General Symptoms - Glands, swollen

GLANDS,SWOLLEN

Swollen glands are enlarged lymph nodes - they swell and become noticeable when they are fighting infection, and may also be sore.The glands most easily felt are under the jaw, all around the neck and in the armpits and groin.

OCCASIONAL CAUSES:
Glandular fever, cat-stracth fever (common in children); sarcoidosis; German measles (rubella);
measles; systemic lupus erythematosis (an inflammatory disease); rheumatoid arthritis; sexually transmitted diseases (eg lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale).

RARE CAUSES:
AIDS and AIDS related complex; tuberculosis; tropical diseases (eg leprosy, filariasis); drug reactions.

COMMON CAUSES:

General viral infection

This is the cause of nine out of ten cases of swollen glands.Enlarged glands may be felt around the body (in the neck, armpits, groin). You may be generally unwell, with a fever.
Action:
Rest, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, take paracetamol regularly.If not begining to improve after five days,GP for advice.


Localized infection

Enlargement of single group of glands (such as in the neck).Fever and feeling generally unwell; possibly with specific symptoms as cough or sore throat.
Action:
As for general viral infection, above.


Cancer

Slowly enlargeing, often painless, hard, fixed glands, usually in a single group.Present for six weeks or more.
Action:
See GP as soon as possible.

White cell cancers (lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloma)

as for cancer above, but may involve several groups of glands.Night sweats and itching common.
Action:
Se GP as soon as possible.

Septicaemia (bacterial infection in bloodstream)

Several groups of glands are cenlarge.Feeling very ill, high fever, possible confusion and delirium.

Action:
Urgent GP assessment.A home visit may be necessary if you are confused.