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How do I manage swollen and painful lymph nodes beneath the jaws?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 25-year-old female. My height is 5 feet and 3 inches. I do not have any medical problems, and I am only taking oral contraceptives. I have had swollen lymph nodes underneath my jaw for the past year. I originally thought that the cause might be tonsil stones. A month ago, I noticed swelling in my neck and throbbing pain in the lymph nodes under my jaw. I usually drink once a week and experience the pain at work in the middle of the night. I consulted a doctor and was prescribed the tablet Augmentin for ten days. However, I did not notice any change after completing the regimen. I had a CBC done, but it came out negative. I do not have any weight loss issues or night sweats. I thought of consulting an ENT surgeon. What condition is this? Please help.
Answered by Dr. Rathee Rahul

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can very well understand your concern.

You have provided very little information and have not mentioned other important details, which would have helped a great deal in evaluating your clinical history and making a precise diagnosis. The important information required is:

  1. What is the approximate size of the enlarged lymph node? If the size of the lymph node is less than 1 cm, it is not significant, but if the size is greater than 1 cm, it indicates some underlying medical disorder.
  2. Please tell me the approximate number of palpable lymph nodes. Is it a single node that is enlarged or multiple lymph nodes?
  3. What is the consistency of the lymph nodes? Are they soft, rubbery, irregular, hard, or stony hard to feel?
  4. Are the lymph nodes fixed or movable?

The lymph nodes become enlarged in the following conditions:

  1. Infections of the upper respiratory tract, including oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and bronchi by virus or bacteria.
  2. Tonsillitis.
  3. Tuberculosis.
  4. Ear infection
  5. Sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia, herpes, or syphilis.
  6. Infectious mononucleosis.
  7. Cat scratch disease.
  8. Gingivitis.
  9. Tooth infection or abscess.
  10. Measles.
  11. Lupus or sarcoidosis.

I suggest you get the following tests done:

  1. Complete blood count.
  2. CRP (C-reactive protein).
  3. RFT (renal function test).
  4. LFT (liver function test).
  5. Chest X-ray.
  6. Lymph node biopsy.

Answered byDr. Rathee Rahul

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At August 27, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 30, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Rathee Rahul
Dr. Rathee Rahul

General Medicine

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