This may have happened to you at some point. When you have a cold, you feel a small lump when you just touch your neck. Or you feel something like a small ball under your armpit. Many people get a little scared at times like this. "What is this?", "Is it cancer?" you think. But in fact, this swelling of the armpits is often a sign that our body's defense system is working well. Let's talk about everything in simple terms today.
What are these bumps called? Why do they swell?
Simply put, these lymph nodes are like little security guards in our bodies. They are part of our lymphatic system . Just like our country has military bases, we have hundreds of these nodes all over our bodies, especially in places like the neck, armpits, and groin. While some of them are just below our skin, most of them are deep inside our bodies.
The main job of these lymph nodes is to filter and purify the lymph fluid that flows through our body's cells. The bacteria and viruses in this fluid are trapped inside these nodes and destroyed. Imagine, when a germ enters our body, the immune cells inside these nodes start a fight. This fight is what causes the lymph nodes to swell. That is, when a lymph node swells, it means that there is a big fight going on there!
What are the symptoms of a swollen ankle?
You may experience several other symptoms along with a swollen ankle. The reason for this is that there is a medical condition that is causing this swelling. Let's take a look at what these symptoms are.
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What are the main causes of swollen ankles?
There can be hundreds of reasons why a swollen ankle can occur. But 99% of the time, it's caused by a simple infection that's not serious and can be cured.
Common causes:
- Viral infections: Common cold, flu, measles, and some throat infections.
- Bacterial infections: Strep throat, ear infection, tooth infection, or skin infection.
- Tonsil swelling: Since tonsils are also a type of lymph node, when they become infected, the tonsils in the neck swell.
Rarely seen serious causes:
These are not seen often, but they are important to be aware of.
- Tuberculosis: An infection that usually affects the lungs.
- Immune system diseases: Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
- HIV/AIDS infection.
- Types of cancer: Conditions such as lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, or leukemia, a cancer of the blood.
Remember, don't panic every time a lump swells up because it's cancer. Most of the time, the cause is a simple infection. But it's best to see a doctor to confirm rather than remain suspicious.
When should we tell a doctor about a swollen nipple?
Most of the time, the warts will shrink back to their original size once the illness is over. But if you have any of the symptoms below, don't waste any time and see your doctor.
- If the lumps suddenly swell and become larger.
- If the lump is hard as a rock to the touch, or does not move when pushed.
- If the swelling does not go down for more than 5 days in children or more than 2-4 weeks in adults.
- If the skin at the swollen area is red, feels hot, or appears to be oozing pus .
- If you are losing weight for no reason.
- If you have a persistent fever or excessive night sweats .
- If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing along with swelling in an arm or groin area.
In such cases, your doctor will examine you and help you find the cause. They may order blood tests, scans (ultrasound, CT scan) etc. Sometimes, if there is any doubt, a biopsy may be done to take a small piece of the swollen lump and examine it.
What remedies can be done at home?
If your doctor examines you and says that this is nothing serious and is caused by a common infection, you can try these things to reduce the pain:
- Warm compress: Soak a clean cloth in warm water and place it on the swollen area for a few minutes. This will help relieve the pain.
- Rest: Getting enough rest gives your body the strength to fight the infection.
- Painkillers: You can use a painkiller like Paracetamol on the advice of your doctor. However, if you are giving aspirin to children or young children, you should definitely ask your doctor.
COVID-19 vaccine and hives
A common problem for many people is the swelling of the armpits after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. This is very common. Since the vaccine stimulates our immune system, swelling of the armpits on the side of the arm where the vaccine was given is a normal reaction. It will get better on its own in a few days or weeks.
Take-Home Message
- Swollen lymph nodes are often a good sign that your body is fighting an infection.
- These are commonly seen in places like the neck, armpits, and groin.
- Swelling, like that caused by a common cold, usually heals on its own once the illness improves.
- However, if the lump is hard like a rock, is growing rapidly, does not go away after a few weeks, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss or night sweats, you should definitely see a doctor.
- Rather than panicking, it's wiser to see a doctor and clear your doubts.
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