Dr Chin’s Walkthrough on Swollen Lymph Nodes: Key to Detecting Infections
Discover how swollen lymph nodes serve as a key clue for ENT specialists in detecting infections. Learn more about their significance in our latest blog.
Swollen lymph nodes are one of the first things that ENT specialists look for when they check for infections in your head and neck. These small, bean-shaped glands are a big part of your immune system. Lymph nodes filter out bad stuff from your body and hold cells that fight off infections. When the nodes get bigger, it is your body letting you know that something is not right.
What Are Lymph Nodes and Why Do They Swell?
Lymph nodes belong to the lymphatic system. You can find these nodes in different parts of the body like the neck, under the jaw, behind the ears, near the collarbone, and in the groin area. When the body comes into contact with bacteria, viruses, or other germs, the lymph nodes can get bigger. This happens because there is more white blood cell activity in the lymph nodes to help fight the problem.
Common Infections That Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes
ENT specialists often observe that infections in the ears, nose, or throat are common triggers for swollen lymph nodes.
Below are typical causes:
| Infection | Description |
|---|---|
| Upper respiratory infections | Viral colds or flu that cause lymph nodes in the neck to swell. |
| Tonsillitis or strep throat | Bacterial throat infections that enlarge nodes near the jawline. |
| Ear infections | Infections in the middle or outer ear that affect nodes around the ear or neck. |
| Sinusitis | Swollen sinuses can lead to nearby lymph node enlargement. |
Signs That Warrant ENT Evaluation
Not all swollen lymph nodes require medical care, but ENT specialists monitor the following warning signs:
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Persistent swelling | Lasts more than two weeks without improving. |
| Hard or fixed nodes | Nodes feel firm, don’t move, or grow quickly. |
| Systemic symptoms | Unexplained fever, night sweats, or weight loss. |
| Swallowing or breathing difficulty | Trouble with these functions alongside swelling may suggest deeper issues. |
Diagnostic Tools ENT Specialists Use
ENT professionals check swollen lymph nodes by looking at you and using several tools.
- Physical palpation: A doctor will feel the size, shape, and how the lymph nodes move during a physical exam to check for anything not normal.
- Nasopharyngoscopy: A thin, flexible camera gets put in through the nose.
- Ultrasound or CT scan: These pictures can show lymph nodes that are deeper or hard for the doctor to feel.
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to take a small sample of cells from the node.
When Swollen Lymph Nodes Point to Non-Infectious Causes
Not every lymph node swelling comes from infections. ENT specialists also look at:
- Autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can be the cause.
- Lymphoma or metastatic cancer can start in or move to near places, such as the thyroid or salivary glands.
- Medication reactions may cause the body to get lymphadenopathy everywhere.
Knowing the pattern and reason behind lymph node swelling is important in ENT care. It helps to make a right diagnosis and plan the best treatment.
- About the Author
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Dr Ronald Chin is an Australian trained Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon.
After graduating as a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Dr Chin undertook further specialised training in Head and Neck Cancer at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.
He has published many research papers and is an active teacher and scholar.
As part of his subspecialty training, Dr Chin has training in Laser, Da Vinci Robotic, Flex Robotic and complex surgical techniques.
In addition to specialised Head and Neck Cancer, Dr Chin also enjoys general adult and paediatric ENT Surgery and practices sinus, snoring/sleep and general paediatric ENT Surgical procedures.
Dr Ronald Chin works as a general Otolaryngologist, offering a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments including ear surgery, nose surgery and throat surgery. He provides treatment for chronic conditions such as tonsillitis, sinus problems and problems with hearing.
He is also involved in the diagnosis and treatment of many conditions such as facial paralysis, head and neck cancer and sleep apnea. As well as performing surgery on children, he also provides specialist care for adults, including the treatment of throat disorders, voice loss and ear problems.
Dr Chin has also served as a Conjoint Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a Conjoint Associate Professor at Western Sydney University and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney.
