Tag: Enlarged glands

While swollen lymph nodes are most often a sign of infection, studies have revealed that heavy smokers are significantly more likely to have enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes than non-smokers. Exploring the connection, **can smoking cause swollen lymph nodes?**, is critical to understanding the risks associated with tobacco use and knowing when to seek medical advice.

Less than 1% of patients with unexplained adenopathy seen in primary care have a malignant disease. The medical term **adenopathy** refers to the enlargement or swelling of glands, most commonly and specifically referring to lymph nodes. While often benign, the condition is a sign of an underlying issue that requires evaluation.

According to medical experts, while the majority of swollen lymph nodes shrink back to normal size within a few weeks, some can remain persistently enlarged. The question, **Can a lymph node stay swollen forever**, requires a nuanced answer that depends heavily on the underlying cause and history of the condition.

Did you know that enlarged lymph nodes are a common immune response that nearly everyone experiences at some point? The medical term for this swelling is **lymphadenopathy**, a condition indicating your immune system is actively fighting an infection, inflammation, or another illness.

Swollen glands, or lymph nodes, are a sign that your body is fighting an infection or illness, with viral infections being the most frequent cause. These small, bean-shaped structures are a critical part of your immune system, filtering lymph fluid and trapping germs. Knowing **what can swollen glands be a symptom of** is the first step toward understanding what might be happening inside your body.