They may prescribe a treatment, depending on the cause. If you see a GP, they will help identify what is causing the swollen glands. rarely caused by anything more serious, like cancer of the blood system ( leukaemia) or lymph system (lymphoma), or spread of cancer from another part of the body nearby.often caused by common illnesses like colds, tonsillitis and ear or throat infections.But don't self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried. Causes of swollen glandsīelow are some of the most common causes of swollen glands. The lymph node is a small organ of the immune system. You should go to your nearest emergency department or call 999 for an ambulance if you have swollen glands and you're finding it very difficult to breathe, or difficult to swallow your own saliva (causing you to drool). The most common cause of a head or neck mass is an enlarged lymph node located behind and beneath the jaw. you have swollen glands and no other signs of illness or infection.you're having night sweats or have a very high temperature (you feel hot and shivery) for more than three or four days.they feel hard or don't move when you press them.your swollen glands are getting bigger or they haven't gone down within three weeks.taking painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (don't give aspirin to children under 16).drinking plenty of fluids (to avoid dehydration).Swollen glands usually go down in two or three weeks when the infection has gone. You might also have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or fever.

Sometimes a gland on just one side of the body swells. Glands (known as lymph glands or lymph nodes) swell near an infection to help your body fight it. Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps: See the advice below to find out if you need to see your GP. Occasionally they can be a sign of more serious illness. Swollen lymph nodes will feel like soft, round bumps. They usually get better by themselves in two to three weeks. The lymph nodes filter the fluid and release it back into the bloodstream together with salts and proteins. Swollen glands are usually a sign the body is fighting an infection.

Lymph node back of neck swollen