The human body can contain around 600 to 700 lymph nodes, with the actual number varying from person to person.
The lymph nodes are located throughout the body; starting from the neck and armpits, they are distributed at vital points, down to the chest, groin, near the intestines, and the list goes on. The lymph nodes filter bacteria and other debris from the lymphatic fluid, thereby cleaning it up before the lymph enters into the bloodstream.
Whenever there is an infection in the body, the lymph nodes tend to get enlarged due to an increased bacterial load, and in the process, they can also become painful.
How do you know if you have swollen lymph nodes?
While lymph nodes are usually invisible and cannot be felt by hand under normal circumstances, sometimes they feel painful and enlarged due. This can be one of many clues that you are fighting off an infection of some kind. Swollen lymph nodes are more easily noticed in the neck, armpits, and groin region, where they are closer to the surface of the skin. The swelling may be of the size of a pea or a kidney bean, and even larger in certain cases. Along with swollen lymph nodes, it is common to observe other symptoms like a runny nose, a sore throat, or a fever, which also point to infection.
Common causes of swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by a variety of reasons:
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Inflammation
- Cancer
What causes swollen lymph nodes in the neck?
The lymph nodes of the neck usually form a "chain" in the front and side of the neck, behind the ears, below the chin, and above the collar bone. The two things that jump to mind first when the lymph nodes of the neck are affected are tonsillitis and strep throat.
Not only are these conditions pretty common but they also have a lot of overlap in terms of clinical presentation.
Tonsillitis
The tonsils are large pad-like structures located on either side of the mouth at the back of your throat, producing white blood cells whenever there is an infection. They act as the first line of defense against any potential infection entering the body through the mouth or nose and are, as such, an important part of the immune system.
Tonsillitis is the medical term for any inflammation or swelling of the tonsils, and this inflammation is most commonly caused by viral infections. Bacterial infections can also lead to tonsillitis, however.
Tonsillitis can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in your neck, and other symptoms including:
- Pain in the tonsils
- White or yellow patches covering the tonsils
- Sore throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Fever
Tonsillitis is usually seen in young children between the ages of 5 to 15 as youngsters are more likely to get exposed to the viruses and bacteria that commonly cause tonsillitis. Though a sore throat is common, swollen tonsils without a sore throat are also possible. The immune function of the tonsils is usually limited after puberty, and hence there are fewer cases of tonsillitis in adults.
Strep throat
Strep throat is caused by an inflammation of the tonsils as a result of an infection with group A streptococcus bacteria.
These strep bacteria are a highly contagious group of bacteria which easily spread when an infected person near you coughs or sneezes, or you share food and drinks with an infected person. Strep can also be transferred to your hand by touching infected surfaces like doorknobs or tables and infect you when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Symptoms of strep throat include:
- Painful and swollen tonsils, which you may recognize only as a sore throat
- Fever
- Rashes on the skin
- Enlarged and painful lymph nodes in the neck
- Nausea and vomiting
Strep throat is usually treated with a course of antibiotics, and this usually cures the infection. However, in certain rare cases, strep throat may lead to serious complications like rheumatic fever, scarlet fever or even swelling of the kidneys. It is, therefore, important to seek medical care.
Treatment of tonsillitis and strep throat
Most cases of strep throat and tonsillitis resolve on their own, by taking rest, gargling with warm salt water, staying well hydrated, and sucking throat lozenges. Patients may wish to manage their pain with over the counter painkillers and soothe their throat by drinking herbal teas and eating soups.
The doctor will take a swab from your throat to determine the exact cause of your infection.
In case it’s a viral infection, there is no direct treatment and the infection should subside on its own. The doctor will prescribe you symptomatic medicines for fever and pain like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
In case of severe swelling of the tonsils, steroids might be used to decrease the swelling. And in certain extreme or repeated cases, the doctor might advise you to undergo a tonsillectomy (surgical removal of the tonsils).
Strep throat is treated by a course of antibiotics, in order to hasten the recovery and avoid potential complications.
How can you prevent strep throat and tonsillitis?
Basic hygiene practices like washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching surfaces, especially in public places, and sneezing or coughing with your mouth covered help a great deal in preventing infections from spreading — as we have all learned very well since the COVID-19 pandemic starter. Also, avoid sharing food and drinks with your friends who might be infected, to prevent cross infections.
Conclusion
Strep throat and tonsillitis are extremely common occurrences at a young age and usually resolve uneventfully with home care. However, in case of persistent or repeated infections, you should consult your doctor immediately.
They are both highly contagious. So, avoid coming in contact with others as much as possible to protect them.