Remedies for Swollen Glands and a Sore Throat
Swollen lymph nodes, commonly referred to as swollen glands, are located in various areas of the body 1. The most common complaint of swollen glands are related to those located on either side of the neck. Inflammation of the neck glands is typically caused by an infection or virus such as a cold. Swollen glands in the neck often accompany a sore throat 2. A sore throat, formally known as pharyngitis, is generally caused by a virus 2. Treatment of swollen glands or a sore throat varies according to the identified cause 2.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are prescribed to treat swollen glands or a sore throat when a diagnosis confirms that inflammation has been caused by a bacterial infection 2. Viruses do not respond to antibiotics and so they wouldn’t be prescribed for a cold-related irritation in the glands or throat.
Pain Relievers
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Whether the cause is bacterial or viral, a patient’s physician may recommend that a patient take an over-the-counter pain reliever to treat pain and help reduce the inflammation. NSAIDs--non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs--are a commonly available over-the-counter pain reliever that is safe for general use. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are NSAIDs. Aspirin can help to reduce inflammation but should only be taken if the patient’s physician recommends it. Patients should ask their physician what dosages are appropriate, as they can be different than that provided on medication’s package.
- Whether the cause is bacterial or viral, a patient’s physician may recommend that a patient take an over-the-counter pain reliever to treat pain and help reduce the inflammation.
- Aspirin can help to reduce inflammation but should only be taken if the patient’s physician recommends it.
Fluids
It is important to increase fluids to reduce the stress on the glands and throat. If symptoms are being caused by a virus, increasing fluids keeps the body hydrated as it works to fight off the virus. The Mayo Clinic advises that drinking water, juice, warm tea or soup can be helpful when increasing fluid intake 2. Patients should avoid alcohol and caffeine because they can further irritate the glands and throat and cause dehydration.
- It is important to increase fluids to reduce the stress on the glands and throat.
Warm Compresses
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Applying warm compresses to the glands near the throat and neck can help reduce soreness. A warm compress can be created by saturating a clean towel with warm water. Squeeze out the excess water and apply the towel to the glands on either side of the neck. Hold for approximately 10 minutes or until the towel cools off. Repeat as often as necessary or until symptoms subside.
- Applying warm compresses to the glands near the throat and neck can help reduce soreness.
- Squeeze out the excess water and apply the towel to the glands on either side of the neck.
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic: Swollen Lymph Nodes
- Mayo Clinic: Sore Throat
- Omaña-cepeda C, Martínez-valverde A, Del mar sabater-recolons M, Jané-salas E, Marí-roig A, López-lópez J. A literature review and case report of hand, foot and mouth disease in an immunocompetent adult. BMC Res Notes. 2016;9:165. doi:10.1186/s13104-016-1973-y
- American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery. Sore Throats. Updated August 2018.
- American Academy of Pediatrics. When a Sore Throat is a More Serious Infection. Updated June 5, 2018
- American Academy of Family Physicians. Sore Throat Overview. Updated August 2018.
Writer Bio
Shemiah Williams has been writing for various websites since 2009 and also writes for "Parle Magazine." She holds a bachelor's degree in business and technology and a master's degree in clinical psychology. Williams serves as a subject matter expert in many areas of health, relationships and professional development.