A lymph node or lymph gland is a kidney-shaped organ belonging to the lymphatic system and the immune system of the body. Such nodes are present in the whole body. These nodes are connected by lymphatic vessels and are a part of the circulatory system. The lymph nodes help the body’s immunity system to ward off infectious germs and other foreign particles. The white blood cells of the body are a part of this lymphatic system. The inflammation or enlargement of the lymph nodes, especially in the throat area, is a symptom of throat infections, drug reactions, and cancer. The swollen lymph node in neck can help in determining the stage of cancer and its prognosis.
The swollen lymph node condition is termed as lymphadenopathy. The tonsils are also lymph nodes and their swelling causes immense pain and respiratory problems. The lymph nodes, which are frequently swollen, are the ones present in the neck, behind the ears, in the armpits and under the chin. Lymphocytes are cells present in the lymph nodes and these produce antibodies, which are protein particles. These antibodies bind and break down the foreign substances or antigens that enter the body to cause infections. That is why the lymph nodes are called cleaning cells of the body.
Why do lymph nodes swell up?
If you have a sore throat or cold, it leads to swollen lymph node in neck. The lymph node can also swell up if there is an injury or tumor in the mouth, neck or head area. The lymph nodes in the armpit may swell up due to changes in the breast mass, which can also be a symptom of breast cancer. In cases like measles, mumps, chicken pox, viral infection, bacterial infection, syphilis, AIDS and cancer, the lymph nodes all over the body swell up. This condition is termed as generalized lymphadenopathy.
If the swollen lymph node in neck makes swallowing difficult, then you need to visit A doctor. If weakness, fatigue, fevers, chills accompany the swelling up of the lymph node and night sweats, then too you need to visit the doctor and get treated. Ultrasonography and CT scan can prove to be helpful in detecting the size of the enlarged lymph node. The neck alone has three hundred lymph nodes out of the five hundred to six hundred lymph nodes present in the whole body.
How to treat swollen lymph node in neck?
Doctors usually prescribe pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen to treat swollen lymph node in neck. The aim is to reduce the swelling and relieve the pain. However, increasing one’s immunity through home remedies like consumption of herbs such as licorice and wild indigo and things like mistletoe and HypoxiRooperi can help to increase the body’s immunity from within. These things help in reducing the inflammation and repair the damaged cells too. You can also consume honey mixed with warm water or tea to reduce the swelling. Application of alternative cold and hot compresses on the affected area can help to reduce the size of the enlarged lymph node.
Other home remedies
Consumption of a couple of garlic cloves gives instant relief from pain and reverses the process of swelling. You can also gargle four to five times a day with salted warm water. Apple cider vinegar is known for its healing qualities. It is very acidic and forces the body to create pH buffers to neutralize its effect that leads to the strengthening of the body’s immunity system. Mint leaves used in tea or juices can reverse the swelling in no time as the menthol present in mint has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Another common ingredient, which is used for a sore throat is turmeric which is known for its analgesic quality. You can add turmeric to warm water and consume it or you can mix it with some honey and swallow it. The consumption of castor oil in very small quantities every day is a sure shot way of getting relief from the pain. Castor oil detoxifies the immune system of the body by removing the waste or debris present in the lymph nodes due to breaking down of foreign substances. Once the immune system is cleaned, it regains its strength to fight germs effectively.
The swollen lymph node in neck is a condition, which takes a few days to cure. Usually, it is an overactivity of the lymphatic cells, which lead to the swelling. Massaging the affected area helps to restore the normal functioning of the lymph nodes and it can also remove the blockage created by the swollen lymph node in neck. Exercising and yoga can contract the neck muscles, which restart the movement of the lymph nodes and cells. You can see the results in a few days time.
