What is the meaning of swollen glands?

Swollen glands describe an inflammatory swelling of the glands that occurs when our bodies are fighting off an infection or disease. Typically, the swollen gland will subside once the infection has been fought off. “Swollen glands” commonly refer to the swelling of lymph nodes. The two have almost become synonymous.

What swollen glands feel like?

Swollen lymph nodes will feel like soft, round bumps, and they may be the size of a pea or a grape. They might be tender to the touch, which indicates inflammation. In some cases, the lymph nodes will also look larger than usual. Lymph nodes appear in parallel on both sides of the body.

What can cause your glands to swell?

Swollen glands are usually caused by a relatively minor viral or bacterial infection, including:

a cold.
tonsillitis.
glandular fever.
a throat infection.
an ear infection.
a dental abscess.
cellulitis (a skin infection)

Why do glands swell when sick?

The primary function of lymph nodes is to harbor the body’s disease-fighting cells and to filter lymph before it reenters circulation. When you’re sick and your lymph nodes send out disease-fighting cells and compounds, they may become inflamed or painful.

Why do glands swell in neck?

Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses. Rarely, swollen lymph nodes are caused by cancer. Your lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, play a vital role in your body’s ability to fight off infections.

What causes swollen glands under the jaw?

Swollen lymph nodes on the side of the neck or under the jaw: Swollen lymph nodes on the side of the neck or under the jaw are the most common. They may represent an infection around that area, such as a tooth infection or abscess, throat infection, viral illness, or upper respiratory infection.

What causes swollen neck glands?

Lymph nodes swell when an infection occurs in the area where they’re located. For example, the lymph nodes in the neck can become swollen in response to an upper respiratory infection, such as the common cold. Swollen lymph nodes in the head and neck may also be caused by infections such as: ear infection.