Lymph glands are part of the lymphatic system which circulates tissue fluid. The lymphatic system drains fluids from surrounding tissues, filters it, and returns it to the bloodstream. By acting as filters, the lymph glands help to prevent the spread of infection and protect the bloodstream. They can become enlarged with any skin cut or scrape. most enlarged neck nodes are from minor infections such as colds.

What your doctor can do:

• Treatment is usually not needed, except for the infection or other underlying cause.

What you can do:

• If a node becomes enlarged, try to locate the cause, noting that groin nodes (glands) drain the lower abdomen and legs, armpit nodes drain the upper chest and arms, neck nodes drain the scalp, ears, face and throat.
• Avoid rubbing or squeezing lymph nodes, as this can keep them from shrinking to normal.

What you can expect:

• Lymph nodes usually swell quickly to their largest size in 2 or 3 days, then shrink to normal in 2 to 4 weeks.
• Lymph nodes can often be seen and felt in most uninfected children.
• They are largest around ages 10 to 12. Normal nodes are 1/2 inch across or less (pea or bean sized)
• Lymph nodes reacting to viruses average 1/2 to 1 inch across in size.
• Slight enlargement and mild tenderness means the lymph node is successfully fighting an infection. Serious infections will cause more tenderness and swelling over 1 inch in size.
• Lymph nodes over 2 inches in size with red adjacent skin are not controlling the infection and often contain pus.
• Nodes can enlarge to twice their normal size with minor infections, and take weeks after the infection is gone to return to normal size.

Contact your doctor if:

• A lymph node swells to 1 to 2 inches in size
• Remain larger than 1/2 inch for 1 month or longer
• You have unexplained fever (over 100 F)
• You are feeling worse.

Call 9-1-1 if a lymph node is 2 inches across or larger; if it becomes very tender; if it has surrounding red streaks or reddened skin; if there is difficulty swallowing, breathing, or moving your neck; or if you feel very ill.

Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620