Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes are typically an indication that your body is combating an illness, whether it's from a virus or a bacterial infection. Swollen lymph nodes, tiny, bean-shaped glands located all over your body, could be one of your symptoms. This could be on your neck, armpits, chin, or other parts of your body.

But can allergies cause swollen lymph nodes? If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you might experience sudden swelling, especially in your throat area. Here's what you need to know.

What are Lymph Nodes?

Your lymphatic system, a network that distributes lymph fluid throughout your body, includes lymph nodes. An essential component of your immune system is your lymphatic system. Your lymph system's function is to gather fluid, waste products, viruses, and bacteria in your tissues and transport them to your lymph nodes. According to the ACS, these nodes are tiny structures that serve as filters for hazardous compounds.

Also Read: What Is the Difference Between a Bacterial and Viral Infection?

Functions of Lymph Nodes -

1. They assist in preventing infection by pursuing and eliminating germs.
2. The lymph fluid contains special white blood cells called lymphocytes. 
3. After moving throughout your body, lymph fluid returns filtered fluid, minerals, and proteins to your bloodstream. 
4. There are numerous lymph nodes all over your body. Some are close to your skin, while others are inside your body. These can be between your lungs or around your bowel. 

Also Read:Kala Azar's Symptoms And Prevention.

Why do Lymph Nodes swell?

A lymph node may develop swelling or enlargement as it works to filter out germs. Typically, one lymph node area may swell at a time.

Lymph nodes enlarge most frequently in these areas-

• The armpits,
• Groin, and
• Neck

This condition is known as lymphadenopathy in medicine.

Can Allergies cause Swollen Lymph Nodes? 

Yes, allergies can result in enlarged lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are an indication of an infection. White blood cells in lymph nodes aid your body's defense against illness. Your immune system works overtime when you have allergies because it is always fighting against invaders. You may become ill due to an overworked immune system, resulting in swollen glands.

Swollen lymph nodes can be brought on by immune system activation in several ways.

• Allergies,
• Cold
• An upper respiratory infection

All these can cause lymph nodes to expand as the body reacts to the immunologic "crisis." 

Immunologic crisis can typically be felt -

• Behind the ears,
• Beneath the jaw, or
• Around the throat on either side of the neck.

Allergies increase a child's likelihood of developing enlarged lymph nodes. This can also happen to an adult suffering from allergies. 

Also Read: Is Upper Respiratory Infection Contagious?

Can seasonal allergies cause swollen lymph nodes in neck?

Seasonal allergies typically do not directly cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck; however, they can contribute to enlarged lymph nodes indirectly through the immune response triggered by allergens.

What are the other causes of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes, or lymph glands, are often signs that your body is battling an illness.

Reasons due to why Swollen Lymph Nodes Often Happen:

• Colds (Rhinovirus)
• Tonsillitis
• Ear infections 
• Throat ailments

Reasons why Swollen Lymph Nodes Happen Sometimes:

• Viral Infections
• Glandular Fever

Reasons why Swollen lymph Nodes happen Rarely:

• Cancer
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma

Also, Read Lymphoma cancer Treatment and Causes.

Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes 

Under the skin, there will be an enlarged, sensitive, hard node as one of the signs of swollen lymph glands. You may experience generalized illness when an infection or inflammatory condition activates the lymph system.

Common swollen lymph nodes allergies symptoms

Here are the most typical allergy symptoms; swollen lymph nodes are not usually one of them.

• Sneezing
• Wet or itchy eyes
• Clogged Nose
• Congestion
• Sinus Tension
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Hives

Also Read: Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

How to treat swollen lymph nodes from allergies?

Usually, treatment is not required. Within three weeks, your lymph nodes should grow to their usual size as your body starts recovering from the infection or illness. Lymphadenopathy, or swollen lymph nodes, is typically treated at home with care to reduce symptoms. Lymph node swelling is an indication that something is wrong with your body. One must address the root cause of the swelling.

 Here are some options for you:

• Use an anti-allergy drug- Taking a fast-acting allergy medicine like an antihistamine may assist if you suspect that your swollen lymph nodes result from severe allergies. The swelling of the lymph nodes should decrease if the allergy symptoms are under control.
• Warm compresses should be used there- Although it is unlikely to reduce the swelling, it might make you feel a bit better.
• Use warm, salt water to gargle- If you have swollen lymph nodes in your throat, it is advisable to try this calming home treatment.

Do's And Don'ts

Do's

• Get lots of sleep.
• To stay hydrated, consume plenty of liquids.
• Consider using over-the-counter painkillers.
• Use a warm compress to reduce discomfort.

Don'ts

• Squeeze, press, or pop lymph nodes
• Prick the lump with a needle.

Also, Read: Bhumika Tahiliani, CrediHero, and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Survivor.

When to see a Doctor?

You should be ok to wait and see if allergy medicine helps if your swollen lymph nodes come and go without getting "significantly large." However, it's a good idea to consult your doctor if the swelling lasts for several days, doesn't appear to be improving, or worsens. The same applies if you get a temperature (Note: allergies do not induce a fever) or experience excruciating discomfort near your lymph nodes. That may indicate an infection.

Conclusion 

Children or those with extremely acute allergies are more likely to have swollen lymph nodes. Therefore, if your lymph nodes are enlarged, the most likely cause is not allergies but another condition, such as an infection. This brings us to our next point. If seasonal allergies cause their sinuses to frequently get congested. This section of people with allergies may be more susceptible to experiencing secondary infections. Secondary infections include sinus infections. 

Your lymph nodes swelling up while you have allergy symptoms are most likely the result of a subsequent infection. It would help if you saw an expert for medical conditions like swollen lymph nodes - Credihealth can help you find an expert, schedule an appointment, compare the cost and even suggest the best hospital. Get in touch with us Now! 

Also Read: How to Deal With Seasonal Allergies & Itchy Eyes