph nodes, causing them to balloon.

Generally, the nodes will decrease in size once those allergens get out of your system. Taking medications to get relief from allergies may help. If the nodes stay swollen for more than two weeks, visit your doctor.

Read a similar article about common allergies in West Virginia here at this page.