Lymphadenitis: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands throughout the body. They help the body fight germs and infections. Lymphadenitis is a swelling of a lymph node. It can be caused by an infection or other condition.

The infection is most often in a nearby part of the body. A common example is the lumps on both sides of your neck under the jaw that get tender and bigger when you have a cold or sore throat. Sometimes the lymph node itself may be infected.

Usually the swollen lymph nodes go back to normal size without a problem. Treatment, if needed, focuses on treating the cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics. This should bring the node back to normal size. An infection caused by a virus often goes away on its own. In rare cases, a badly infected node may need to be drained by your doctor.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be safe with medicines.

  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

  • Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.

• If you have pain, try a warm compress. Soak a towel or washcloth in warm water. Wring it out, and place it on the affected skin.

• Do not squeeze, drain, or puncture a painful lump. Doing this can irritate or inflame the lump, push any existing infection deeper into the skin, or cause severe bleeding.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

Current as of: September 27, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.