What are swollen lymph nodes?
When you’re not feeling so great, like when you’re coming down with something, you may notice some swelling on the sides of your neck. Those lumps probably feel soft and tender to the touch and may even hurt a little. Those bumps on your neck are swollen lymph nodes. The medical terms for swollen lymph nodes are adenopathy or lymphadenopathy.
Lymphadenopathy is common and actually a good thing. The swelling in these pea- or bean-sized lymph nodes are one of your body’s natural reactions to illness or infection. Swollen lymph nodes mean your body’s immune system is working to clear away infection and/or invading viruses or bacteria.
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Many people call them swollen glands even though they’re really not glands, but part of your lymphatic system. One of your body’s lesser-known systems, it’s in charge of balancing your fluid levels.
Your swollen glands act like filters that help your body get rid of germs, cells or other foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid. Lymph fluid is a clear or slightly yellowish fluid made up of white blood cells, proteins and fats.
When you think of swollen glands, you may be thinking of swollen lymph nodes on one or both sides of your neck. But you can develop painful swollen lymph nodes in your armpits too. The medical terms for swollen lymph nodes in your armpits are axillary adenopathy or axillary lymphadenopathy. You may be able to move them slightly with your fingers. You may have swollen lymph nodes under your jaw and in your groin too.
You also have lymph nodes throughout your body that you can’t feel. There’s a network of about 600 of them (the exact count varies by person) in your:
- Jaw.
- Chest.
- Arms.
- Abdomen.
- Legs.
What are the symptoms of lymphadenopathy?
Lymphadenopathy is actually a symptom that could mean you have an illness or infection. Your healthcare provider may examine your swollen lymph nodes to determine what’s causing the swelling. They’ll evaluate your swollen lymph nodes for:
- Size.
- Pain or tenderness when touched.
- Consistency (hard or rubbery).
- Matting (whether they feel joined or move together).
- Location (specific diseases can be tied to where the swollen lymph nodes are in your body).
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