Painful lymph nodes
Usually a swollen lymph gland is due to infection caused by bacteria or virus. Less commonly, it is caused by immune disorder or cancer. Swollen lymph nodes caused by a virus may return to normal after the viral infection resolves. Antibiotics are useful to treat bacterial infections.
Here are few tips for painful lymph nodes:
- Apply warm, wet compress by dipping a washcloth in hot water and wrung out to the affected area.
- Take pain killers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol), may help alleviate pain and fever.
- Get adequate rest.