08/08/2026
Swollen lymph nodes
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What are swollen lymph nodes?
When you’re not feeling so great, like you’re coming down with something, you may notice some swelling on the sides of your neck or anywhere on your body or your armpit, or your knees etc. Those lumps probably feel soft and tender to the touch — and may even hurt a little.
Swollen lymph nodes (or what doctors call lymph adenopathy) are common and are actually a good thing. The swelling in these pea- or bean-sized lymph nodes are one of your body’s natural reactions to illness or infection. That tells doctors that your body’s healthy and robust immune system is working to clear away infection and/or invading viruses or bacteria.
Many people call them swollen glands ― even though they’re really not glands, but part of your lymphatic system. One of your body’s lesser known systems, it’s in charge of balancing your fluid levels.
Your swollen glands act like filters that help your body get rid of germs, cells or other foreign matter that passes through your lymph fluid (a clear or slightly yellowish fluid made up of white blood cells, proteins and fats).
And when you think of swollen glands, you most likely think of swelling in your neck. But the lymph nodes in your groin, under your chin and your armpits can swell too. You can even move them slightly with your fingers.
Lymph nodes that are around 1/2 inch or bigger aren't normal. They shouldn't feel hard or rubbery, and you should be able to move them. The skin over them should not be red, irritated, or warm. And the swelling should go away within a couple of weeks.
The most common reasons lymph nodes swell include: infections, such as skin infections, ear infection, or sinus infections. exposure to allergens. injury or irritation to the skin, such as from recent orthodontic work.
What are lymph nodes?
The lymphatic system consists of nodes and ducts spread throughout the body. They bring the lymph [the tissue fluid surrounding the cells, which contains white blood cells (lymphocytes), fluid from the intestines (chyle), and some red blood cells] back into the circulation through the veins. Lymph contains a concentration of infectious and other foreign substances (antigens).
Lymph nodes are small clusters of cells, surrounded by a capsule. Ducts go into and out of them. The cells in lymph nodes are lymphocytes, which produce antibodies (protein particles that bind foreign substances including infectious particles) and macrophages which digest the debris. They act as the "cleaner" cells of the body.
The lymph nodes are a major site where foreign substances and infectious agents interact with the cells of the immune system. A major cluster of the lymph nodes is the spleen, which, apart from other functions, also helps fight infections and responds to foreign substances in the body.
Some of the abstracts I took from these articles:-
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/swollen_lymph_glands/article_em.htm
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Stephanie Voon
Lymphatic Drainage Therapist
CranioSacral Therapist
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Abliss Therapy Center