Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection.Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph nodesĭepending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include:.When your lymph nodes first swell, you might notice: Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that something is wrong somewhere in your body. Lymph nodes that frequently swell are in this area, as well as in your armpits and groin area. Many lymph nodes are located in your head and neck region. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Shotty lymph nodes neck. 44 video appointments available today with a membership as low as 15/month. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice that your lymph nodes feel hard or immovable.Your lymphatic system is a network of organs, vessels and lymph nodes situated throughout your body. Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients. However, enlarged lymph nodes can also be a sign that other types of cancer, such as breast cancer, have spread (metastasized) to your lymph nodes. When they are, it’s usually related to lymphoma or leukemia, which both involve the lymphatic system. Swollen lymph nodes are rarely caused by cancer. HIV, mononucleosis, and immune system disorders can lead to swollen lymph nodes throughout your body. A tooth infection might cause swollen lymph nodes around your jaw. For instance, swollen lymph nodes in your neck may be due to an upper respiratory infection. The location of the reactive lymph nodes can help you narrow down the cause. reactions to certain antiseizure and malaria-prevention medications.Some common bacterial or viral infections that can cause reactive lymph node include: In addition, children often experience reactive lymph nodes as they first come into contact with new germs throughout childhood, even if they don’t have an infection.

These are conditions that involve your immune system mistakenly attacking our body’s tissues. They also sometimes occur as a result of an autoimmune disease, such as lupus. This helps to keep the infection from spreading to other parts of your body. Lymph fluid builds up in lymph nodes in an effort to trap bacteria, viruses, or other harmful pathogens. Reactive lymph nodes are a sign that your lymphatic system is working hard to protect you. Read on to learn more about reactive lymph nodes, what causes them, and when you should be concerned. Reactive lymph nodes aren’t caused by an infection or cancer within the lymph node itself. In fact, most of the time, reactive lymph nodes are harmless. However, it’s usually not a reaction to anything serious. This means your lymph nodes are reacting to something going on in your body. Swollen lymph nodes, or lymphadenopathy, can occur when the immune system fights an infection. If you have a biopsy of a mass, you might also see a reference to reactive lymph nodes when you review your lab results. Lymph nodes can swell or enlarge as they work to filter out the bad cells. Your doctor may use the term “reactive lymph nodes” when examining you for a swelling or mass. The lymphatic system helps fight off infections and keep them from spreading. They’re part of the lymphatic system, which is also part of your immune system. They’re located in your neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, and groin. You have groups of small, bean-shaped lymph nodes all throughout your body. You might also hear this condition referred to as reactive lymphadenopathy. Swollen glands are actually swollen lymph nodes, which are often reactive lymph nodes. You’ve probably had swollen glands at some point in your life, such as when you’ve had a cold or other infection.