What Causes Swollen Lymph Node On Neck?

Posted on Sat, 19 Jul 2014

Question: Hello Dr. XXXXXXX
I am a 25 year old male. The lymph node on the left side of my neck has been swollen for 18
Days. I was on amoxicillin for bacterial infection for ten days. However the left side of my neck is still
Swollen . When drinking water is feels hard hard for it to go down

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mr XXXXXXX

Lymph nodes in the neck are inflamed and swollen due to infections in the throat, or nose and sinuses.

Typically once the infection in the primary site resolves, the lymph nodes go back to the original size.
This can take upto a few weeks.

Rarely infection can persist in the node and pus gets collected in the inflamed node. If this happens then the node continues to remain tender even after the infection in the primary site has resolved.

You can wait for some more time and wait and watch the node regularly. If the pain persists and the node continues to remain enlarged then consult a doctor, you may need investigations like ultra sonography or FNAC to detect pus inside the node.

Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (7 hours later)

Di I need more Antibiotics?
Do I need to have it drained?

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

You do not need more antibiotics and you do not need to get it drained either.
Nodes enlarged due to infection can take a few weeks to completely come back to normal size.
You can wait for some more time before going for investigations.

Only if the pain and size persists then you should consult the doctor.

Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad