Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest An Alternative Medication For Aleve Taken For Swollen Glands
Question: Is there anything else one can take, other than Tynenol or Aleve, to ease the pain of swollen glands from a cold?
Brief Answer:
Some suggestions:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I'm sorry your glands are so swollen. The pain relievers that are available without prescription are what you listed, and for anything stronger you would need to see a doctor as it is not typical for lymph nodes to be extremely painful.
But hot wet compresses can help, such as a hot wet wash cloth put on the glands and then covered by a small dry towel to keep the heat in. This will help decrease the congestion/swelling in the lymph nodes.
Another thing to consider is using a decongestant. This will help indirectly. Lymph nodes in the neck swell when they are processing secretions draining from a cold or other infection. So a good decongestant such as pseudo ephedrine might help. You don't need a prescription for this but you'll have to ask the pharmacist for it as it is kept behind the counter for legal reasons.
The last thing to consider: Usually glands do not get that swollen or painful from a cold and it might be something else. If you have a sore throat and feel feverish or chills, you might have strep. If this is a possibility for you, go in to your doctor or urgent care and they can do a rapid strep test and also send the swab for culture.
I hope this information helps.
Some suggestions:
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
I'm sorry your glands are so swollen. The pain relievers that are available without prescription are what you listed, and for anything stronger you would need to see a doctor as it is not typical for lymph nodes to be extremely painful.
But hot wet compresses can help, such as a hot wet wash cloth put on the glands and then covered by a small dry towel to keep the heat in. This will help decrease the congestion/swelling in the lymph nodes.
Another thing to consider is using a decongestant. This will help indirectly. Lymph nodes in the neck swell when they are processing secretions draining from a cold or other infection. So a good decongestant such as pseudo ephedrine might help. You don't need a prescription for this but you'll have to ask the pharmacist for it as it is kept behind the counter for legal reasons.
The last thing to consider: Usually glands do not get that swollen or painful from a cold and it might be something else. If you have a sore throat and feel feverish or chills, you might have strep. If this is a possibility for you, go in to your doctor or urgent care and they can do a rapid strep test and also send the swab for culture.
I hope this information helps.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
