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Common Conditions We Treat at Vitality Urgent Care

Condition icon: General
Swollen Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are small glands that filter germs and help fight infection. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are most often a sign your body is fighting a cold, sore throat, or ear infection. Most shrink back to normal within 2 to 4 weeks.

What Is It

Lymph nodes are found in the neck, under the jaw, in the armpits, and in the groin. They swell when nearby tissue is infected. Common causes include colds, strep throat, mono, ear infections, tooth infections, and skin infections. Rarely, a node that keeps growing has a more serious cause.

Symptoms

  • Tender, pea sized lumps in the neck or under the jaw
  • Swelling on one or both sides
  • Pain when turning the head or swallowing
  • Sore throat, runny nose, or ear pain
  • Fever with an infection
  • Swollen nodes in the armpit or groin with a nearby infection

Not sure what is causing it? Swollen neck nodes with a sore throat and fever may be strep throat. Swollen nodes with deep tiredness may be mono.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider examines the nodes and looks for the infection causing them. Testing for strep or mono may help. Nodes that are hard, growing, or not going away need follow up.

At home:

  • Rest and drink plenty of fluids
  • Use a warm compress on tender nodes
  • Use over the counter pain relievers as directed
  • Watch the size of the node over 2 weeks

Swollen lymph nodes from an infection usually shrink within 2 to 4 weeks.

When to Get Care for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Most swollen lymph nodes can be cared for at home. If you are not sure what it is, or it is not getting better, Vitality Urgent Care is here to answer your questions and advise the right treatment. No appointment is needed.

FAQ

Why are my lymph nodes swollen?

Lymph nodes swell when they are fighting an infection nearby, such as a cold, sore throat, ear infection, or tooth infection.

How long do swollen lymph nodes last?

Swollen lymph nodes from an infection usually shrink within 2 to 4 weeks. A node lasting longer than that should be checked.

When should I worry about a swollen lymph node?

Worry about a swollen lymph node that is hard, does not move, keeps growing, lasts more than 4 weeks, or comes with night sweats or weight loss.

Can stress cause swollen lymph nodes?

Stress does not directly cause swollen lymph nodes, but it can lower your defenses against the infections that do.

Can urgent care check swollen lymph nodes?

Yes, urgent care can check swollen lymph nodes. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can examine the nodes and test for strep or mono. No appointment or referral is needed.

Are swollen lymph nodes contagious?

Swollen lymph nodes are not contagious, but the infection causing them, like a cold or strep, may be.

Last reviewed October 2026

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