Doctor Says I Have Acute Lymphadenitis . Under My Left

Posted on Thu, 27 Sep 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 27 Sep 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Doctor says I have acute lymphadenitis. Under my left ear a lymph node is sticking out. It does not hurt, it is not solid, it is not red. I have an ENT appointment next week.

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Need more info

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor"

I have gone through your query,

Before I can guide you further, I would like to know a few related details:
- How long since you have noticed the lump under your ear?
- Any recent history of upper respiratory infection, sore throat, skin infection, ear infection etc?
- Have you noticed any similar lumps on any other part of your body?
- Have you noticed any neck swelling, unexpected weight loss etc?

Also kindly share a picture of the lymph node if possible.

Please revert back with your details,
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (1 hour later)

No respiratory infection that I can determine. Soar throat yes, I believe from acid reflux. But not steady. No other lumps or weight loss.

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (1 minute later)

Lump was noticed almost 2 weeks ago.

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Explained below

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for writing back,

Sorry for the inadvertent delay in writing back as I got occupied with my work,

Ideally lymph nodes in this region, can be due to:
Reactive lymphadenitis- autoimmune conditions, infections like upper respiratory tract infection, infectious mononucleosis or malignancy.

Since you do not have symptoms like weight loss, lumps elsewhere; chances of malignancy and tuberculosis is less.

But still, it would be advisable to get a hemogram, chest Xray, ESR done.
Your doctor may also suggest for an FNAC( needle aspiration) to rule out other probable diagnoses like a simple cyst as even they can occur in the same area.

Meanwhile, you can apply hot compresses over the node.
- For sore throat, you can gargle with betadine mouth wash 2-3 times daily.
- Steam inhalation 2-3 times daily will help to unclog any blocked sinuses.

I hope this helps,

Please feel free to discuss further,

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy

Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (46 hours later)

Urgent health care told me blood work wont tell me anything. I called ears note and throat doctor immediately and told them what I have, and they gave me an appointment next Friday. Why wouldn't they see me asap?

Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (24 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can wait till the appointment time

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,
Thanks for writing back,

Sorry for the inadvertent delay in replying back as I was out of town,

I certainly do understand your concern,

Blood work if done can help to identify an ongoing infection. But sometimes, your doctor may wish to have a look at you first before advising the necessary investigations. Also the case of acute lymphadenitis doesn't usually demand immediate care unless you have the following symptoms:
- red, tender lymph node
- fever with or without chills
- Size of the node getting bigger

If you do not have any other worrisome symptoms, then I would suggest you to wait till your appointment time and kindly follow the home remedies for sore throat.

I hope this helps,

Please feel free to discuss further,

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy