We have moved to a new site

Swollen glands are usually a sign the body is fighting an infection. Swollen glands caused by an infection will usually get better by themselves within 1 to 2 weeks.

Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps:

• on each side of the neck
• under the chin
• in the armpits
• around the groin

Glands (known as lymph glands or lymph nodes) swell near an infection to help your body fight it.

Sometimes a gland on just one side of the body swells.

You might also have other symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or high temperature.

Swollen glands should go down within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the cause.

You can help to ease the symptoms by:

• resting
• drinking plenty of fluids (to avoid dehydration)
• taking painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give aspirin to children under 16)

See a GP if:

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

Swollen glands are:

• often caused by common illnesses like colds, tonsillitis and ear or throat infections
• sometimes caused by viral infections such as glandular fever
• rarely caused by anything more serious, like cancer of the blood (leukaemia) or lymph system (lymphoma)

Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.

A GP will be able to recommend treatment depending on the cause, which might include antibiotics (antibiotics do not work on viral infections).