go back BestCareCompare.com
Share:FacebookTwitterLinkedInemail

Swollen glands

Author:NHS.uk
Written on:2020-09-25
Go to Health A-Z:Click A-Z


Swollen glands

  • Swollen glands


    • Swollen glands are a sign the body is fighting an infection. They usually get better by themselves within 2 weeks.



    Check if your glands are swollen

    Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps:


    • on each side of the neck

    • under the chin

    • in the armpits

    • around the groin


    Glands (known as lymph glands or lymph nodes) swell near an infection to help your body fight it.


    Sometimes a gland on just one side of the body swells.


    You might also have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or high temperature.



    Things you can do yourself

    Swollen glands should go down within 2 weeks.


    You can help to ease the symptoms by:


    See a GP if:


    • your swollen glands are getting bigger or they have not gone down within 2 weeks

    • they feel hard or do not move when you press them

    • youre having night sweats or have a very high temperature (you feel hot and shivery) for more than 3 or 4 days

    • you have swollen glands and no other signs of illness or infection

    • you have swollen lymph glands just above or below your collar bone (the bone that runs from your breastbone to each of your shoulders)



    Get advice from 111 now if:


    • you have swollen glands and youre finding it very difficult to swallow


    111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.


    Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

    Other ways to get help

    Get an urgent GP appointment


    A GP may be able to treat you.


    Ask your GP surgery for an urgent appointment.


    Causes of swollen glands

    Do not self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.


    Swollen glands are:


    • often caused by common illnesses like colds, tonsillitis and ear or throat infections

    • sometimes caused by viral infections such as glandular fever

    • rarely caused by anything more serious, like cancer of the blood system (leukaemia) or lymph system (lymphoma)


    A GP will be able to recommend treatment depending on the cause, which might include antibiotics (antibiotics do not work on viral infections).





    NHS.uk


    BestCareCompare

    BestCareCompare Logo
    Find GP's near you..

    Find local GP's and filter for personalised care. Check CQC ratings and review scores to help make the best choice for you...
    Find Great Doctors...