Cervical adenitis (ad-ih-NYE-tis) is when a lymph node in the neck gets infected with bacteria. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs. They are part of the body's immune system and help fight germs. If a lymph node gets infected, the skin over it feels warm and looks red. Health care providers prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

• Let your child rest as needed.
• Make sure your child drinks lots of liquids.
• Give your child all the antibiotic doses as prescribed, even if they are feeling better. This is the best way to kill the harmful bacteria.
• You can give medicine for pain if your health care provider says it's OK. Use these medicines exactly as directed:
  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or a store brand)
  OR
  • ibuprofen (such as Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand). Do not give to babies under 6 months old.
• Do not give aspirin to your child or teen as it's linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
• Bring your child to any follow-up visits as instructed by your health care provider.

• The lymph node gets bigger.
• The red area is spreading.
• Your child can't take medicine as directed.
• Your child can't swallow any food or drinks.
• Your child has worsening pain.
• Your child looks sicker.

Your child appears dehydrated; signs include dizziness, drowsiness, a dry or sticky mouth, sunken eyes, crying with little or no tears, or peeing less often (or having fewer wet diapers).

How is cervical adenitis diagnosed? Health care providers diagnose cervical adenitis by carefully examining the swollen area in the neck. Sometimes, they order tests to learn more about the infection, such as:

• a blood test
• a throat swab (strep test)
• an ultrasound of the neck to see the lymph node

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical adenitis? Besides warm, red skin over the infected lymph node, symptoms can include:

• fever
• neck pain
• trouble moving the neck