What swells up in your neck when you are sick?

September 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 800 lymph nodes are located throughout the human body, with a significant number clustered in the neck region. When you get sick, the lumps you feel are most often these lymph nodes, which swell as a normal part of your body's immune response.

Quick Summary

The lumps you feel in your neck while sick are swollen lymph nodes, which are small glands that enlarge as they filter germs and battle an infection in the body. This immune response, known as lymphadenopathy, indicates your body is actively working to fight off an illness, such as a cold or flu.

Key Points

Lymph Nodes are the Cause: The bumps you feel in your neck are typically swollen lymph nodes, small glands that are part of your immune system.
Immune System Response: Swelling occurs when the lymph nodes fill with immune cells that are actively filtering and fighting off an infection, such as a cold or flu.
Normal and Temporary: For common illnesses, the swelling is a normal and harmless sign that your body is working properly and will go down as you recover.
Location is a Clue: Swelling in the neck often points to an infection in the head, ears, or throat, but can also be caused by other conditions.
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical advice if swelling is painless, hard, fixed, and persistent, or if it is accompanied by night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or high fever.

Understanding the lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is a crucial part of your body's immune defense. It's a network of tissues and organs, including the spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and hundreds of lymph nodes, that work together to protect you from infection. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that act as filters. They contain immune cells, such as lymphocytes, which are specifically designed to attack and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

When your body detects an infection, immune cells travel to the lymph nodes nearest the affected area. This influx of activity causes the lymph nodes to swell and become tender or sore to the touch. The swelling is a clear sign that your immune system is actively fighting off the illness. For infections in the head, ears, or throat, it is the lymph nodes in the neck that typically enlarge.

Common causes of swollen neck lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, medically known as cervical lymphadenopathy, are most often caused by a variety of infections. The location of the swelling often provides a clue to the cause of the underlying issue.

Viral infections

Common cold and flu: Upper respiratory infections are a very frequent cause of lymph node swelling in the neck.
Mononucleosis (Mono): Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, this illness is well-known for causing significant swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck.
Measles and chickenpox: These viral diseases can also lead to widespread lymph node swelling.

Bacterial infections

Strep throat: A bacterial infection of the throat often results in noticeably swollen and tender lymph nodes in the neck.
Ear infections: Infections in the ear can trigger swelling in the lymph nodes closest to the affected side.
Dental infections: An abscessed tooth or severe gum inflammation can cause the lymph nodes under the jaw to become enlarged.

Other possible causes

While less common, other conditions can also cause lymph nodes to swell:

Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue, leading to widespread lymph node swelling.
Certain medications: Some drugs, such as certain anti-seizure medications, can cause a temporary reaction that includes swollen lymph nodes.
Cancer: In rare cases, persistent, painless, and hard lymph node swelling can be a sign of a more serious condition like lymphoma.

How to differentiate and when to be concerned

Most of the time, swollen lymph nodes are harmless and will return to their normal size as the infection subsides. However, understanding the characteristics of the swelling can help you know when it is time to seek medical attention. The following table provides a helpful comparison.


Symptom	Typical Infection Response	Potential Serious Concern
Sensation	Often tender or painful to the touch.	Typically painless, hard, and fixed in place.
Movement	Freely movable under the skin.	Feels fixed or "stuck" to the surrounding tissue.
Duration	Usually resolves within a couple of weeks after the primary illness passes.	Continues to grow or persists for more than four weeks.
Size	May feel like a pea or small bean, and may shrink and grow slightly.	Can be larger than a bean and continue to increase in size.
Accompanying Symptoms	Fever, sore throat, congestion, and other typical illness symptoms.	Unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or persistent fever.

It is important to remember that these are general guidelines. If you have any persistent concerns about swollen lymph nodes, it is always best to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis. For a deeper understanding of the lymphatic system, you can find a comprehensive overview on the Cleveland Clinic's website: Lymph Nodes and Your Health.

What to do for swollen lymph nodes

For most cases of swollen lymph nodes due to a common illness, the best course of action is to treat the underlying infection. The swelling will usually subside as your body recovers.

At-home remedies

Rest: Adequate rest allows your body to focus its energy on fighting the infection.
Warm compress: Applying a warm, damp cloth to the affected area can help relieve pain and tenderness.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort. Consulting a healthcare provider or following product instructions for appropriate use is recommended.

Medical treatment

Antibiotics: If the cause is a bacterial infection, like strep throat, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
Antivirals: In some cases, such as with certain viral infections, antiviral medications may be used.
Treating the underlying condition: For non-infectious causes, addressing the primary health issue is key to resolving the lymph node swelling.

Conclusion

The appearance of swollen lymph nodes in your neck when you are sick is a normal and healthy sign that your body's immune system is functioning correctly. These glands are working hard to filter and fight off the invading germs. While usually temporary, it is essential to be aware of the signs that might indicate a more serious condition. Pay close attention to the tenderness, size, and duration of the swelling, and if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to contact a healthcare professional for guidance.

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions about your health or treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for the most part. The term “swollen glands” is a common, non-medical way of referring to swollen lymph nodes.

Yes, swollen lymph nodes that are reacting to an infection are often tender or painful to the touch. This pain is caused by the inflammation.

A swollen lymph node often feels soft, somewhat mobile, and can be tender. A cyst can also be a lump, but may feel smoother and be distinct from the surrounding tissue. A healthcare provider can provide an accurate diagnosis.

If a lymph node remains swollen for more than two to four weeks, continues to get larger, or feels hard and fixed, you should see a doctor. These symptoms could indicate a more serious issue.

While cancer is a rare cause, it can lead to swollen lymph nodes. Cancerous lymph nodes are often painless, hard, and don't move easily when pressed. Any persistent or concerning swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Yes, a strong immune response to an allergen can sometimes cause lymph nodes to swell. The swelling is typically temporary and resolves once the allergic reaction is controlled.

For swelling caused by a common infection, applying a warm compress and getting plenty of rest can help with discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also be effective.