How can you reduce swollen glands?

Question

Is there anyway to reduce swollen glands, other than medication?

My brother has mono and they are huge...if they continue growing he says he doesnt think he will be able to breathe.

Answer 1

If his glands are that swollen, it is probably very painful to swallow. To relieve that, dissolve one or two aspirin in a teaspoon or less of water, and have him gargle with it and spit it out so he can do it again when he wants relief to be able to eat or drink without much pain.
This does not answer you question of how to reduce the swelling, but it will reduce the pain temporally.

Answer 2

There is no way to reduce swollen glands. It is your body fighting an infection, not necessarily bacterial. Glands are very often swollen with a viral infections...like a cold, or mono. Antibiotics will only help a bacterial infection, so in many cases, they will not shrink the glands either. Sometimes, a gland will stay permanantly enlarged and as long as it's not getting larger is typically not a problem. If you notice a lump that does not go away, and especially if it is getting larger or changing in anyway, you should check with your doctor.

Answer 3

Just let them do their thing - they're swollen for a biological reason, and performing an immunological function. Leave them be.

Answer 4

Time may take care of this. If not, get checked by your doctor.

Answer 5

ICE CREAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (yum)