10 causes of sore throat with swollen glands

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There are many causes of sore throat and swollen glands. Therefore, when you see unusual signs without finding the cause, you should go to a medical facility for examination and treatment, to avoid possible dangerous complications.

1. Infection facility

Sore throat with swollen glands is very common. Lymph nodes in the neck and elsewhere in the body store white blood cells that filter out germs and respond to infections.
A sore throat and swollen glands often occur together. This is because with a sore throat, the body may be in a sick state and the body's lymph nodes are reacting to these factors.
The nose and throat are one of the main entry sites for germs to enter the body. For that reason, these organs will suffer from frequent mild infections. The body then responds by creating and transmitting information to white blood cells to destroy pathogens. Lymph nodes swell when they are full of white blood cells. The human body has many lymph nodes (600 in total elsewhere in the body). Lymph nodes often swell around any site of illness or injury.
The human throat has three main areas that can be sore, namely:
Tonsillitis: These are numerous masses of lymphatic soft tissue suspended throughout the back of the mouth.

Larynx: Also known as the voice box, the larynx is used for breathing and to prevent foreign objects from entering the windpipe. Throat: This is the passage from the mouth and nose down to the esophagus and windpipe. Usually, a sore throat and swollen lymph nodes (lymph nodes) are not symptoms of something serious. They may just be typical signs of the common cold. However, there are many other potential causes. See and talk to your doctor if you have any of the following signs:
Swollen glands for more than two weeks Swollen glands that come with weight loss Night sweats or fatigue Swollen glands near the collar bone or lower neck.

2. 10 causes of sore throat with swollen glands

2.1. Common cold

The common cold is an infection of the upper respiratory system. Along with a sore throat, a cold can cause:
Runny nose Fever Stuffy nose Cough Children are more likely to catch a cold, but adults can still get it every year. Colds are caused by viruses, so they cannot be cured with antibiotic therapy.
Adults can take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat symptoms, but most cold medicines are not safe for young children. A cold can become dangerous if you have serious complications such as difficulty swallowing or breathing. See your doctor if a cold makes it hard to breathe or if you have other serious symptoms, such as a real sore throat, sinus pain, or earache.

2.2. Flu

Like a cold, the flu is a common viral respiratory infection. The flu virus is different from the virus that causes the common cold. However, their symptoms are almost the same.
Usually, the flu develops more suddenly and the symptoms are more severe than a cold. Sometimes, antiviral drugs can treat the flu by reducing the activity of the virus, but it usually goes away on its own. Home treatment for the flu usually includes pain relievers, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest. Those most at risk of complications from the flu are young children, the elderly, and anyone with a chronic health condition with a weakened immune system.
If flu symptoms develop and you are at risk of complications, see your doctor immediately. However, very rarely the flu can cause serious and fatal health problems.

2.3. Sore throat

The most common bacterial throat infection is strep throat , also known as Streptococcus pharyngitis. This condition is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pyogenes. Strep throat can be difficult to distinguish from a cold.
If you have a severe sore throat and fever, go to your doctor for an urgent diagnosis and treatment. Strep throat is diagnosed with a swab to check for Streptococcal bacteria. At the same time, to treat strep throat requires the use of antibiotics.

2.4. Ear infections

Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes in the neck and ear infections often occur together. That's because sore throats and stuffy noses can cause or be related to ear infections. Another reason is because the presence of an ear infection can cause the glands to swell and the painful response can spread into the throat and mouth.
Ear infections are common but should be treated by a doctor. The doctor will diagnose if the infection is likely viral or bacterial and prescribe the appropriate treatment for the condition. Ear infections are not usually serious, but severe cases can cause long-term problems such as brain damage and hearing loss.

2.5. Measles

Measles is a contagious viral disease. The disease is more common in children than in adults. Symptoms of the disease include:
Fever Dry cough Sore throat Virus-specific rash Measles is usually prevented with a measles vaccine. However, measles needs to be treated by a doctor, as it can have serious complications.

2.6. Infected teeth

Similar to ear infections, the location and presence of the infection in the teeth can cause a sore throat and swollen glands. The lymph nodes swell in response to the tooth, and you may feel pain throughout your mouth and throat.
When an infected tooth requires urgent medical attention to prevent a serious complication. Especially since oral health is so important to everyday life.

2.7. Tonsillitis

Any inflammation of the tonsils, including caused by a viral or bacterial infection, is called tonsillitis. You have several tonsils and all of these will form a ring around the back of your mouth and upper throat area. The tonsils are lymphatic tissues that are also part of the immune system. Its ingredients react quickly to any germs that enter your nose or mouth.
If the tonsils become so painful or swollen that it is difficult to breathe, get emergency medical help. Viral tonsillitis can often be treated at home with plenty of fluids, rest, and pain relievers. But treating bacterial tonsillitis will require antibiotics.
If the pain persists, or you have a fever, or you suspect you have strep throat, you will need a diagnosis and appropriate treatment from your doctor.

2. 8. Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis is a common infectious disease condition. But it's less contagious than the common cold. It usually occurs in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms of the disease include:
Fatigue Sore throat Inflammation of glands Swollen tonsils Headache Rash A swollen spleen You should see your doctor if this does not improve on its own. Furthermore, the disease can lead to potentially serious complications including spleen or liver problems. Less common complications include problems with the blood, heart, and nervous system.

2.9. Injury

Sometimes a sore throat is not caused by illness, but by trauma. The body's glands can still swell while the body repairs these injuries. Sore throat injuries include:
Voice abuse Use of hot foods Heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Accidents that can damage the throat You should see a doctor if the pain is severe more or have any trouble with your daily life with sore throat.

2.10. Lymphoma or HIV

Rarely, a sore throat and swollen glands are signs of a very serious condition. For example, they can be a symptom of cancer, such as lymphoma, or even a solid cancerous tumor that later spreads to the lymphatic system. Or they could be symptoms of the immunodeficiency virus in people with HIV. However, in specific cases, these symptoms may be consistent with some of the above, and they will be accompanied by other rare symptoms such as night sweats, unexplained weight loss. and other infections.
People with HIV sometimes have recurrent sore throats due to a weakened immune system. Or lymphoma is also a type of cancer that attacks the lymphatic system directly. Either of these cases needs to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. If you have a recurring illness or something just feels uncomfortable see your doctor for prompt treatment.
If there are abnormal signs or persistent swelling of the throat, sore throat, and lymph nodes, you should go to the medical center to examine, perform imaging methods to find the cause and have treatment. timely.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address of many good doctors with expertise and experience in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Especially with modern facilities, medical equipment of international standards, sterile space will bring optimal efficiency to customers.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com