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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Neck?

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Posted on Mon, 17 Mar 2014
Twitter Mon, 17 Mar 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 7 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on
Question : hi, i have one hard lymph node under my jaw for a week now. It doesnt hurt and im not sure if its swollen as it is only the size of a garden pea but it is hard and feels different to the other side of my neck. I had a cold about a week ago that has cleared up and i am left with this one hard lymph node. Do u think it is related to my cold and if so how long after symptoms have cleared up should i expect it to remain hard?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (3 hours later)
Brief Answer: takes 4 to 6 weeks Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The lymph nodes in the neck respond to any inflammation and infection in the head and neck area and often enlarge in the common cold to help fight off this infection. It can take 4 to 6 weeks (though resolve faster on some occasions) after an infection has cleared up and the person has remained well, for the associated lymph nodes to resolve completely. Normally the approximate size of the node and the date it is noted is documented. After a 4 to 6 week period, the area should be rechecked to see if it is resolving or has completely gone. If it is the same approximate size then you can consider visiting your doctor. He or she may suggest a complete blood count to check for any lingering infections or other abnormalities with the white cell count. I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Neck?

Brief Answer: takes 4 to 6 weeks Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic The lymph nodes in the neck respond to any inflammation and infection in the head and neck area and often enlarge in the common cold to help fight off this infection. It can take 4 to 6 weeks (though resolve faster on some occasions) after an infection has cleared up and the person has remained well, for the associated lymph nodes to resolve completely. Normally the approximate size of the node and the date it is noted is documented. After a 4 to 6 week period, the area should be rechecked to see if it is resolving or has completely gone. If it is the same approximate size then you can consider visiting your doctor. He or she may suggest a complete blood count to check for any lingering infections or other abnormalities with the white cell count. I hope this helps,feel free to ask any other questions