Swollen lymph nodes in the throat can be caused by a cold, tonsillitis, sore throat, or ear infection. Cancer, HIV, and mononucleosis can also cause swelling. Lymphocytes in the lymph nodes create antibodies to fight infections, and if an infection persists, it can cause swollen lymph nodes. Treatment depends on the cause, and lymphomas and HIV can also cause swelling.
The most common causes of swollen lymph nodes in the throat include a cold, tonsillitis, a sore throat, or an ear infection that spreads. Other conditions, including cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and mononucleosis, can also cause swollen lymph nodes, but these conditions are much less common. The inflammation often responds to treatment with home remedies or antibiotics, depending on the cause, and the swelling typically subsides within a couple of weeks.
Different groups of lymph nodes exist throughout the body as part of the human lymphatic system. They contain clusters of white blood cells, called lymphocytes, which play an important role in the immune system: they create antibodies that fight viral and bacterial infections. When the immune system tries to fight off these foreign substances, lymphocytes multiply. If an infection persists, it can spread and cause swollen lymph nodes in various parts of the body.
The common cold often leads to swollen lymph nodes in the throat, along with discomfort, fever, and a runny nose if an upper respiratory infection is involved. Lymph nodes in the neck might feel tender in someone with a cold. Warm compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve symptoms.
Strep can also cause lymph nodes to become swollen. A person with this condition might experience difficulty swallowing, headache, and stiff neck. Health care professionals commonly recommend extra fluids and rest, along with antibiotics, to treat strep throat. Gargling with warm salt water helps some patients feel better, as does the use of numbing sprays used to dull the pain. If symptoms last more than four days, medical treatment should be sought.
The lymph nodes in the tonsils can also become inflamed and swollen when they become infected. These nodes drain fluid into the back of the throat. Infected tonsils typically appear red and may develop white spots, indicating an infection; other symptoms include a change in voice and bad breath. Mild tonsillitis may not require any special treatment, but if a throat culture indicates a serious infection, such as strep throat, a doctor might prescribe antibiotics. Surgical removal of the tonsils may be necessary if tonsillitis becomes chronic.
Lymphomas, which are cancers of the lymphatic system, can cause lymph nodes to swell; swollen lymph nodes in the throat are a common symptom of both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is actually a group of 16 different diseases, is characterized by night sweats, weight loss, fatigue and fever. Hodgkin lymphoma is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma and has many of the same symptoms. Both forms of cancer can be treated effectively if caught early.
Any disorder that affects the immune system could hamper the body’s ability to fight infection. HIV can lead to frequent infections, causing lymph nodes to swell anywhere in the body. It also increases the risk of some forms of cancer, including lymphomas. Medical professionals usually prescribe medications to relieve symptoms in patients with HIV.
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