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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes Behind The Ear?

Good afternoon, my 15-year-old daughter woke up yesterday morning with swollen lymph nodes on the left side of her face under her ear. She does not have any other symptoms. Today, the pain has gotten worse, now causing her ear to ache. She has taken ibuprofen a few times which has helped some with the pain. The school nurse said there was nothing she could do. I am thinking I should take her to be seen at the Dr. What do you think? I appreciate your professional opinion.
Mon, 21 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi.
Sorry to hear about the kid. Swelling below the ear might be due to lymph node or it may be a parotid swelling like mumps.
Here are few words that may help you .
If we take it to be a lymph node then we need to see the areas that drain lymph to these group of lymph nodes. So look for any boil, skin infection on that side of scalp, and dental problem or any signs of otitis ( both external and internal) any type of boil on ear or any discharge from ear. Seeing your description , history of having pain in ear on that side suggest some thing is wrong with ears/throat and all you need is to visit an ENT doctor to get further help/advice.
IF we take up the next option (mumps) , then look for any rash on the face and body. Although in this era of vaccination , mumps is less likely but still it exists. In that case you may need to visit a doctor with qualifications in infectious diseases/ internal medicine. Wishing your kid a best of health forever. If you have anymore questions, i would be pleased to help you with the best of my knowledge and experience. Regards.
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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes Behind The Ear?

Hi. Sorry to hear about the kid. Swelling below the ear might be due to lymph node or it may be a parotid swelling like mumps. Here are few words that may help you . If we take it to be a lymph node then we need to see the areas that drain lymph to these group of lymph nodes. So look for any boil, skin infection on that side of scalp, and dental problem or any signs of otitis ( both external and internal) any type of boil on ear or any discharge from ear. Seeing your description , history of having pain in ear on that side suggest some thing is wrong with ears/throat and all you need is to visit an ENT doctor to get further help/advice. IF we take up the next option (mumps) , then look for any rash on the face and body. Although in this era of vaccination , mumps is less likely but still it exists. In that case you may need to visit a doctor with qualifications in infectious diseases/ internal medicine. Wishing your kid a best of health forever. If you have anymore questions, i would be pleased to help you with the best of my knowledge and experience. Regards.