What are the Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are very important for maintaining a good health. They protect our body against various infections. The common areas where the lymph nodes are located include neck, arms and groin area. But sometimes we find that these areas where the lymph nodes are located swell. So what are the reasons or causes of swollen lymph nodes? Let's try to find out some of the causes of swollen lymph nodes.

There are numerous infections and conditions that can cause swollen lymph nodes. When our body is infected the white blood cells increase in number and attack the infection faster and harder, resulting in swollen lymph nodes. Even a minor infection may cause the lymph nodes to swell. Swollen lymph nodes are caused either due to localized infections or due to systemic infections. Localized infection is the one where the infection is limited to only one part of the body. When the infection is spread throughout the body it is referred as systemic infection.

You can identify the cause of swollen lymph by your own. When you observe a sudden swelling in lymph nodes it may be caused due to bacterial or viral infection. When the swelling is painless and gradual the cause may be a tumor. And when the swelling occurs in neck and into the jaw the cause may be the mumps. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck may also be caused due to colds or throat infections.

Sometimes small cuts, scratches, burns, colds and rashes may even cause the lymph nodes to swell. Swelling of the lymph nodes in groin means that there is an injury or infection in the legs and lower abdomen. Swelling of axillary lymph nodes means that there is an injury or infection in the arm or hand. Swelling of the nodes in the back of neck means that there is an injury or infection on scalp. And swelling of supraclavicular lymph nodes means that there is an infection or tumor in breasts, abdomen, lungs or neck areas.

Some of the most common conditions or infections that cause swollen lymph nodes include:

• Common cold
• Throat infections
• Ear infections
• Infection caused due to injury
• Abscessed tooth
• Measles
• Mumps
• Mononucleosis
• Viruses
• Tonsillitis

Other conditions or infections that cause swollen lymph nodes include:

• Fungal Infections
• Virus infections
• Tuberculosis
• Hodgkin's Disease
• Sarcoidosis
• Yaws
• Gaucher Disease
• Hyperthyroidism
• Sjogren's Syndrome
• Non-Hodgkins Lymphomas
• Alcoholism
• Lupus
• Bacterial infections like Cat scratch fever caused due to a cat scratch or bite.
• Parasite infections like Toxoplasmosis caused by eating undercooked meat or from contact with the feces of an infected cat
• Syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus causing AIDS
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Leukemia, a cancer that includes bone marrow and lymphatic system
• Lymphoma, a cancer that originates in the lymphatic system

Basically there is no treatment required for swollen lymph nodes since they are just a symptom of a disease and the way the body fights with the infections. However you can take analgesics or pain relievers. Applying cool or warm moist towels to the swollen area may also help in getting some relief. But it is advisable to seek the advice of health care provider since swollen lymph nodes may be a symptom of any serious disease like cancer.