What Causes Swelling On Left Side Of Neck?

Posted on Mon, 22 Dec 2014

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

Mon, 22 Dec 2014 Answered on

Thu, 8 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have two lumps in my neck (not sore) Left Side. My doctor checked out my sore throat and said I had oral yeast infection and medicated me. Yeast not gone on roof of mouth after treatment and she never did check for swollen glands. Been two weeks since diagnosis. I have a very bad neck (injury from military days) and wonder if that chronic pain may cause this. I also have very mild and inconsistent ear aches on left side.

Answered by Dr. Naveen (-4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Harmless lymph nodes...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for posting the query; I do understand your concern; I'll try my best to help you with this problem.

The swellings in the neck could be lymph nodes secondary to the fungal infection in the oral cavity.

Lymph nodes are like policemen in the body which prop up whenever there is foci of infection or inflammation in the surrounding area. Once the inflammation or the infection subsides, the nodes will disappear automatically.

Earache could be a referred pain from the oral cavity into the ear.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Request your doctor to identify the cause of the yeast infection and treat it appropriately.
2. Oral nystatin paint is beneficial in reducing the fungal load and the inflammation.
3. Get your blood sugar levels checked.
4. Drink plenty of warm water.
5. Avoid chilled food and beverages/ smoking/ alcohol.

Hope with the above measures you should be alright. Revert back to me if you are having any follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari