Swollen glands

Sometimes swollen lymph glands can have a more serious cause and may need to be seen by a doctor.

Phone 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if: You have swollen glands and you: are finding it very difficult to swallow have difficulty breathing

Speak to your GP practice if: You have swollen glands and: they’re getting bigger they’ve not gone down within 1 week they feel hard or do not move when you press them you’re having night sweats or have a very high temperature (you feel hot and shivery) you have no other signs of illness or infection you have swollen lymph glands just above or below your collar bone (the bone that runs from your breastbone to each of your shoulders)


Phone 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if: You have swollen glands and you: are finding it very difficult to swallow have difficulty breathing

Speak to your GP practice if: You have swollen glands and: they’re getting bigger they’ve not gone down within 1 week they feel hard or do not move when you press them you’re having night sweats or have a very high temperature (you feel hot and shivery) you have no other signs of illness or infection you have swollen lymph glands just above or below your collar bone (the bone that runs from your breastbone to each of your shoulders)

Symptoms

These infections usually clear up on their own and the swollen glands will soon go down.

Swollen lymph glands are rarely caused by anything more serious.


Do drink plenty of fluids rest use over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol or ibuprofen