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Child Behavior (Expert Forum)
swollen Lymph Glands
This forum is for questions and support regarding child behavior issues such: Child Discipline (behavior management), Normal Child Development, Parent-Child Communications, Social Development
swollen Lymph Glands
by Dougie Macfarlane, Nov 07, 1999 12:00AM
Hi, my two year old son has had swollen lymph glands for a year now , he's had x rays and bloods taken but they are still there, my wife and I are both still very concerned about this as they definately aren't going away, if anything they look worse!
Each time we mention to the doc he assures us there is nothing to worry about but we still do , please please help
Dougie and Heidi
Each time we mention to the doc he assures us there is nothing to worry about but we still do , please please help
Dougie and Heidi
Doctor's Answer
by HVM M.D. - EV, Nov 07, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Macfarlane-
Thank you for your question.
It can be very upsetting as a parent to follow your child's swollen glands. But I can assure you that in most cases, swollen glands represent a normal, healthy body response to either infection or inflammation. Lypmh glands (or nodes) are the body's filter system which become enlarged when there is any kind of an insult - like a cold or other illness, or, an insect bite or other local irritation. We call these nodes "reactive nodes" - and often end up following them for months. We watch them get smaller, and then sometimes get bigger.
As long as your child is healthy - and his blood work is normal - then, probably these nodes do represent a normal response. I would suggest a screen for tuberculosis - just to rule that out - and maybe, repeat bloodwork if it has been months since last done. Ultimately, your child's doctor who has the best perspective, medically speaking, since he/she sees your child physically over time. Perhaps - if you feel strongly, a second opinion from another Pediatrician, or even from a Pediatric surgeon, would reassure you that all is really well.
Again, most swollen lymph nodes/glands do represent a normal process and reflect a normal functioning immune system.
Hope this helps -- Dr. EV
Thank you for your question.
It can be very upsetting as a parent to follow your child's swollen glands. But I can assure you that in most cases, swollen glands represent a normal, healthy body response to either infection or inflammation. Lypmh glands (or nodes) are the body's filter system which become enlarged when there is any kind of an insult - like a cold or other illness, or, an insect bite or other local irritation. We call these nodes "reactive nodes" - and often end up following them for months. We watch them get smaller, and then sometimes get bigger.
As long as your child is healthy - and his blood work is normal - then, probably these nodes do represent a normal response. I would suggest a screen for tuberculosis - just to rule that out - and maybe, repeat bloodwork if it has been months since last done. Ultimately, your child's doctor who has the best perspective, medically speaking, since he/she sees your child physically over time. Perhaps - if you feel strongly, a second opinion from another Pediatrician, or even from a Pediatric surgeon, would reassure you that all is really well.
Again, most swollen lymph nodes/glands do represent a normal process and reflect a normal functioning immune system.
Hope this helps -- Dr. EV
Member Comments (2)
by Erin, Nov 11, 1999 12:00AM
I wouldn't worry. I had a similar experience just over a year ago. I'd had a bunch of minor illnesses, and a major one, and had become a little 'jumpy' about my health. I noticed a swollen gland in my neck that was painful and wasn't going down. I talked to my doctor, and I too received blood tests to try to pinpoint the cause. Everything was normal, and the gland eventually went back to normal size. It swells slightly in winter, whether I have a cold or not, and my Dr. thinks it may be an irritation, or an immune reaction to a virus.
