Tender Lymph Nodes in Neck

Lymph nodes form a major part of the immune system, and they are present in various locations of the body. One of their major functions is to protect the body from various infections and other harmful foreign substances. Those which are located in the neck region are known as cervical lymph nodes.

Tender lymph nodes can be described as swollen, painful nodes that are warm and tender to touch. This condition arises when the immune system is struggling hard to get rid of some infection-causing germs or other unwanted substances that can act as a threat to the body.

Since childhood, you must have noticed that whenever you suffer from common cold, you get afflicted with symptoms, like fever, runny nose, sore throat, and tender lymph nodes in neck. Thus, we can say that one of the most common causes of tenderness in cervical lymph nodes is common cold.

Besides, when the body is dealing with other forms of infections caused by different viruses, bacteria, or parasites, then also the nodes become tender. A few such infections are as follows:

• Chickenpox
• Measles
• Mumps
• Ear infections

• Tuberculosis
• Tooth infection
• Skin infection
• Mononucleosis (a viral infection)
• HIV infection

There are various other health problems as well, which can lead to this condition. They are as follows:

• Allergic reactions
• Side effects of medicines or vaccinations
• Various forms of cancer, such as lymphoma and leukemia

• Autoimmune diseases in which the immune system starts attacking the healthy cells of the body by mistake. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are two such common diseases, which result in tender and swollen nodes in the neck.

You can get relief from mild tenderness in cervical lymph node caused due to cold and flu with the help of three simple home remedies given here.

When the immune system is fighting an infection, then you must give adequate rest to the body. This will strengthen the immune system and eliminate the pathogens quickly from the body.

Prepare a saline solution by dissolving one-fourth teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water. Take a little amount of this water inside the mouth but do not gulp it down. Swirl it around the mouth for two minutes and then spit it out. Repeat this treatment a number of times throughout the day to reduce the tenderness in lymph nodes.

Small children cannot gargle with saline water. Therefore, warm compression is the most preferred remedy. Take some warm water in a bowl and a clean washcloth. Dip the cloth in water, wring out the excess water, and then put the warm cloth over the painful area in the neck. This will help in reducing the swelling as well as tenderness.

✔ When the tender lymph nodes are in a highly inflamed condition and there are signs of skin discoloration in the area, then you must visit a doctor for proper treatment. The exact reason behind the problem is identified with the help of a physical examination of the painful site and medical history. Once the cause is identified, then it has to be treated properly to get rid of the tenderness.

✔ Common bacterial infections, like strep throat, inner ear infection, tooth abscess, tuberculosis are treated with various antibiotic medicines.

✔ Autoimmune diseases are usually treated with the help of immunosuppressant medicines, which can decrease the effects of the abnormal response of the immune system. HIV patients are given proper medicines to deal with the infection.

✔ If the size of the lymph nodes increases with time and becomes hard like a lump, then it could be a tumorous growth. In such a case, a biopsy should be conducted to check the presence of cells. If the test report is positive, then the patient has to undergo a proper cancer treatment, which involves techniques, like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery.

The problem of tender lymph nodes in the neck region, caused due to minor infections, usually gets resolved within 2 weeks. In small children, it may take a slightly longer time. However, if it is triggered by some serious underlying health issues, then the treatment should be carried out under the supervision of the doctor.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.