Swollen glands are small, elongated structures which play a key role in the functioning of the immune system.
Swollen glands are also called swollen lymph glands. In this article, we look at some of the main causes of enlarged lymph glands and when to go to your doctor for treatment. If you find that your glands are being overly swollen, then this is a good time to discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
A common cause of swollen glands is glandular fever. This type of infection can appear in two ways. It can be acute or chronic. Acute infection typically takes place when there is an acute infection. The lymph glands are stimulated by the infection and this stimulates the production of more white blood cells. Chronic infection, on the other hand, is more common when the glandular fever recurs after a long period of remission.
Another common cause of glandular fever is colds. As you may know, colds cause the glands in your neck and chest to produce more white blood cells. Your lymph glands will also make more antibodies. These antibodies will fight off any virus or bacteria that may be in your body. When you have a cold, the virus will not be able to multiply. This means that the infected glands will not be producing as many antibodies and this will mean that the infection will not be able to grow any larger.
Some cases of glandular fever are brought about by diseases such as HIV or genital warts. If you suspect that you might have a virus or bacterial infection that is causing your swollen glands, then it is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor.
Swelling in your lymph glands is often caused by a viral infection.
Viral infections include herpes and chickenpox. If you suspect that you have these viral infections or if you notice swelling that is unusually large in the lymph nodes, it is important to contact your doctor immediately.
Another symptom of swollen glands is pain. Pain occurs when the glands in the neck and chest become enlarged and when the glands become swollen and inflamed. Pain may occur due to infection may occur due to a number of different reasons.
Your doctor will examine your glands for swollen glandular fever and they will perform a physical examination. They will then recommend treatment for your glandular fever. You will likely be given antibiotics if the infection is more severe.
If the symptoms of swollen glands bother you, but you do not visit your doctor, you can use over-the-counter medications to treat the infection. You may also need to take an antihistamine. Over-the-counter medications and natural remedies are available.
You will be able to get pain relief from over-the-counter medications if the symptoms persist. However, you should see your doctor first. Do not attempt to self-treat your swollen glandular fever without first consulting your doctor.
To treat glandular fever, your doctor will use a combination of drugs and herbal supplements to treat the infection. These supplements are used in conjunction with diet and lifestyle changes. If the infection is not treated, your doctor will have to remove some of the glands that are causing the infection. This may mean that they will remove some of the glands that produce the antibodies that help your body fight infection.
To treat glandular fever, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. This is an easy way to get pain relief from the infection.
In addition to drugs and medications, your doctor will probably suggest lifestyle changes, such as exercise, which will reduce the swelling in your glands and therefore reduce your chances of experiencing glandular fever. Once you have had surgery to remove a gland, you will need to follow certain dietary guidelines to prevent the infection from coming back.