Allergies causing swollen lymph node?

[aliger]

I've had a swollen lymph node on the left side of my neck for several years now.  It is mostly painless (only hurts when I press hard) and it seems to be fixed.  It basically feels the way my neck nodes always get when I have a bad cold, only without the pain.  The node doesn't seem to get bigger or smaller.  It's located behind my jaw and below my ear.  My old doctor was aware of this, but never really pursued the issue.  I didn't think it was a cause for concern until recently.  I was told that the node could be swollen due to allergies.  I have constant sinus congestion, frequently with post-nasal drip, and I typically get two nasty colds (or sinus infections) each year.  When I do get sick, the left node is always the most swollen and most painful.

Does anyone else have a node that has stayed swollen due to allergies?  I have made an appointment with a new doctor and I will have him check this out, but in the mean time I'm freaking myself out thinking about lymphoma (even though I don't have any other symptoms that would indicate that).

[Stevey85]

I know this was from almost three years ago, but from my experience I want to help put peoples minds at rest who are recently reading this.

I'm in almost the exact same boat. For the past 5 months I've had a swollen lymph node at the base of my neck just behind my left ear. When the lymph node enlarged I went straight to the doctors without hesitation (trust me this is the best thing you can do even if you think it's nothing) due to the high levels of cancer in my family. I was told it was probably a reaction to a recent cold and would shrink in a couple of weeks.

Well a month went by and it was still there, during this time I noticed an increased nasal discharge, blocked nose and strangely an influx in spots inside my nose. I did press the issue and saw two more doctors and had blood tests before I eventually saw an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist. The ENT's instant reaction was that it was a reactive lymph node (due to my lack any other symptoms), I did stress my concern with it to him who referred me for an ultra sound (basically he explained to me that they would do an ultra sound before even considering a biopsy) so they could take a further look.

The results of the ultra sound were that everything looked normal and I was told that no further action was required, but keep an eye on it and if starts to enlarge or I start noticing additional symptoms get back in touch asap. I have since seen another doctor about my nasal discharge and blocking (due to some discomfort with it) and I've been put on a steroid nasal spray and antihistamines. I was also asked to keep a journal of when my nose becomes blocked or when it gets really runny as to help identify what possibly is causing it.

I was worrying myself sick (mainly due to my family's history), but what I have learnt from it is if you are worrying GO SEE A DOCTOR AND GET OFF THE INTERNET! The internet is the best way to scare monger yourself into thinking you're going to die. You read something and instantly think "OH MY GOD, I THINK I HAVE THAT!" which is probably complete nonsense. That and life is too short, don't waste your life worrying, just go enjoy your life and share it with your friends and family.

I hope this helps someone!
All the best!

[gonetilnovember]

So did u ever find out what it was?? Was it just allergies?

[T6000]

Wow, way to much for a young person. What the heck, check out , read about nematode therapy. Hope something helps.

[enf1945]

Hi hope you are well but what ever happened ?
did you get further tests ?

thanks

[Rgraves]

I have fibromyalgia and anxiety disorder but a lot of my "side affects" from those hav e gone away because I pinpointed a trigger. It is perfume. I was wearing it everyday and I havent now for about 2 1/2 weeks and my lymph nodes no longer feel swollen or tender, my head doesnt hurt and the anxiety when I get in my car and drive is gone. I used to put on perfume before I left the house and then all these side effects kept happening for years and it was the perfume all along. I am very sensitive to other things as well but the perfume was #1.

If even just you r lymph nodes are feeling swollen almost daily, stop wearing perfume and see if it gets better. Also, any perfumed or scented moisturizers, body wash..

[pxguitar]

Take Burdock Root 3x daily and your swollen lymph nodes will usually go away.

[Roxie0113]

have you ever figured out what was causing this? i feel the same way like blood flow is restricted by enlarged lymph nodes