What causes swollen glands in the neck? An expert guide

September 29, 2025 •

3 min read

Swollen glands, also known as lymph nodes, are a sign that your body's immune system is actively fighting an infection. The lymphatic system, a vital part of your body’s defense, can become inflamed and enlarged for several reasons, and understanding what causes swollen glands in the neck is key to knowing when to seek professional help.

Quick Summary

Swollen glands in the neck are most often caused by infections like the common cold, strep throat, or ear infections, where lymph nodes enlarge to filter out harmful germs. While less common, underlying conditions like autoimmune diseases, certain medications, or even some cancers can also trigger this swelling, necessitating careful evaluation.

Key Points

Common Causes: Most swollen glands are caused by infections like the common cold, flu, or strep throat, as your immune system fights off germs [1, 2, 3].
Less Common Reasons: Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, certain cancers, and some medications can also cause lymph node swelling [1, 2].
Key Differences: Swelling from an infection is usually tender and resolves quickly, whereas swelling from a more serious condition like cancer can be hard, painless, and persistent [1, 2].
Location Matters: The location of the swollen nodes can indicate the source of the problem, such as neck swelling for throat infections [1, 2].
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical advice if swelling lasts longer than two weeks, is hard or fixed, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever [1, 2, 3].

Understanding the Lymphatic System

Your body's lymphatic system is a network of tissues, vessels, and organs that work together to move a fluid called lymph back into your circulatory system. The lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures found throughout the body, including the neck, under the chin, in the armpits, and groin. They act as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria, and other foreign particles before they can spread. When the body fights an infection, these nodes swell as they fill with immune cells.

The Most Common Causes of Swollen Neck Glands

Most instances of swollen glands in the neck are a direct response to a viral or bacterial infection. The location of the swelling often points to the source of the problem. For example, a sore throat will typically cause swelling in the nodes near the jaw and under the chin.

Viral Infections

Common viral causes include the common cold, flu, mononucleosis (mono), and in some cases, HIV, measles, and rubella [1, 2, 3]. These infections trigger the lymph nodes to swell as they fight off the virus.

Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections like strep throat, ear infections, or a dental abscess are frequent culprits for swollen glands in the neck [1, 2, 3]. Tuberculosis can also cause chronic lymph node swelling [1].

Less Common, More Serious Causes

While infections are the most likely reason for swollen glands, other conditions can also be responsible, especially if the swelling is persistent or painless [1, 2].

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissue, can lead to lymph node swelling. Examples include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis [1, 2].

Cancers

Less commonly, swollen lymph nodes can indicate cancer, such as lymphoma, leukemia, or metastatic cancer that has spread from elsewhere in the body [1, 2]. Swollen nodes associated with cancer are often hard, painless, and don't shrink [1].

Other Conditions and Medications

Certain medications, conditions like sarcoidosis, and Kawasaki disease can also result in swollen glands [1].

A Comparison of Swollen Gland Causes

A comparison of swollen gland causes shows key differences in symptom onset, node sensation, duration, and location depending on whether the cause is a common infection, an autoimmune disorder, or cancer. For example, infections typically cause rapid onset of tender nodes that resolve quickly and are localized, whereas cancer-related swelling is often slow, persistent, hard, painless, and can be widespread [1, 2].

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should contact a doctor if swollen glands persist for more than two weeks, feel hard, rubbery, or are fixed, or are accompanied by unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss [1, 2, 3]. Seek immediate help if you have difficulty swallowing or breathing [1, 2]. A doctor can perform a physical examination and, if necessary, order tests to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis is crucial for more serious conditions [1]. You can find more details on when to seek medical advice on {Link: Mayo Clinic website https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/swollen-lymph-nodes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353902} or the {Link: NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/swollen-glands/} [1, 3].

Conclusion

Swollen glands in the neck are a common symptom, typically indicating that your body's immune system is effectively fighting a minor infection [1, 2, 3]. For the majority of people, rest and time will resolve the issue. However, understanding the less common, but more serious, causes is essential for personal health awareness [1, 2]. Always monitor any persistent or unusual symptoms and consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and peace of mind [1, 2, 3]. For more information on the body's immune response, you can visit the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, most cases of swollen glands are not serious. They are typically a sign that your body is fighting a common infection, like a cold or the flu, and will resolve on their own [1, 2, 3].

Swollen glands caused by a minor infection usually go down within one to two weeks as your body recovers. If they persist for longer, it is best to see a doctor [1, 2, 3].

Stress itself does not directly cause swollen glands. However, high stress can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections that can then lead to swollen lymph nodes.

Swollen glands from an infection are typically tender, painful, and soft, resolving with time. Nodes swollen due to cancer are often hard, painless, and fixed in place, and they do not go away [1, 2].

Applying a warm, moist compress to the area can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with swollen glands caused by infection. Rest and over-the-counter pain relievers can also be helpful [3].

Painless but persistent swollen glands can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, like lymphoma. If you have painless swollen glands that last for more than two weeks, you should see a doctor [1, 2].

Yes, an infection in a tooth, such as an abscess, can cause the lymph nodes in your neck and under your jaw to swell as they work to filter out the bacteria [1, 2].