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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffSwollen lymph nodes caused by a virus may return to normal sometime 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 the inflammation. 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 the blood, livers and brains of children and teenagers recovering from a viral infection.
- Immune disorder. If your swollen glands are a result of HIV, 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
- Fletcher RH. Evaluation of peripheral lymphadenopathy in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 28, 2008.
- Schmitt, DB. Swollen lymph nodes brief version. In: Burley J, et al., eds. Pediatric Advisor. Broomfield, Co.: Clinical Reference Systems; 2008.
- Rubinovitch B, et al. Generalized and regional lymphadenopathy. In: Cohen J, et al. Cohen & Powderly: Infectious Diseases. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2004:197.
- Neck swelling. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/514.html#4. Accessed Nov. 28, 2008.
- Lowry PA. Hematologic malignancies. In: Noble J, et al. Noble: Textbook of Primary Care Medicine. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2001:1074.
