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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?

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Posted on Tue, 21 Oct 2014
Question: Went to doctor yesterday for diarrhea (every 2-3 hours for 2 days) sore throat and swollen lymph node behind my right ear. Negative strep throat A but was given antibiotic anyway as I had a non related small cut on my finger that was enlarged and filled with puss. Today sore throat is gone, diarrhea is less frequent but still present but the node behind my ear is more sore,, swollen and hot to touch. This is my greatest concern but doctor said if it's swollen and painful it means it's fighting an infection and most likely a parasitic infection based on the node's location behind the ear and my diarrhea. wanting a second opinion as I've never experienced something like this.
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Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
can take a few weeks to resolve in some cases

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Lymph nodes are found in different parts of the body. They respond to infection and inflammation in their respective zones.

It is common for cervical lymph nodes to respond to upper respiratory tract infections ( common cold). It can however, take up to 4 weeks , in some cases for the lymph nodes to return to normal.

This is the reason that lymph nodes are reassessed 4 weeks after appearance in infection.
It gives them time to decrease in size.

It is painful because it is inflamed. It does not indicate a parasitic infection. Any type of infection, viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic can cause enlargement of lymph nodes.

The use of anti inflammatory pain killers may help to relieve your discomfort.

This includes medications such as ibuprofen , naproxen, cataflam.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Brief Answer: can take a few weeks to resolve in some cases Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Lymph nodes are found in different parts of the body. They respond to infection and inflammation in their respective zones. It is common for cervical lymph nodes to respond to upper respiratory tract infections ( common cold). It can however, take up to 4 weeks , in some cases for the lymph nodes to return to normal. This is the reason that lymph nodes are reassessed 4 weeks after appearance in infection. It gives them time to decrease in size. It is painful because it is inflamed. It does not indicate a parasitic infection. Any type of infection, viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic can cause enlargement of lymph nodes. The use of anti inflammatory pain killers may help to relieve your discomfort. This includes medications such as ibuprofen , naproxen, cataflam. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions