Swollen Lymph Nodes: How to Care for Your Child

At today's visit, the health care professional diagnosed your child with swollen lymph nodes (sometimes called swollen glands). Usually, lymph nodes swell because of an infection. As a child gets better, the swelling goes down. Most kids feel better after a week or so.

• Give your child any medicine as directed by the health care professional.

• Let your child rest as needed.

• Have your child drink plenty of fluids.

• Your child may eat as usual.

• Bring your child to any follow-up appointments, if scheduled.

Your child:

• is not improving or is getting worse

• has redness on the skin near the lymph node, or the area around the lymph node feels warm

• has a lymph node (or nodes) that get larger

• has a fever that gets worse or lasts more than a week

• loses weight

• has new aches or pains

• sweats a lot at night

• develops a rash

What are lymph nodes? Lymph nodes are very small organs in the neck, armpits, chest, arms, groin, and legs. They help to remove germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi) from the body.

What causes swollen lymph nodes? Lymph nodes can swell when fighting an infection. Rarely, nodes get bigger from another health problem or a medicine.

How do health care professionals diagnose swollen lymph nodes (also called lymphadenopathy)? Health care professionals ask questions and look at the parts of the body that have lymph nodes. They also may do tests to see what is causing the swelling. These may include blood tests, skin tests, or X-rays.

How do health care professionals treat swollen lymph nodes? Treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends on the cause. For a viral infection, rest and fluids usually help a child feel better. Swelling due to bacteria is treated with antibiotics.