Swollen lymph nodes

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Treatments and drugs

By Mayo Clinic staff

Swollen lymph nodes caused by a virus may return to normal after the viral infection resolves. Antibiotics are not useful to treat viral infections. Treatment for swollen lymph nodes from other causes depends on the cause:

  • Infection. The most common treatment for swollen lymph nodes caused by a bacterial infection is antibiotics. Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) and acetaminophen (Tylenol, others). Aspirin and ibuprofen also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce some of the swelling. Don't give your child aspirin without consulting your doctor because of its link to Reye's syndrome. Reye's syndrome is a rare, but serious illness that can affect children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection. If your swollen lymph nodes are due to an HIV infection, you'll receive treatment for that condition.
  • Immune disorder. If your swollen lymph glands are a result of conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, treatment is directed at the underlying condition.
  • Cancer. Swollen glands caused by cancer require treatment for the cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, treatment may involve surgery, radiation or chemotherapy.
References
  1. Armitage JO. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/224582198-6/0/1492/0.html. Accessed Oct. 29, 2010.
  2. Fletcher RH. Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 6, 2010.
  3. Henry PH, et al. Enlargement of lymph nodes and spleen. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2875326. Accessed Dec. 6, 2010.
  4. Lymphadenitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/sec10/ch119/ch119j.html#sec10-ch119-ch119j-691. Accessed Dec. 5, 2010.
  5. Mohler ER, et al. Lymphedema: Etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 6, 2010.
  6. Rosenberg TL, et al. Evaluating the adult patient with a neck mass. Medical Clinics of North America. 2010;94:1017.
  7. Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 7, 2010.
DS00880 Jan. 22, 2011

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