The health care provider diagnosed your child with one or more swollen lymph nodes (sometimes called swollen glands). Usually, lymph nodes swell because of an infection somewhere in the body. As a child gets better, the swelling goes down. Most kids feel better after a week or so, but sometimes the lymph nodes can stay swollen for a while longer.

• Give your child any medicine as directed by the health care provider.
• Let your child rest as needed.
• Have your child drink plenty of fluids.
• Your child may eat as usual.
• Bring your child to any follow-up visits, if scheduled.

Your child:

• is not improving or gets worse
• has redness on the skin near the lymph node, or the area around the lymph node feels warm
• has a lymph node (or nodes) that get larger
• has a fever that gets worse or lasts more than a week
• loses weight 
• has new aches or pains
• sweats a lot at night
• develops a rash

What are lymph nodes? Lymph nodes are very small bean-shaped organs found all over the body. They help to fight germs (bacteria, viruses, and fungi). When they swell, a person can sometimes feel them in the neck, armpits, or groin. 

What causes swollen lymph nodes? Lymph nodes usually swell when fighting an infection or inflammation. Sometimes they swell only in one spot near an infection. For example, a throat infection can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Other times, they may swell all over the body. This is common with some types of viral infections. Rarely, nodes get bigger from another health problem or a medicine.

How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed? Health care providers ask questions and look at the parts of the body that have lymph nodes. They also may do tests to see what is causing the swelling. These may include blood tests, skin tests, or X-rays.

How are swollen lymph nodes treated? Treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends on the cause. For a viral infection, rest and fluids usually help a child feel better. Swelling due to bacteria is treated with antibiotics.