The glands under my chin on my neck are really swollen...?

Question

What is wrong with me?
I have been coughing up black stuff and feeling super super exhausted....
I just noticed the swelling today, and it is really swollen on theleft and less so on the right...
any help?
thanks!

Answer 1

The term "swollen glands" refers to enlargement of one or more lymph nodes.

In a child, a node is enlarged if it is larger than one centimeter (0.4 inch) in diameter.



Considerations

Lymph nodes are glands that play an important part in your body's defense against infection. They produce lymph, which travels throughout your body in the lymph system, and filters impurities from the body.


Neck (there is a chain of lymph nodes on either side of the front of the neck, both sides of the neck, and down each side of the back of the neck)

Lymph nodes can become swollen from infection, inflammatory conditions, an abscess, or cancer. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are rare. By far, the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is infection.

When swelling appears suddenly and is painful, it is usually caused by injury or an infection. Enlargement that comes on gradually and painlessly may, in some cases, result from cancer or a tumor.

Common Causes

Infections that commonly cause swollen lymph nodes include mononucleosis, German measles (rubella), tuberculosis, mumps, ear infection, tonsillitis, an abscessed or impacted tooth, gingivitis (swelling of the gums), mouth sores, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Immune or autoimmune disorders that can cause swollen lymph nodes include rheumatoid arthritis and HIV. Cancers that can cause swollen glands include leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Which lymph nodes are swollen depends on the type of problem and the body parts involved. Identifying the location can help determine the possible cause.

Swollen lymph nodes may also be caused by some medications (like phenytoin for seizures) or certain vaccinations (namely, typhoid).

Home Care

Soreness in lymph glands usually disappears in a couple of days without treatment, but the nodes may not return to normal size for several weeks after the infection has cleared. Generally, if glands are painful, it is because they swell rapidly in the early stages of fighting an infection.



Call your doctor if:

Your glands don’t get smaller after several weeks or continue to get larger.
Your swollen glands are red and tender.
Your glands feel hard, irregular, or fixed in place.
You have a fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.
Any node in a child is larger than 1cm in diameter.
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, checking all of your palpable lymph nodes for size, texture, warmth, tenderness, and other features.

Answer 2

The swollen gland in your neck mean you are sick. Not sure what the black stuff is but it sounds bad I'd go to the doctor or to urgent care.

Answer 3

I don't know about the black stuff, but sounds like you need to go to the dr or er even.

Answer 4

black is bad... brown, green or yellow is an infection.. but black im assuming is really bad.. Are you sure its black and not dark brown or deep red like dried blood? besides that it sounds like your lymphnodes are swollen and that means your body is definitley trying to fight off something... i would definitley go to your doctor A.S.A.P

Answer 5

You have strep throat. See a doctor or take antibiotics.