Lymphatic vessels, or lymph nodes, are part of the body’s immune system. They collect and filter fluid to remove infections from the body.
Reasons for Sore Throat and Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes, especially in the throat area, can swell due to infections or other pathological conditions. Infections that cause swollen lymph nodes can also lead to a sore throat and other symptoms.
1. What Causes a Sore Throat and Swollen Lymph Nodes?
1.1. Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Streptococcal pharyngitis is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), streptococcal pharyngitis accounts for 20-30% of sore throat cases in children and 5-15% in adults.
Streptococcal pharyngitis can cause a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Additionally, patients may experience other symptoms such as fever, pain when swallowing, and pus on the tonsils.
Treatment
For streptococcal pharyngitis, antibiotics can be used to treat and inhibit the spread of bacteria and infection. To alleviate symptoms, patients can gargle with salt water or drink warm liquids.
1.2. Cold or Flu
Colds and the flu are common infections affecting people of all ages. Most cases are resolved quickly, and some individuals with a mild infection and a healthy immune system may recover without treatment.
Colds and flu can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck and a sore throat, but not everyone experiences these symptoms. More common symptoms of colds and flu include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, headaches, fatigue, and mild fever.
Since colds and flu are caused by viruses, antibiotics are ineffective. To relieve sore throat symptoms in these cases, patients can try home remedies such as drinking warm liquids, using honey, gargling with salt water, or using a humidifier.
Colds and flu can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck, though not everyone experiences this symptom (Image: Internet)
1.3. Epiglottitis
Epiglottitis is a serious condition that causes swelling of the epiglottis, leading to difficulty breathing. Children are more likely to experience this condition.
Epiglottitis is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae. This condition can lead to other serious infections, such as pneumonia and meningitis.
Symptoms of epiglottitis may include a sore throat with possible swollen lymph nodes in the neck, fever, wheezing or difficulty breathing, and drooling in children.
Since this is a dangerous condition, patients should seek hospital care for monitoring and treatment. Treatment often includes antibiotics and supportive measures to help the patient breathe more easily.
Epiglottitis is more common in children (Image: Internet).
1.4. Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis is an infectious disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The illness typically develops over 4-6 weeks and presents symptoms such as body aches, fever, rash, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits, swollen tonsils, headaches, and swelling of the liver or spleen (less common).
Currently, there is no specific treatment for mononucleosis. However, patients can adopt supportive home remedies such as:
- Resting
- Drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers
- Avoiding contact sports
1.5. Peritonsillar Abscess
A peritonsillar abscess is often a complication of tonsillitis, usually caused by the bacteria responsible for streptococcal throat infections. This condition involves the accumulation of pus around the tonsils and is relatively uncommon.
The first symptom of a peritonsillar abscess is a sore throat, with additional symptoms possibly including fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, ear pain, drooling, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, and hoarseness.
If left untreated, a peritonsillar abscess can lead to breathing difficulties. The infection may also spread to surrounding areas, such as deeper tissues in the neck.
To treat a peritonsillar abscess, doctors typically prescribe antibiotics. Additionally, patients may require drainage of the abscess using a thin needle to facilitate easier breathing.
1.6. Suppurative Thyroiditis
Suppurative thyroiditis is a rare cause of sore throat and swollen lymph nodes. This condition usually develops in patients with pre-existing thyroid disorders (multinodular goiter or thyroid cancer), congenital defects like pyriform sinus fistula, and immunocompromised states.
Common symptoms of suppurative thyroiditis include fever, neck pain that may radiate to the ears, sudden onset of sore throat, and swelling on one or both sides of the thyroid gland and lower neck.
Suppurative thyroiditis can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. Therefore, patients need to be taken to the hospital promptly.
Treatment includes appropriate antibiotics, abscess drainage, and partial or total thyroidectomy.
Suppurative thyroiditis often develops in patients with pre-existing thyroid diseases (Image: Internet).
1.7. Lymphoma
Rarely, swollen lymph nodes and a sore throat can be symptoms of a serious health issue, such as lymphoma, but this does not mean it cannot happen.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. There are various types, including Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Symptoms of lymphoma include swollen lymph nodes that may be painful or painless in the neck, armpits, or groin; frequent fatigue; fever; chest pain; breathing problems; unexplained weight loss; night sweats; and skin itching.
If experiencing the above symptoms, patients should see a doctor promptly for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
Swollen lymph nodes due to lymphoma may be painful or painless (Image: Internet).
2. When Should You See a Doctor for Sore Throat and Swollen Lymph Nodes?
In general, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes can be caused by many factors. Therefore, if you experience a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes lasting more than 3 days without improvement, you should visit a hospital to determine the underlying cause.
Additionally, patients should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Respiratory issues
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe sore throat
- Swollen lymph nodes near the collarbone or lower neck
It can be said that sore throat and swollen lymph nodes often occur simultaneously. However, in most cases, they are due to pharyngitis or non-dangerous infectious conditions. In some instances, these symptoms may indicate serious health issues. Therefore, individuals should not be complacent but should observe additional symptoms to ensure timely treatment.
