Remedies for Swollen Lymph Nodes – Swollen lymph nodes are frequently referred as swollen glands and can create a living hell for you to survive. All diseases and infections have their symptoms and effects but regarding swollen glands, the physical symptoms are numerous.
Lymph glands are lumps of tissues consisting of white blood cells (WBCS). This white blood cells and in simpler terms the armor of our body. They fight back various harmful pathogens and other infection inducing microorganisms.
Lymph nodes Locations
Swollen glands can be present under the chin, groin, ears and armpits in the form of large lumps. Swollen lymph nodes in neck are also present.
Recent research that was carried out in the University of Exeter Medical School, published in the British Journal of General Practice, has revealed that persistent enlarged lymph glands, found in the neck area, should be referred for more investigation when detected in clinic
Mainly because referring patients with unusual swollen neck glands for specialist investigations could help to avoid some of the {a large number of deaths each year from lymphoma (a type of cancer)
Swollen Lymph Nodes Symptoms
- Localized pain and swelling
- Tenderness sometimes
- Warmth in the affected area
Sometimes swollen lymph nodes cause no symptoms asymptomatic lymph node swelling. The other Symptoms that can be linked with lymph node swelling
- Cold
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Infection
- Swollen limb and ankle
- Running nose
- Night sweats
- Fever
Causes of swollen lymph nodes
Glands are present throughout our body and can swell upon any infection. This swelling can be upto a few centimeters.
Furthermore, swollen lymph nodes can occur when somebody is stressful, ill or by infection and when lymphatic system is trying fight against infections.
More severe conditions, such as immunity process disorders or cancers, can cause the lymph nodes throughout the body to swell. Immune system disorders that cause the lymph nodes to swell include lupus and rheumatoid osteoarthritis
Here are some causes of swollen lymph nodes in neck and in groin.
- Ear infection
- Cold or flu
- Sinus infection
- HIV infection
- Infected tooth
- Mononucleosis
- Skin infection
- Strep throat
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that impacts the immune system – specifically, it is a cancers of immune cells called lymphocytes, a form of white blood cell. There are just 2 types lymphoma: these include:
- Hodgkin’s
- Non-Hodgkin’s.
Symptoms of lymph node cancer or lymphoma symptoms are:
- Unexplained itching
- Tiredness
- Pain or altered sensation
- Loss of appetite
- Unusual tiredness/lack of energy
- Constant coughing
- Breathlessness
- Enlarged tonsils
- Headache.
- Swelling in the legs or ankles
- Cramping and bloating of the abdomen
- Night sweats and fever can occur
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Chills and Cold
Painful signs and symptoms are may not usually discover at the early stages of lymphoma. In fact, swollen and painful lymph nodes can follow by another signs of infection are usually a sign of active infection.
Painless swelling of the lymph nodes is much more rampant in lymphoma, with pain, weakness, paralysis, or otherwise altered sensation typically occurring only when an enlarged lymph node is pressing against spinal nerve fibers and also the spinal cord.
Many people may also feel lymph node pain after taken alcohol
Any person experiencing some of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Home Remedies for Swollen Lymph Nodes
1. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the best remedies for swollen lymph nodes. Turmeric is popularly known for its health benefits. It is an effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb which aid in reducing swelling and pain.
How to apply it
- You can even take turmeric supplements, alternatively;
- Mix 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder with enough honey to make a paste.
- Apply it on the affected area, and leave it for wait 10 -15 minutes
- Then rinse it off with warm water.
- Do this 2times a day until you see an improvement
2. Honey
Honey is one of the most popular natural home remedies for many diseases. It has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and flavonoids properties which help to mitigate the risk of heart diseases and cancers. And with is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties honey helps to combat any form of infection that can cause swollen lymph nodes
How to apply it
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey to some fresh lemon juice in a cup of water.
- Drink it 2 times a day for a week.
- You can also apply some raw honey on to affected area, and leave it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.
- Do this 2 or 3 times daily until you see improvement.
3. Warm Compresses
Warm compressors can be a great relieve for the immediate pain. Lymph nodes near the throat and neck can be treated this way upon swelling.
A hot compressor can be made by saturating a towel with clean water.
After squeezing the excess water droplets, this towel is applied on the area where swelling has occurred.
Holding it for around 10 minutes or so until the towel cools off is an easy remedy for this severe pain. This process should be repeated till the patient feels relieved.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider is one of effective remedies for swollen lymph nodes. It helps create an alkaline environment and maintain a healthy ph level in your body. It’s also has antiseptic property which helps fight any infection that may be triggering this problem.
How to apply it
- Mix equal amounts of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and water.
- Soak a washcloth in the mixture
- Then apply it on the affected area.
- Leave it for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with warm water and then pat dry.
- Repeat twice a day
5. Salt Water
A salt has its own health benefit too if applied right. Salt water gargle can be beneficial for minimizing the irritation and swelling in lymph nodes in the neck caused by infection in the esophagus
How to apply it
- Add half teaspoon of salt in to a cup of warm water.
- Gargle with this mixture to get relief.
- You can do this twice a day for about a week.
6. Garlic
This one of the best home remedies for swollen lymph nodes .Garlic clove has anti-inflammatory properties that will help to minimize swelling in the lymph nodes. This kind of antibiotic food also helps cleanse your body system, ease symptoms and promote healing.
How to apply it
- Eat 2 to 3 raw garlic cloves daily.
- You can as well add garlic in your meal.
- Massage the swollen area with garlic oil for a few minutes, 2 or 3 times daily.
7. Drink a lot of water and Fluids
Water intake is very necessary for a healthy living. Apart from swollen glands improvement, it also refreshes our body and keeps us hydrated. Increasing the fluid amount in our diet reduces the stress on throat and glands. It is always advised by doctors to have plenty of water and juices each day.
But not all fluids contribute to lessening of this disease. For example alcohol may worsen the situation. So patients should always go towards healthier options available.
Alcohol intake can aggravate the condition due to the irritation caused by its dehydration action. Same is the case with caffeine.
Other Swollen Lymph Nodes Treatments
Antibiotics
Swollen lymph nodes in neck and swollen lymph nodes under the ear can be the result of common cold. They can be treated by having antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor if the infection is bacterial in nature. However, if the disease is result of some virus then antibiotics are not useful under this situation.
Pain Relievers
In case of pain in reaction to bacterial or viral infection, regular physician usually recommends the patients a pain killer. This can lessen the disease. Non-steroidal drugs against inflammation abbreviated as NSAIDs are used generally for countering pain.
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are NSAIDs. Aspirin is a pain relieving drug for this ailment but it should only use as recommended by the physician. Patients should consult the doctor for appropriate dosage as its intake varies with individual body conditions.
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As there is a solution to every problem, so there’s also cure for diseases present. The point is that some can be subjected to treatment at some stage but afterwards they cannot. So we must take action and fight against all the diseases with will power and remedies available.