Swollen necks can occur due to flu, colds, or throat or ear infections, for example, resulting in an increase in the lymph nodes in the neck. The swollen neck usually resolves easily, but when accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, pain in the lymph nodes to the touch, or unexplained weight loss or gain, may be a sign of more serious situations, with cancer and Cushing syndrome. For example.
Therefore, it is important to observe the progression of swelling and you should see your doctor when the swelling lasts longer than 3 days or is already accompanied by other symptoms. Therefore, your doctor may perform tests that can identify the cause of the swelling and begin treatment.
- Lymph nodes.
- Also called lymph nodes or tongue.
- Are small glands that can be found scattered throughout the body.
- Being more concentrated in the groin.
- Armpits and neck.
- And whose function is to allow the immune system to function properly and therefore to be responsible for them.
- To fight infections.
Enlargement of the lymph nodes is usually a sign of infections or inflammation, and you may notice slight swelling associated with a small nodule, for example. For example, swelling of the neck due to an enlarged lymph node may be a sign of flu, a cold, and an inflammation of the throat, for example, being more common in children. Learn about the main causes of lymph node hypertrophy.
What to do: If lymph nodes are noticed to increase over time, hurt or other symptoms such as persistent fever, for example, it’s important to see your doctor to find the cause of enlarged lymph nodes.
Some changes in the thyroid cause swelling of the neck, especially goiter, which is characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland in an attempt to compensate for thyroid hormone production due to hiccups or hyperthyroidism, for example. Learn more about other thyroid-related conditions.
What to do: If thyroid problems are suspected, it is important to see your endocrinologist for laboratory and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.Treatment is based on the cause of goiter and can be done by administering iodine or hormone replacement, for example.Know what goiter, your symptoms are, and how treatment is done.
Mumps, also known as mumps, is an infectious disease caused by a virus lodged in the salivary glands, favoring swelling of the face and, mainly, the side of the neck. Know the symptoms of mumps.
What to do: The best way to prevent mumps is to administer the triple viral vaccine, which must be done in the first year of life and protects against mumps, measles and rubella. However, if the child has not been vaccinated, it is important to disinfect objects contaminated with secretions of the throat, mouth and nose and avoid contact with others who may have the disease.
Treatment of mumps is done with the aim of relieving symptoms, rest and the use of medications to relieve discomfort, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, is recommended. Find out how mumps treatment is done.
Some types of cancer, mainly lymphatic, can cause the lymph nodes to enlarge, leaving the neck swollen. In addition to swollen lymph nodes, there may be unexplained weight loss, frequent discomfort and fatigue, it is important to see your doctor for testing and diagnosis. Learn more about lymphatic cancer.
What to do: If you suspect lymphatic cancer, your doctor may order several tests, mainly blood formula, CT and biopsy, for example. Treatment for lymphatic cancer is based on the degree of alteration of the lymphatic system, which can be done with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Cushing syndrome is an endocrine disease characterized by an increase in the concentration of cortisol in the blood, resulting in rapid weight gain and a buildup of fat in the abdominal area and face, causing swelling of the neck, for example. Diagnosis of this syndrome is made by the endocrinologist through blood and urine tests, which verify a high concentration of the hormone cortisol. Understand what Cushing syndrome is and its main causes.
What to do: If a sudden weight gain is found, for example, it is important to consult a family doctor or endocrinologist to make the diagnosis and thus start treatment. Treatment varies depending on the cause of the disease: for example, if prolonged use of corticosteroids is used, it is recommended to stop the medication, but if the disease is the result of a tumor in the pituitary gland, for example, it may be indicated by the doctor to perform surgery to remove the tumor, in addition to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Skin infection, known scientifically as cellulite, can be caused by bacteria that contaminate an area of the skin, such as the neck, after an injury, such as a wound or insect bite. This type of infection usually causes swelling, pain and heat in the area, redness, as well as being associated with fever, chills and weakness.
What to do: If you suspect cellulite, your doctor should examine the area affected by the swelling, start antibiotic treatment, and may order lab tests to complete the research, such as blood tests and imaging, for example. If cellulite is in the neck or face, mainly in the elderly or children, this is a stronger indication, and your doctor will likely recommend taking antibiotics in your vein during your hospital stay.
It is important to see your doctor when neck swelling lasts longer than 3 days and other symptoms appear, such as persistent fever, excessive fatigue, night sweats, and no apparent reason, for example. In addition, if lymph nodes are found to be enlarged and injured to the touch, it is recommended that you consult a doctor so that tests can be done to identify the cause.