Swollen Lymph Node Treatments and Medications

Swollen lymph nodes are a commonly experienced sign that the body is responding to an infection or some other problem. Also called lymphadenopathy, swollen lymph nodes are a symptom, just like a sore throat or runny nose. However, lymphadenopathy could be a symptom of any number of underlying issues. Most of the time, then, enlarged lymph nodes only mean your body is fighting off an infection or reacting to inflammation. However, there are other causes, and some, though rare, can be serious. 

How are swollen lymph nodes diagnosed?

In most cases, lymphadenopathy and its cause are diagnosed with a careful medical history and a physical examination. In some cases, testing, imaging, or a biopsy may be required if the cause is not readily apparent. 

Most people will be diagnosed and treated by a family physician. Some patients, however, may require a specialist to perform specific tests and treat the underlying condition.

The healthcare provider will examine the lymph nodes, which often appear in the groin, armpit, neck, behind the ears, or back of the head. They will also look for other symptoms. Some conditions that cause swollen lymph nodes, such as strep throat or chickenpox, are readily identifiable based on other symptoms.

The healthcare provider will also feel the lymph nodes in several areas of the body to answer a few important questions:

• Where are the lymph nodes swollen?

• Is the swelling in one place or generalized across the body?

• What do the swollen lymph nodes feel like: soft, firm, hard, or like small pellets?

• Are the swollen lymph nodes tender to the touch?

• Do the swollen lymph nodes feel clumped together like they’re joined?

The answers to all these questions point to possible diagnoses. If the diagnosis is not readily apparent from other symptoms and the nature of the swelling, a detailed medical history usually nails down a cause. On your first visit to a healthcare provider, expect questions like:

• How long have the lymph nodes been swollen?

• What other symptoms do you have?

• Have you traveled anywhere?

• Have you had unprotected sex?

• What medications do you take?

• Do you smoke or drink?

By this point, the healthcare provider will have made a diagnosis or will need to perform blood tests, skin tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound to find the root cause. In the rare cases in which additional tests still don’t arrive at a diagnosis, the healthcare provider may recommend a lymph node biopsy if the risk for cancer is high. 

Swollen lymph node treatment options

Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom, not a disease. Once a diagnosis has been made, the underlying condition will be treated. For example, if it's a bacterial infection causing the swollen lymph nodes, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. In cases of lymphoma, leukemia, and other cancers that cause swollen lymph nodes, treatment options include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery.

Types of swollen lymph node medications

Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of an underlying condition: bacterial infections, viral infections, immune system disorders, allergies, cancer, and other causes. Each of these will be treated using medications appropriate to the diagnosis.

Antibiotics 

Your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics if a bacterial infection is causing swollen lymph nodes. Examples of antibiotics they may prescribe include amoxicillin or azithromycin. 

Antiviral medication

If it is a virus causing swollen lymph nodes, your healthcare provider may prescribe an antiviral medication such as valacyclovir or acyclovir. Alternatively, they may recommend just observing whether the swelling is going down and managing the virus's symptoms to ensure it's clearing. 

Corticosteroids

For severe allergies or other inflammatory conditions that cause swollen lymph nodes, your healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Examples of corticosteroids for swollen lymph nodes include prednisone or methylprednisolone.    

Over-the-counter medication for swollen lymph nodes

The pain, discomfort, and swelling of the lymph nodes can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or naproxen. If it's allergies causing the swelling, allergen avoidance and medications such as OTC antihistamines and decongestants can help.

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