How long do swollen lymph nodes take to come down?

September 25, 2025 •

3 min read

Swollen lymph nodes, a condition known as lymphadenopathy, are a sign that your body is fighting off an infection or other illness. So, how long do swollen lymph nodes take to come down, and when is it a sign of something more serious?

Quick Summary

Swollen lymph nodes often return to normal size within two to four weeks, but the exact timeline depends on the underlying cause, ranging from minor viral infections to more serious conditions that require medical attention.

Key Points

Resolution Depends on Cause: The speed at which swollen lymph nodes recede is determined by the underlying health issue; for most common infections, they decrease within 2–4 weeks.
Minor Infections Resolve Fastest: Swelling from common viruses like the cold or flu typically subsides within one to two weeks as the body fights off the infection.
Chronic Swelling Needs Attention: If lymph nodes remain enlarged for more than a month, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider to rule out more serious, chronic conditions.
Pain and Movement Matter: Lymph nodes that are hard, fixed, or painless may be more concerning than those that are tender and movable during an active infection.
Home Care Offers Relief: Rest, fluids, and warm compresses can help alleviate discomfort from tender lymph nodes while the body heals.
Seek Medical Advice for Warning Signs: Persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or rapidly growing nodes are red flags that warrant a doctor's evaluation.

Understanding the lymphatic system and swollen lymph nodes

Your lymphatic system is a vital part of your body's immune system, comprising a network of lymph nodes, vessels, and organs like the tonsils, thymus, and spleen. The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that function as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria, and other foreign substances. When your body detects an infection or illness, the lymph nodes nearest to the affected area will swell as they produce immune cells to fight the invaders.

Common causes of lymph node swelling

Swollen lymph nodes, medically known as lymphadenopathy, can be caused by a wide range of issues, from common infections to more complex health conditions. The most frequent cause is infection, either viral (like a cold, flu, or mononucleosis) or bacterial (such as strep throat). Other potential causes include immune system disorders like lupus, certain medications, allergic reactions, or, in some cases, cancer.

The typical timeline for swollen lymph nodes

The duration of lymph node swelling is primarily determined by its underlying cause.

Common Infections: For colds or the flu, swelling often subsides within a few days to two weeks as the infection clears.
Bacterial Infections: With antibiotic treatment, swelling from bacterial infections typically reduces within a week or two but may take longer to fully disappear.
Mononucleosis: Swollen nodes from mono can last for several weeks or even months.
Chronic Conditions: If swelling is due to chronic illnesses, it may persist as long as the condition is active.

When to see a doctor

While most swollen lymph nodes are harmless, consult a doctor if the swelling persists for more than two to four weeks, continues to grow, feels hard or fixed, or if you have other symptoms like persistent fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. Difficulty swallowing or breathing due to enlarged neck nodes also warrants medical attention.

Treatment and at-home care for swollen lymph nodes

Treatment focuses on the underlying cause. For discomfort, apply warm compresses, get plenty of rest, and use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections. More serious causes require specific medical management.

Comparison of causes and duration of swollen lymph nodes


Cause	Typical Duration of Swelling	Key Signs	When to See a Doctor	Treatment
Common Cold/Flu	1-3 weeks (resolves as infection clears)	Swelling is tender, accompanied by cold symptoms	If swelling lasts >2-4 weeks or gets larger	Rest, fluids, OTC pain relievers
Bacterial Infection	2-4 weeks (after antibiotic treatment begins)	Often tender and painful, may be accompanied by fever	If swelling persists, or if fever is high and persistent	Antibiotics prescribed by a doctor
Mononucleosis	Weeks to months	Swelling can be significant; accompanied by severe fatigue, sore throat	If other symptoms worsen or are severe	Rest, fluids, managing symptoms
Autoimmune Disorder	Can be chronic (on and off)	Generalized swelling in multiple areas	For diagnosis and management of the underlying disorder	Immunosuppressant medication
Cancer	Persistent, often painless	Nodes may be hard, rubbery, or fixed; unexplained weight loss, night sweats	Immediately, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms	Chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery

What to expect during recovery

Swollen lymph nodes typically shrink gradually after the underlying cause is resolved, which can take several weeks. Tenderness should decrease over time. In some cases, particularly in children, a slight enlargement may remain even after other symptoms clear.

Conclusion: The road to recovery

The time it takes for swollen lymph nodes to reduce depends on the cause. While minor infections often see resolution within weeks with rest and basic care, persistent swelling or concerning symptoms like fever or weight loss warrant medical evaluation. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance. For more information, the MedlinePlus encyclopedia provides extensive details on swollen lymph nodes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lymph nodes swell, a condition called lymphadenopathy, most commonly due to infections from bacteria or viruses, but can also be caused by immune system disorders, certain medications, or, in rare cases, cancer.

While some swelling can linger after an infection has cleared, if your lymph nodes have not gone down within four weeks, or continue to enlarge, you should see a doctor for a professional evaluation.

Yes, in rare cases, persistent or painless swollen lymph nodes that feel hard or fixed in place can be a sign of cancer, such as lymphoma or leukemia. This is why it's important to see a doctor for prolonged swelling.

For simple infections like a cold, swollen lymph nodes usually resolve on their own. However, you should see a doctor if the swelling lasts more than a few weeks, the nodes are hard, or you have a persistent fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

The fastest way is to treat the underlying cause. For at-home relief from tenderness, you can apply a warm compress, get adequate rest, and take over-the-counter pain relievers.

Stress itself does not directly cause lymph nodes to swell, but high stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that do cause swelling.

A 'normal' swollen lymph node during an infection is typically soft, tender to the touch, and movable under the skin. Concerning nodes may be hard, rubbery, or fixed in place.