Dr. Lynn Cates
Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.
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 Ask Dr. Cates
Swollen Neck Nodes | | | QUESTION | | | Dear Dr. Cates,
My 11-year-old son has had a swollen lymph node for about three weeks. It is under his jaw and is about 1 inch in size. It is slightly tender to the touch. I took him to see his doctor and she prescribed antibiotics. They were not taken consistently and after 10 days I had to throw the medicine away. He also had some dental work done a few months ago, which I believe was not finished due to the fact that they needed to get an authorization for a root canal. My question is should I take him back to the doctor or to see his dentist? Also, do you believe this is anything more serious?— Buster in El Monte, Ca.U.S. | | | ANSWER |
February 7, 2002 | | | Dear Buster,
As you may know, lymph nodes serve as filters and one of their functions is to help filter out germs and other products of infections from specific parts of the body. In the case of neck nodes, they swell when there is a problem in the mouth. It's hard to tell what is causing your son's swollen lymph node since both dental problems and other infections in the mouth, such as strep throat, can affect neck nodes. As a rule, whenever there are swollen nodes, especially when they are tender, you should look for a source of infection.
I would start with your child's healthcare provider who can give him a thorough exam. If she doesn't find a good reason for the swelling, in light of your son's dental history, he also should be seen by his dentist. Despite the fact that it is a pain in the neck (no pun intended!) to run around to all of these professionals, if your son needs treatment for an infection, it will be easier and quicker to treat it now, than if the problem really gets out of hand. Bear in mind that sometimes the cause is not found and the node goes away on its own, but since often there is a treatable cause, he should be evaluated before just waiting for it to go away.
In the meantime, I have found that sometimes nodes become more tender from rubbing them. It is a natural tendency for anyone with an enlarged lymph node rub it while sitting around in the classroom, watching TV, or doing homework. You might want to suggest to your son that he try to limit his touching the node to one or two times a day (like morning and evening) when he can check and see if it is growing or shrinking. Likewise, despite your own curiosity you also might want to limit the number of times you check it. I hope he gets well soon.— by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P. |
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