What Can You Do Yourself With Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes are very common. If you notice a lymph node on your body, just relax first. 80% of all lymph nodes are due to a simple infection. If your immune system has been weakened, fluid can accumulate in your tissue, which eventually turns into a lymph node.

The first two things you need to do if you notice a swollen lymph node is to take it easy and contact your doctor. In this article , we will explain some of the causes and symptoms of swollen lymph nodes and remind you that this is a very normal problem.

1. What is the function of the lymph nodes?

Think of your lymphatic system as a complex network that runs through your entire body, just like your blood vessels. It is made up of lymphocytes whose purpose is to defend your body and take care of your immune system. That is, they remove toxins, pathogens, bacteria and other foreign substances that can make you sick.

The lymph nodes are bean-shaped and are distributed around the neck, collarbone, armpit, internal organs and groin. They are usually about an inch tall and, if they are not swollen, we usually do not even notice that they are there.

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2. Why do you get swollen lymph nodes?

You may have noticed after an ugly flu that you have a swollen lymph node on one side of your neck. This is the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes. Or when you are in the shower, you may find a small bulge under your armpit. In either case, the first thing you need to do is relax, because it really is a very common phenomenon; even if there is no cause for alarm, you should still contact your doctor.

Now let’s take a look at some of the reasons why your lymph nodes may swell:

• Due to a cold or flu, which weakens your immune system and diminishes the body’s natural defenses.
• It can be hard to believe, but a dental infection can also cause some of your lymph nodes in your throat to swell. So it is important to take care of your oral hygiene.
• Also watch out for ear infections. If you have a serious ear infection, it can cause your lymph nodes to swell.
• Mouth ulcers are another type of infection that you need to take care of.
• Diseases such as tuberculosis or pharyngitis are other factors that can cause swollen lymph nodes.
• Immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can also be the cause of this problem.
• Be careful when it comes to side effects of certain drugs as some can also cause swollen lymph nodes on the body.

• Leukemia  is another cause you need to keep in mind.
• A swollen lymph node may also be the result of Hodgkin’s disease or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These are very common types of cancer and it is important to note that the survival rate for these types of these diseases is quite high.

Symptoms of swollen lymph nodes

Generally, these nodules pretty easy to find, but you need to know all the symptoms so you can relate calm, and in the event you get one in your body,  you should consult your doctor.

• If you see a lump on your neck, collarbone, armpit or groin, it may be a swollen lymph node. We would like to point out that if you find a lump on your collarbone, it may be something more serious and you should contact your doctor immediately. Specifically, it may be a sign of Hodgkin’s disease that can usually be cured if treated properly.

• A swollen lymph node sometimes comes with a bit of fever. You can also experience sweating at night.
• Sometimes swollen lymph nodes can be painful. An old saying goes, “If it does not hurt, it’s a bad thing” and “if it hurts, it’s just an infection.” This is not always correct, but is still a good guideline. In any case, you should always go to your doctor to get a proper diagnosis.

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4. Can swollen lymph nodes be prevented?

Prevention is better than treatment. You can protect your lymphatic system by keeping your immune system in shape. Take a look at some of these tips to see how you can do it:

• Increase your vitamin C intake: You can do this by either drinking fresh juice with fruits such as orange, lemons and grapefruit or delicious salads with fruits such as strawberries, kiwi and papaya. Mums!
• Say YES to vitamin E: You need to pay special attention to green leafy vegetables like spinach as well as whole grain products such as oatmeal, wheat, barley and brewer’s yeast. Also, try eating more nuts.
• Increase your body’s content of iron, selenium and zinc: Lean meats, legumes, squash, salmon, olive oil… all of these foods are the key to keeping your body full of the minerals it needs to stay strong.
• Try to keep your stress level low: When your body is flooded with hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, these toxins disrupt the normal functioning of your immune system, which can also have a negative impact on your overall health. Maintaining a low stress level plays a significant role in helping your body fight disease, so always pay attention to how you deal with your emotions. Your health deserves it!