Lymph nodes

[crwstar]

Hello - I am wondering how long I should watch a lymph node that is swollen before seeing a doctor. To date its been about a month that I have had a lymph node swollen in my neck. I also have a nose that will not heal. It is always mucousy and sore, its has been this way for over a year. Also when I swallow I feel like I have a lump in there and recently have had a harder time breathing. Like making my bed leaves me a bit winded or even talking. I don't have any green mucous or anthing like that. And have not been sick with a cold or anything. I also have a lump in my chest just below my collar bone that's been present for about 3 weeks. I have been putting heat and ice on the lump on my chest and taking ibuprofen but it has not gone down.

Thanks for any responses.

[crwstar]

Thanks for your response. You've answered one of my other questions in the past regarding an aneurysm and pituitary tumor I have. Both thankfully, are still small. I seem to be having quite a year ;-)  Hopefully, it will get better.

I will ask my pcp to send me to a ENT.

God bless.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

Considering that you are already having these symptoms for quite sometime and the lymph node has stayed swollen for a month, I believe it is time to have this evaluated by your doctor.

Causes could include chronic infections such as chronic sinusitis or tonsillitis that could keep the draining lymph nodes inflammed for such a long time.  Other more serious causes would include malignancies of the lymph tissues such as the tonsils and other areas of the upper aero tract such as the nasopharynx or the sinuses.

I would suggest that you have yourself evaluated, preferably an ENT.

Regards and God bless.