Swollen Glands

In common parlance, the term swollen glands refers to enlarged lymph nodes. These nodes are nodules of tissue scattered throughout the lymphatic system, the network of channels that transports lymph, a liquid made up of white blood cells, fats, proteins and clear fluid. Numerous disease-fighting white cells cluster in the lymph nodes, filtering potentially harmful agents out of the lymph. When infection occurs, these cells multiply rapidly, causing the nodes to enlarge.

WHAT CAUSES SWOLLEN GLANDS?
All common childhood illnesses can cause swollen glands. Chicken pox, strep throat, measles and ear infections often make the lymph nodes in the neck swell. Such swelling also sometimes develops after administration of the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, especially if the shot is given in the upper arm.

Enlargement of the lymph nodes along the underside of the jaw and chin may be caused by cold sores, facial skin infections and tooth and gum infections. Cat-scratch fever often produces swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits; the nodes in the groin may become enlarged as a result of any infection affecting the buttocks, genitalia, legs or feet. Even a diaper rash or insect bite can cause these nodes to swell. Mononucleosis and Lyme disease cause diffuse lymph node enlargement.

While the vast majority of swollen lymph nodes are caused by infections, in rare instances, lymph node enlargement is a sign of leukemia, lymphoma or other cancer. A hard, immovable and painless swollen node, particularly in the area just above the collar bone, may suggest cancer. Rough, flattened nodes occur in lymphoma and leukemia.

Other uncommon causes of swollen lymph nodes include tuberculosis, infection with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism).

DIAGNOSING SWOLLEN GLANDS
Any time a child is ill some of the lymph nodes may swell. The lymph nodes you are most likely to be able to feel are those located along the side of the neck, on the nape of the neck, behind the ear, in the armpit and in the groin. Lymph nodes along the underside of the jaw, under the chin and in front of the ear may also be large enough to feel, as may nodes just above the collarbone (although this last bundle is least likely to enlarge with common infections).

Lymph-node swelling can occur in several different areas of the body at once, or it can be limited to a certain area. A single swollen node (or group of swollen nodes in a single area) usually means some kind of infection or irritation is nearby. Thus, scalp infections, head lice and tick bites on the scalp can result in enlargement of the nodes at the nape of the neck, while a tooth abcess enlarges the nodes beneath the chin. Bacterial infections may make nearby lymph nodes red and tender, as well as enlarged.

Excerpt from THE DISNEY ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BABY & CHILD CARE, (C)1995 DSH Communications, Inc. This material is based on current medical research and, to the best of the editors' knowledge and understanding, is accurate and valid. However the reader should not use information contained in this material to alter a medically prescribed regimen or as a form of self-treatment, without seeking the advice of a licensed physician.