Swollen glands: when to see a doctor.
You wake up with a sore throat and notice your neck feels puffy. Maybe you can feel lumps on the sides of your neck. Chances are, you're dealing with swollen glands. Don’t worry! This happens to almost everyone at some point and most of the time it's nothing to worry about.
Your neck contains small glands called lymph nodes. These are part of your immune system. When you get sick, these glands swell as your body fights off infection. In most cases, they'll go away on their own within 1-2 weeks as you recover.
At CityMD, we help patients quickly figure out whether their swollen glands need urgent care or if home treatment is enough.
Knowing what causes enlarged lymph nodes and when to visit a doctor takes the worry out of this common condition. Cervical lymph nodes, the glands in your neck, swell for many reasons and knowing which ones need attention is key.
What causes swollen glands in the neck: infection vs. serious conditions.
Your cervical lymph nodes swell because they trap germs and help your immune system fight infection or illness. This neck lymph node swelling is your body's natural way of catching and destroying germs before they spread.
Viral infections.
The most common cause is a simple viral infection like a cold or flu. Strep throat, ear infections and even dental problems can cause tender neck glands and inflamed lymph nodes.
Mono.
Mono (mononucleosis) is a classic example of an illness with enlarged lymph nodes.
This infection causes noticeable swelling in 90% of people who have it, usually in the back of the neck. Recovery is around 1-2 weeks with rest and fluids.
Remember, your body is just doing its job.
These glands are part of your immune system, fighting to help you feel better. Rarely, constant swelling can signal something more serious, which is why doctors look at how long it's been swollen and what other symptoms you have.
When swollen neck glands require urgent care vs. home treatment.
You can usually manage mild swollen glands at home. But certain signs mean it's time to visit CityMD.
Swollen glands you can treat at home.
- Mild and tender (not hard)
- Moveable when you touch them
- Appeared with cold or flu symptoms
- Improving over time
For home care, rest and drink plenty of water. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or Tylenol help. Try a warm cloth on your neck to soothe any discomfort.
Most viral infections clear up on their own within 1-2 weeks.
Swollen glands that need urgent care.
- Hard or fixed in place (not moveable)
- Painless, but staying swollen for weeks
- Swelling on only one side of your neck
- Getting larger instead of improving
- Lasting longer than 2-3 weeks
- Associated with sore throat and trouble swallowing
- Fever
Getting checked at CityMD removes the guesswork and gets you feeling better faster. Our doctors can examine your glands, figure out what's causing the swelling and recommend the right treatment.
How long should swollen glands last before getting medical care?
Most swollen glands improve within 1-2 weeks as your body wins the fight against infection.
Wait 3-4 weeks before worrying about mild swelling that doesn't have other concerning signs. Your body is often doing exactly what it should.
Mono is different, though. Even when the fever goes away in 10-14 days, your cervical lymph nodes might stay puffy and you might feel tired for weeks. That's normal.
If swelling lasts longer than 3 weeks, keeps getting worse, or doesn't improve with home care, see a doctor at CityMD.
How do I get rid of swollen glands in my neck?
They usually disappear as your body beats the infection.
Rest, fluids and pain relievers help while you wait. If they happened because of bacteria, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Don’t squeeze the glands. This can make them worse.
Can kids get swollen lymph nodes?
Yes. Many kids have noticeable lymph nodes when they get sick. Younger kids, especially between 4 and 8, often have enlarged lymph nodes because they catch more infections.
Usually, they go away without treatment as kids recover.
Can pregnancy cause swollen lymph nodes?
Yes, pregnancy can cause enlarged lymph nodes as your immune system changes. Always tell your doctor about new symptoms to stay safe and make sure everything is healthy.
Visit CityMD for swollen glands.
At CityMD, we see swollen glands all the time during cold and flu season. Swollen glands in your neck are usually not a big deal, but there's no harm in getting checked if something feels off. That's what we're here for.
CityMD locations are open early mornings and evenings, with most places open until 8 pm and some until 11 pm. No appointment needed, just walk in. Our doctors can examine your glands, figure out what's causing the swelling and get you on the path to feeling normal again.
We’re ready to care for you.
Visit any CityMD urgent care location in your community today for an evaluation with one of our expert providers.