several swollen lymph nodes?

Question

I'm 18 and have been out of school for over a year because I've had unexplained fatigue and dizziness. But along with that I've had several swollen lymphnodes that came and go, but lately I've gotten a lot more, right now I have one behind my neck and one in my inner thigh/groin area, they are quite big and painful. I have a doctors appointment in a couple of days is this something I should bring up or be worrying about?

Answer 1

swollen lymph nodes are a red flag for infection. You must bring this up to your doctor, even if they go away. Call your doctors office first thing tomarrow and ask if you should wait for your appointment, even if its in a day or two, or if you should go to a walk in clinic as soon as possible.

Answer 2

Lymphadenopathy (limf-AD-en-OP-o-thee), or swollen lymph nodes, is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Other causes include allergic reactions, arthritis, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).

When you're fighting an infection, nearby lymph nodes get bigger and become tender. Normally, lymph nodes are less than 1/2 inch across (about the size of your fingernail). But, with an infection, they can swell to 2 or 3 times their usual size. They will slowly return to normal in 2 to 4 weeks, when the infection is gone. The lymph nodes may also feel hard or firm, and may seem misshapen. The skin near a swollen lymph node may feel warm.

Your doctor will treat the cause of the swelling. If you have an infection, you may need to take an antibiotic or an antiviral medication. If your doctor is not sure what is causing the problem, you may need to have the swollen node biopsied. To perform this procedure, your doctor will insert a needle in the lymph node, remove a sample of tissue or fluid, and send the sample to a laboratory.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
Do not poke or squeeze the swollen lymph nodes. This could keep them from returning to normal.
You may take acetaminophen for pain and fever, but do NOT take aspirin or give it to children who have an infection.
Always take your medicine as directed. If you feel it is not helping, call your doctor, but do not stop taking it on your own.
If you are taking antibiotics, finish the entire prescription even if you feel well. Failure to complete the treatment may leave enough bacteria alive to cause another infection.
Putting heat on the swollen nodes may help reduce pain. Use an electric heating pad (set on low) or warm, wet towels.
If you have a sore throat, gargling with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water) or with double-strength tea may provide some relief.
If you have a fever, rest until your temperature returns to normal (98.6 degrees F or 37 degrees C). You may resume normal activity slowly after your fever is gone. Be sure to rest whenever you feel tired.
You may not have much appetite while you are ill, but try to eat as much healthy food as possible. Drink at least 8 soda-can sized glasses of liquids each day, especially while you have a fever.

Call Your Doctor If...
You develop a high temperature.
A swollen node grows to more than 1 to 2 inches across.
A swollen node remains larger than 1/2 inch for more than 1 month.
Your lymph nodes continue to feel tender or get worse.
A swollen node grows more tender to the touch, red streaks develop near it, the overlying skin becomes red, or you develop a rash.

Seek Care Immediately If...
The node interferes with moving your neck, breathing, or swallowing.

Answer 3

Without any doubt you need to bring it up, swollen lymph nodes are caused by infection and some other causes that need a prompt work up, the earlier the better.

Answer 4

you should bring it up! its your heath!