Dear Doctor,
I am a 27 year old female with allergies. I have had them for as long
as I can remember, what I do not remember is having swollen lymph nodes. I
recently gave birth and have been nursing my baby. 3 months after the birth
during spring the lymph nodes in my head and neck became swollen, my Dr. said
it is allergies, I asked for blood work which came up great. All have gone
down except one in my neck, I have spoken to allergists who say that
sometimes they never go down, is this true? It has been 10 months since I
noticed them, could nursing have something to do with the change in my
allergies, example I used to sneeze and have violent attacks to allergens,
now I anly have a stuffy nose and of course swollen nodes.
I have also had a sore throat on the right side and a swollen gland.
I had it for a month then it went away. It was anly sore for a few days and
never swelled, actually it seemed smaller. Is this something to be concerned
a bout. Please help.
Reply: ----------------------
There are many causes for enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, but by far and away the most common cause is infection such as the common cold, sinusitis, throat infections, etc. This type of lymph node enlargement is inflammatory in nature and resolution may take weeks or even months. However, there are a number of characteristics that usually indicate the need to consider a biopsy. These characteristics include: lymph node enlargement not clearly associated with an inflammatory condition, painless lymph node enlargement, lymph node enlargement that persists for 1 or more months, persistent growth in size, size larger than 2 centimeters. Certain factors such as cigarette smoking, weight loss, unusual sweating at night, excessive fatigue or weakness, or family history also are important considerations. These are the some of the types of characteristics that when present usually suggest the need for a thorough evaluation by an ears, nose, and throat specialist as well as a consideration of some type of lymph node biopsy.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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