Our body reacts in different ways to attacks and changes it undergoes, such as infections, for example. There are several defenses our body uses to fight the first signs of foreign bodies; fever is a clear example of this type of defense1. Another thing that is not very uncommon to appear on our bodies is a swollen lymph node, but many people do not really know what it is or how to treat them.

What Is a Swollen Lymph Node

A swollen lymph node is characterized by a lump located in the neck, groin, or armpits and appears because of inflammation in the lymph nodes2. The lump appears in these areas as a kind of response by the body to an infection in the region. This type of infection usually does not last long, and can last from a few days up to a whole month.

Types of Swollen Lymph Nodes

As previously mentioned, swollen lymph nodes appear as the first sign of inflammation, whether in the armpit, groin, or neck area, but each of them can occur for different reasons and each type of infection also has different treatments. For this reason, we can break down the explanation of swollen lymph nodes into three topics:

  • Swollen Lymph Node in the Neck
  • Swollen Lymph Node in the Groin
  • Swollen Lymph Node in the Armpits

This way, we can talk about each type of swollen lymph node separately and give details on the specifics of each one.

Swollen Lymph Node in the Neck

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck usually appear in the jaw, throat, chin, nape, or the neck itself. This lump or these lumps, depending on the case, often cause pain and discomfort, and are noticeable due to the swelling they cause in the skin.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck

There are several illnesses that can cause a swollen lymph node in the neck, including:

  • Flu and colds
  • Throat inflammation
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Cancer

Cancer cases are much rarer and present swollen lymph nodes that do not cause pain, but are just as visible and may also cause discomfort. It’s always important to consult a doctor regardless of the cause of the swollen lymph node in the neck.

Treatments for Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Neck

There is no treatment to fight the lymph node swelling itself, but rather to fight the infection causing it. Therefore, we must first investigate the cause of the swollen lymph node to know what type of treatment is appropriate. For this reason, seeing a doctor is essential, since the flu is not treated the same way as certain autoimmune diseases, for example. Even so, in general, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics are prescribed to treat these infections.

Swollen Lymph Node in the Groin

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin are usually quite bothersome when they appear, and also very often cause pain. As with swollen lymph nodes in the neck, those in the groin can also be a cause for concern, as they may be a sign of a more serious illness than you might imagine, so it is always recommended to seek a doctor.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Groin

Of the many illnesses that can cause swollen lymph nodes in the groin, the main ones are:

  • Skin infections
  • Ingrown hairs
  • Allergies to medications, fabrics, or beauty products
  • Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, and herpes

When it comes to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), the swollen node may present with secretions, which help identify the cause of the lump. If the swollen lymph node persists for more than two weeks, a biopsy may be requested by the doctor to check if it is nothing serious, since this type of swelling may also be indicative of rare types of cancer, such as lymphoma.

Treatments for Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Groin

Swollen lymph nodes in the groin also need a precise diagnosis so that their treatment can be effective, since many different diseases can cause lumps in the area. The prescribed medications can range from anti-inflammatories and antibiotics to ointments and allergy medications, depending on the case.

Swollen Lymph Node in the Armpits

Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits are often a cause for concern, but it’s not always something to worry about. Many times, the cause of the lump may be something easy to treat and that does not require much effort. Lymph nodes in the armpits are also usually bothersome and very visible, which makes them easy to identify.

Causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpits

This type of swelling is often caused by cosmetic procedures, as it is a sensitive area, but a lump in the armpits can also indicate other types of infection. The main causes are:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Growth of lipomas (harmless fatty tissue)
  • Cysts
  • Bacterial or viral infections
  • Some types of cancer, such as breast cancer and lymphoma

As you can see, swollen lymph nodes in the armpits can have a practically harmless cause or can also be the result of a more serious illness. For this reason, it is always important to consult a doctor if you notice a swollen lymph node in the armpits.

Treatments for Swollen Lymph Nodes in the Armpits

Treatment for this type of swelling can also include medications such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, along with medical recommendations like staying hydrated and getting as much rest as possible so that the lump will go away quickly. It is always important to remember that, due to the various causes of swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, the treatment can be quite different.

Swollen Lymph Nodes in Babies

Infections and viral illnesses can cause swollen lymph nodes in babies, which can appear all over the body, although the neck is the most common area for this to occur. Throat inflammation and tonsillitis are the main causes of swollen lymph nodes in babies3.Swollen lymph nodes are responses of our body to various illnesses that can be contracted in different ways. Because of this broad characteristic, it is very difficult to talk about treating a swollen lymph node in a general way.And that is exactly why visiting a doctor is so important, because more than just making the lump disappear from your body, you need to fight the infection in the best possible way, so that there is no worsening of the situation.