OpenHealth Q&A

Persistent Swollen Lymph Nodes for Three Months

At the close of 2024, I experienced what I suspect was strep throat, accompanied by typical symptoms such as a sore throat, headache, nausea, chills, and fatigue, along with swollen lymph nodes in my neck. After taking antibiotics, my symptoms alleviated within a couple of days. However, just one week later, I noticed that the lymph nodes in my neck had enlarged again. Initially, I feared I might be coming down with something once more, but no additional symptoms emerged. After conducting some online research, I became anxious about the potential of autoimmune diseases or cancer. I decided to wait roughly a month before consulting a healthcare professional, following advice from various online sources that suggested waiting before seeking help. Since my insurance situation wasn’t well organized, I didn’t have a primary care physician and my regular doctor was located quite far away. As a result, I opted to go to a local urgent care clinic. At this point, schools in my area were closing due to flu outbreaks, resulting in a busy wait at the clinic. Eventually, I was seen by a physician who examined my neck and palpated around my collarbone. He reassured me, indicating that there was nothing to be concerned about. He shared that he himself has experienced swollen lymph nodes during illness spikes without accompanying symptoms, and suggested that I might be experiencing a similar issue. I tested negative for both COVID-19 and mono, and he advised me to watch for any new symptoms or inflammation around my collarbone as indicators for concern. Now, three months later, my lymph nodes remain swollen, leading me to wonder whether this is my new normal. While there’s no pain, it’s quite bothersome. Since the initial bout of what I think might have been strep, I haven’t experienced any symptoms, which has caused me to avoid further doctor visits. I can feel two pairs of swollen lymph nodes beneath my jaw and lower on the sides of my neck, but I haven't noticed any other swollen nodes elsewhere in my body. My health anxiety is heightened as I worry that something could be seriously wrong, so I'm uncertain whether I should return to a doctor, especially given the cost, or heed the urgent care doctor’s advice to remain calm and not stress about it.

Answers (1)

3/26/2025, 2:10:46 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to feel anxious when dealing with persistent swollen lymph nodes, especially after a recent illness. Lymph nodes can remain swollen for a while after an infection, and your experience seems to align with that possibility. However, it’s also important to keep track of changes in your body.

Explanation

Lymph nodes can become swollen in response to infections, inflammation, or other immune system activities. Since you experienced swelling after what you believe was strep throat, it’s not uncommon for lymph nodes to take weeks to return to their normal size. The fact that you have no other symptoms (like pain, fever, or noticeable changes in your overall health) is reassuring, but persistent swelling for three months does warrant further observation.

Next Steps

Here are some prioritized actions you can take:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your lymph nodes. Note any changes such as:

   • Size (are they getting any larger?)
   • Number (are new swollen nodes appearing?)
   • Accompanying symptoms (fever, night sweats, weight loss, etc.)

2. Self-Care Practices:

   • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to support your immune system.
   • Healthy Diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to help your body heal and remain healthy.
   • Stress Management: Consider techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise to help manage anxiety about your health.

3. Routine Check: Given that the swelling has persisted for three months, it might be wise to return to a healthcare provider, even if it’s just for reassurance.

   • Inform them of your anxiety and concerns so they can provide support.
   • Consider seeking out an available primary care physician to build a more regular healthcare relationship.

4. Communication: If you return to the doctor, clearly express your history and concerns. Bring notes on how long the swelling has lasted and any changes or symptoms you’ve noted. This will help the provider understand your situation better.

While it’s important to heed the previous advice of the urgent care physician, it's equally reasonable to seek clarity on your health, especially if there's been no improvement. Taking these steps will help you feel more in control and informed about your health journey.