Swollen glands

Swollen glands | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Glands Swollen glands Swollen glands Swollen lymph glands are usually a sign of infection. Swollen lymph glands that are caused by an infection usually get better by themselves in 1 to 2 weeks. Sometimes swollen lymph glands can have a more serious cause and may need to be seen by a doctor. Phone 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if: You have swollen glands and you: are finding it very difficult to swallow have difficulty breathing Speak to your GP practice if: You have swollen glands and: theyre getting bigger theyve not gone down within 1 week they feel hard or do not move when you press them youre having night sweats or have a very high temperature (you feel hot and shivery) you have no other signs of illness or infection you have swollen lymph glands just above or below your collar bone (the bone that runs from your breastbone to each of your shoulders) What are the lymph glands? The lymph glands (or lymph nodes) are small lumps of tissue that contain white blood cells. These help to fight bacteria, viruses and anything else that causes infection. Theyre an important part of the immune system and are found throughout the body. What swollen lymph glands feel like The lymph glands can swell to more than a few centimetres in response to infection or disease. Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps. You may feel them: on each side of the neck under the chin in the armpits around the groin Common causes of swollen glands Swollen glands are usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection like: a cold tonsillitis glandular fever a throat infection an ear infection a dental abscess cellulitis (a skin infection) The glands in the affected area will often become suddenly tender or painful. You may also have other symptoms like a sore throat, cough, or fever. These infections usually clear up on their own and the swollen glands will soon go down. Swollen lymph glands are rarely caused by anything more serious. Managing swollen glands at home When an infection causes swollen glands you can help to ease symptoms at home. Do drink plenty of fluids rest use over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 12 December 2023 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852