Fact Checked
A swollen lymph node can be caused by an ear or skin infections. Lymph nodes found behind the ear are parts of the immune system which function for draining and filtering the tissues. They are also called lymph glands that affect the neck and the one found behind the ear are known as the posterior auricular lymph nodes. Lymph nodes produce antibodies that eliminate bacteria, viruses and other elements found in the blood. They absorb and filter them out of the body. This causes the lymph nodes to swell without causing pain.
Causes of swollen lymph nodes
- Infections such as mononucleosis, bacteria in the mouth and fungal infection
- Injury to the area of neck or head
- Autoimmune diseases such as hashimoto’s disease and lupus
- Tooth abscess
- German measles
Tenderness and pain of the affected area when applying pressure. - Cold and flu
- Allergy such as itchy eyes and runny nose
- Sore throat
- Conditions such as tuberculosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, shingles, mouth sores, gingivitis and taking certain medications
Symptoms
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Swelling of multiple lymph nodes in different areas
- Weight loss
- Sore throat or runny nose
- Toothache
- Tenderness and pain of the affected area when applying pressure
- Difficulty with swallowing
- Warmth and redness of the area
Treatment
- Apply warm compress or a wet compress on the affected area. soak a clean washcloth in hot water and wring out excess water. Place the cloth to the area for at least 5-10 minutes several times every day until swelling is totally gone. Heat lessens the swelling, the pain and for proper circulation of blood. Another remedy is washing the swelling area using warm water is also good for the condition.
- Using the fingers, massage the lymph nodes for at least 5 minutes, 2-3 times every day until the swelling subsides. It lessens the buildup of impurities in the nodes and makes them function normally.
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen or acetaminophen to lessen the pain and the inflammations. Avoid giving aspirin to small children or teenagers.
- Salt water gargle lessens the inflammation and the swelling of the area. It lessens the pain and the inflammation in the throat due to infection.
- Take plenty of rest while in the healing stage.
- Honey is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and lessens the swelling and the pain, and antibacterial properties that prevent infections.