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What Causes Swelling On Right Side Of The Neck?

Posted on Thu, 19 Jun 2014

Question: My four year old son woke up this morning with swelling on the right side of his neck. His glands are a tad inflamed but his tonsils seem to be ok. He is complaining of pain and discomfort and finds it difficult to move his neck what could this be

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be inflammed lymph node

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Ms

From the short description given by you it could possibly be inflammed neck lymph node which could also explain difficulty in moving neck.

I would require additional information for me to be able to assist you further

1. Is there associated fever?
2. Does he have sore throat/cough or other respiratory complaints?
3. Where is the exact location of swelling in neck? ( providing clinical photograph will be more helpful)
4. Is there any stiffness in bending the neck forward or backward?

Do get back to me with the details

In the meantime local application of how water fomentation and analgesic like Ibuprofen will provide the much needed relief.

Take Care

Best Regards
DR Deepak Kishore
MBBS,MS,MCH
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (4 hours later)

It's on the right side of the neck painful to swallow. Sore to bend up not down no fever or cough

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Likely to be insect bite

Detailed Answer:
Hi

It is likely to be either inflammed node or insect bite. Exact diagnosis will depend on clinical examination. If there is redness in overlying skin and itching its likely to be insect bite.
I would advise you the following which will be helpful in either of cases
1. Hot water fomentation
2. Analgesic like Ibuprofen will provide the much needed relief
3. Warm saline gargling: To a glass of lukewarm water, add 2 spoon of common table salt. Make the child gargle throat with it thrice a day. It will provide the much needed relief in pain while swallowing.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care
Best Regards
Dr Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (21 hours later)

I ended up taking him into the clinic. They diagnosed him with a bad case of tonsillitis and is now on antibiotics. Thank you for your help though

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take Care

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life.
Do continue with warm saline gargling as its very beneficial in Tonsillitis.

Take Care

Best Regards
Deepak

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar