Swollen Neck Lymph Nodes: How to Care for Your Child

Lymph nodes in the neck can swell when the body is fighting an illness, such as a sore throat or cold. The swelling goes down as a child gets better, and the lymph nodes usually are back to normal after a week or so.

• Give your child any medicine as directed by your health care provider.

• You can give medicine for pain if your health care provider says it's OK. Use these medicines exactly as directed:

  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)OR 

  • ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand). Do not give to babies under 6 months old. 

• Don't give aspirin to your child. It could lead to serious medical problems. 

• Let your child rest as needed.

• Have your child drink plenty of fluids.

• Your child may eat as usual.

• Bring your child to any follow-up appointments as instructed by your health care provider.

• The swollen lymph nodes get bigger or are very painful.

• Your child doesn't improve or gets worse.

• The skin over one or more of the lymph nodes gets red, feels warm, or is painful.

• The lymph nodes are still swollen after 2 weeks.

• Your child has a new or higher fever.

What are lymph nodes? Lymph nodes are very small organs in the neck, armpits, chest, arms, groin, and legs. They help to fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

What causes swollen lymph nodes? Lymph nodes swell when they are fighting an infection. Rarely, nodes get bigger from another health problem or a medicine.

How do health care providers treat swollen lymph nodes? Treatment of swollen lymph nodes depends on the cause. The most common causes are infections with viruses or bacteria. Rest and fluids usually help kids with a viral infection feel better. Antibiotics are prescribed for kids with a bacterial infection (for example, strep throat).