Swollen lymph nodes are usually a sign that your body is fighting an infection or another issue. Here's how to tell if they might be swollen and when to seek care. What swollen lymph nodes feel like and where to check
- Common locations: along the sides of the neck, under the jaw, in the armpits, and in the groin. Lymph nodes can also swell in other areas if there’s an infection or inflammation nearby.
- How they feel: they may feel like soft, round or oval lumps under the skin, often movable and not fixed to surrounding tissues. They can be tender or painful, especially with an infection.
- Size range: swelling can be as small as a pea and may grow larger if the underlying issue persists.
Signs that suggest a simple infection or inflammation
- Tenderness or pain in the swollen area, often accompanying a recent sore throat, cold, tooth infection, or skin infection near the lump.
- Swelling that appears after an illness and then improves as the illness resolves.
- A generally enlarged cluster of nodes in one region (not spreading everywhere) is more typical of a local infection.
When to seek medical attention promptly
- Lymph nodes enlarge for no clear reason or persist for 2–4 weeks, or keep enlarging.
- The lump feels hard, is fixed in place, or you can’t easily move it when you push it.
- You have associated symptoms such as fever lasting more than a few days, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, trouble swallowing or breathing, or a lump that’s unusually large (about an inch or more across).
- Swollen nodes appear in multiple areas of the body at once or are accompanied by a widespread rash, severe fatigue, or symptoms suggesting another illness.
What to do now if you’re worried
- Check for other signs of infection nearby (sore throat, dental issues, skin injuries, or recent illness) and see if the nodes change with illness resolution.
- Try gentle measures if infection is suspected: rest, fluids, and a warm compress on the area may help with mild swelling and discomfort.
- If you have any of the red-flag symptoms listed above or the swelling lasts beyond a few weeks, contact your clinician for an evaluation. They may perform a physical exam and, if needed, further tests to determine the cause.
Important note
- Swollen lymph nodes are not always a cause for concern, but persistent, hard, rapidly growing, or painful nodes with systemic symptoms warrant medical assessment to rule out more serious conditions.
Would you like guidance on what details to share with a clinician or help deciding whether you should seek urgent care based on your specific symptoms?
