What is cervical adenitis?

Cervical adenitis is an infection of a lymph node in the neck. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs. They are part of the lymph system and can be found in groups or just one by itself. The lymph system is part of your body’s system for fighting infection. The lymph system consists of lymph nodes that store blood cells (lymphocytes) to fight infection and vessels that carry fluid, nutrients, and wastes between your body and your bloodstream.

Another term for this infection is cervical lymphadenitis.

What is the cause?

Bacteria or viruses in the nose, tonsils, or adenoids can spread to the lymph nodes and cause an infection. Bacteria may also spread from an infected tooth or from an infection in another part of the body.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling and tenderness of one or more lymph nodes
• Sore or red skin in the area of the affected lymph nodes
• Pain when you swallow
• Pain when you move your neck

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You will have blood tests to look for signs of infection, including mononucleosis. You may have swabs of your tonsils or throat. If the node is very swollen or you have severe pain, you may have:

• An ultrasound, which uses sound waves to show pictures of the lymph nodes
• CT scan, which uses X-rays and a computer to show detailed pictures of the neck

How is it treated?

Lymph node infections caused by bacteria can be treated with antibiotic medicine. More severe infections may need to be treated with IV antibiotics in the hospital. Sometimes, if the infection becomes an abscess and is full of pus, the infection will need to be opened and drained.

If there is so much swelling that the infection is pressing on your throat or windpipe, you may need to stay in the hospital until the swelling has gone down.

How can I take care of myself?

• Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever or pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may cause stomach bleeding and other problems. These risks increase with age. Read the label and take as directed. Unless recommended by your healthcare provider, do not take this medicine for more than 10 days for any reason.
• If your healthcare provider outlined the lymph node with a pen, tell your provider if the size of the lymph node or redness is growing beyond the markings.
• If the infection was drained, follow your provider’s instructions for taking care of the wound.
• Ask your healthcare provider:
  • How and when you will hear your test results
  • How long it will take to recover
  • If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
  • How to take care of yourself at home
  • What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
• Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.