What Causes A Painful Lymph Node Swelling In The Neck?

Posted on Thu, 24 Aug 2017

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

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 Answered on

Wed, 11 Oct 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a very swollen, very painful lymph node on the side of my neck. What should i do?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Painful enlargement of lymph nodes indicated local infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for trusting HealthcareMagic for your health concern

The painful neck lymph node is suggestive of underlying infection. Common conditions causing painful enlargement of neck lymph nodes include viral upper respiratory infection, tonsillitis, laryngitis, tooth infection, local skin infections (rarely fungal infection) including the scalp.

Please be advised to follow up with a primary care provider for further evaluation and the need for treatment with antibiotics.

Meanwhile, you can take Tylenol for pain.

Hope this answers your questions
Please feel free to address further questions here

Regards
Dr.Lekshmi

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee