swollen lymph nodes

I am a 36 year old male in excellent health, and non-smoker.  For the past 6 days I have been suffering with usual cold symptoms; congestion, sore throat, cough, and nasal discharge.  I have also had swollen glands in the front and back of my neck.

My internist put me on amoxicilin in case the swollen lymph nodes were due to a bacterial infection, although he said the entire episode is probably viral.

I have been on the amoxicilin for 3 days now, and the lymph nodes are still painful, esp. in the morning.  Advil usually aliviates the pain associated with the nodes.

I have also had some discomfort in both sides of my chest, near, but not exactly in, my armpit area.  I know there are also lymph nodes in that area as well.

Is it usual that the lymph node discomfort would last more than a couple of days with a typical cold virus? or could it be another kind of virus that is affecting the nodes?

Also...although the symptoms are not getting worse, and there is no fever, how much longer should I wait on the lymph node issue before going back to the doctor?

Thank you.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Lymph nodes are most commonly caused by infection, as you are presuming.  Normally they should subside in 1-2 weeks after a course of antibiotics (if bacterial) or when the virus subsides.  

If they persist past several weeks in the abscence of infection, you can consider a blood count as well as a possible biopsy to exclude the possibility of cancer.  

The axillary lymph nodes should be watched closely, since they can be associated with various malignancies.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
http://www.straightfromthedoc.com

[notrealsure]

I have a question? This is kind of embarassing. About a month ago I was on the road for about 4 hours and i was singing the whole time so that i could keep myself awake. I mean i was getting into these songs. Hitting all the high notes and everything. Now the left side of my throat is bothering me and i was wondering if it was my vocal cord or swollen lymph node. Im not real sure where lymph nodes are at in the  throat.

[jaybird82]

I am a 23 year old male in good health, and this morning in the shower I noticed swelling in my left underarm area along with some pain.  It has gradually gotten worse throughout the day, and there is a red bump underneath my left underarm.  I was wondering what this might be, and if the red bump was a symptom associated with the swelling.

                          thanks,
                             jason

[basso]

A related discussion, Brief singing causes swollen neck lymph nodes? was started.