Concerns Regarding Lymph Nodes and Related Symptoms
Greetings, I'm a 25-year-old female experiencing intermittent reactive lymph nodes for several years. Over the last couple of years, I've noticed persistent lymph nodes in the submandibular and carotid areas that have not resolved. While these nodes do not hurt, they have a firmness to them and sometimes induce an unusual sensation, akin to the discomfort of brain freeze—albeit in my neck. I have consulted healthcare professionals about this before, but it has been a while, and I am contemplating whether I should seek another evaluation. One aspect that troubles me is the noticeable swelling on the side of my neck where the lymph nodes are located, which is more pronounced than on the opposite side. Additionally, I struggle with Eustachian tube dysfunction on the same side as the lymph node activity. I’ve attached previous medical reports and a video showcasing my neck. There is a prominent lymph node in the carotid area, accompanied by several smaller nodes that seem to appear and disappear on the side and back of my neck. I'm curious if there is possibly another lymph node near my collarbone or if it is merely muscular tissue. Other symptoms I've been experiencing include: —Persistent fatigue —Leg itchiness, which may be connected to my diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and Raynaud’s phenomenon —Nocturnal sweating; I also deal with low blood sugar levels (I use a glucose monitor), which might be influencing this —Recurrent hives Any insights or advice regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 7:30:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
I appreciate you sharing your experience and the detailed symptoms you are navigating. Your concerns about persistent lymph nodes, noticeable swelling, and accompanying symptoms certainly warrant careful consideration.
Main Points:
- Persistent lymph nodes can indicate various underlying conditions, and their firmness, along with intermittent changes, needs to be assessed.
- Associated symptoms like fatigue, nocturnal sweating, and hives may connect back to immune or systemic issues.
- A follow-up evaluation with a healthcare professional seems like a prudent step.
Explanation: Lymph nodes can react to infections, inflammation, or other medical conditions over time. In your case, the consistent firmness and prolonged presence suggest there's a reason they are larger than usual. The sensations you're experiencing may be due to the lymph nodes themselves or other nearby structures being affected.
Your additional symptoms, such as fatigue, nocturnal sweating, and recurrent hives, could point to underlying conditions that may need further evaluation. Conditions affecting the immune system or metabolic processes—like lupus or thyroid disorders mentioned—can also contribute to persistent lymph node swelling and other symptoms.
Next Steps:
- Schedule a Follow-up: Arrange an appointment with a healthcare professional to reassess your symptoms and lymph node status. Bringing in your previous medical reports may help guide this evaluation.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary over the next few weeks, noting any changes in lymph node size, pain, and the frequency of other symptoms such as fatigue and hives.
- Evaluate Connective Symptoms: Consider keeping track of your blood sugar levels, especially around the times you experience nocturnal sweating and fatigue. This could provide valuable information for your healthcare provider.
- Self-Care Measures:
- Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to help manage energy levels and support overall health.
- Discuss with your healthcare provider how to manage your Eustachian tube dysfunction and any itchy skin concerns, as they may relate to underlying issues.
- Follow Through on Findings: If new lymph nodes appear or existing ones change further, make sure to inform your healthcare provider immediately to facilitate appropriate investigation.
Your proactive approach is commendable, and taking these steps will help you clarify your health status and pursue the right solutions. If you have questions about testing or specific treatments, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Unexplained Symptoms Causing Concern
As a 23-year-old woman, I’ve been experiencing an intermittent pressure sensation in both my forehead and temples. It’s been ongoing for some time now, leaving me with a sense of unease that’s difficult to articulate. I’m currently on medication—lamotrigine and escitalopram—and I haven’t encountered any similar issues before whilst using these prescriptions. Strangely, I occasionally feel pain in my bones. Whether I’m resting or seated, I’ll have a sudden ache in areas that never bothered me previously. All my recent blood tests have come back clear, which adds to my confusion. Overall, I can’t shake the feeling that something feels amiss with my health.
Persistent Lymph Node Swelling Following Cellulitis
Three weeks ago, I experienced cellulitis or something similar in my armpit. It all started with flu-like symptoms which progressed to night sweats, fever, and ultimately led to swollen lymph nodes, a rash, and a visit to the emergency room. Since then, I’ve been prescribed Doxycycline; while the rash has disappeared, the lymph nodes remain swollen. Imaging studies, including a CT scan and ultrasound, have indicated multiple reactive lymph nodes. I can palpate five of them. My armpit feels swollen and painfully tender. Unfortunately, my primary care physician isn't available for an appointment for another four weeks. I’m at a loss, especially since I haven't had a rash in weeks, and I can’t shake the concern that it might be something more serious like lymphoma. I’m definitely feeling quite perplexed about what could be happening with my health.
Facing Ovarian Failure at 29: Seeking Guidance
A 29-year-old woman shares her health journey involving mental health and recent surgeries. She is currently prescribed 150mg Wellbutrin, 150mg Zoloft, and 10mg dexmethylphenidate for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and a Factor III condition. Occasionally, she uses marijuana and consumes alcohol. Her medical history includes significant events: in December 2021, she underwent surgery for ovarian torsion on her left ovary, which involved untwisting the ovary and removing large cysts exceeding 10cm. Fast forward to August 2023, she faced a laparotomy that resulted in the removal of her right ovary and fallopian tube, alongside an enormous ovarian mass measuring 18cm. Prior to the removal of her right ovary, her menstrual cycles were regular and symptomatically normal. However, since the surgery, she has experienced irregular periods, having recorded only 11 in the span from August 2023 to June 2025, with the last one occurring in mid-April 2025. Her cycle lengths have been erratic, fluctuating from 13 to 180 days. Additionally, she has begun to face symptoms such as hot flashes and weight gain around her abdomen. Her gynecologist conducted hormone testing but was perplexed by the results, as they could not correlate them to any phase of her virtually absent menstrual cycle. For reference, her FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) levels were as follows: July 2023 before the second surgery—9.3, September 2024—74.4, and October 2024—60.1. Her estradiol (a form of estrogen) levels were recorded at 176, 15, and 34 during the same intervals. Both her gynecologist and primary care physician expressed concern regarding the adverse effects associated with low estrogen levels and irregular menstruation. Consequently, her gynecologist referred her to an endocrinologist, indicating a lack of experience in initiating hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for patients under 30. During her recent visit with the endocrinologist, she was informed that she is effectively experiencing a peri-menopausal state. Unfortunately, no treatment options could be explored until she has not had a period for a full year. The endocrinologist merely suggested reaching out to her primary care physician should her menstrual cycle cease for twelve months, without establishing any further follow-up appointments. This left her feeling taken aback, especially considering the urgency expressed by her gynecologist and PCP; she is now questioning whether this is typical practice and whether seeking a second opinion would be advisable. She hopes to gain insight from others who might have faced similar circumstances.
Persistent Ear Issues: Seeking Insight
I’m a 24-year-old female not currently taking any medications or facing other health concerns. About two weeks ago, I began noticing some discomfort in my right ear. Initially, it was fairly mild, and I observed a decrease in my hearing ability. There wasn’t any sensation of blockage or other significant discomfort; it was a subtle issue that I could recognize but didn't interfere with my daily life. However, toward the end of that week, I woke up to find that the situation had significantly worsened. My hearing was considerably diminished, and I experienced episodes of mild disorientation. I went to urgent care for an evaluation. The doctor suggested that my hearing difficulties might be attributed to allergies. She prescribed antibiotic ear drops for some minor irritation she detected, advising them as a precaution. Overall, she concluded that I appeared to be in good health. The following day, I experienced intense vertigo, accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Thankfully, after that bout, my ear troubles seemed to resolve completely. I continued using the ear drops as instructed, just to be on the safe side. However, over the next few days, the symptoms returned intermittently before disappearing again. For the past week, up until now, I’ve felt perfectly normal. Yet, I’m beginning to sense some familiar changes in my ear again. I plan to consult with an ear, nose, and throat specialist, but I’m also reaching out here to see if anyone might have insights on what could be contributing to these recurring issues. I've included some photographs capturing the condition inside my ear from a small camera I purchased. I find the appearance concerning; it seems to look similar to how it appeared during my visit to urgent care (although I didn’t take a picture that day), where I was reassured it wasn’t anything serious. I appreciate any advice or thoughts you might have!
Recurring Pilonidal Cyst Issues
Greetings, everyone. I'm a 24-year-old male, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 226 pounds, currently facing yet another episode with a Pilonidal Cyst. As I share this, I am contending with my third occurrence of this condition. My initial surgical procedure took place in 2018, and the most recent one was in January of this year. This time around, my recovery involved managing an open wound. I diligently followed all recommended recovery practices, including soaking in sitz baths and maintaining frequent hygiene routines. However, by early April, I began to observe fresh bleeding and suspected pus. At that moment, I didn't think too much of it, considering I was still in a period covered by my insurance and presumed my healing was on track. As days passed, the discomfort intensified, and I noticed a troubling mixture of blood and pus accompanied by a strong, unpleasant odor. This increased my concern about possibly facing another cyst recurrence or an infection of some kind. While drafting this post, I find myself at my office dealing with some challenging symptoms: I've been wearing a pad throughout the day due to ongoing bleeding, which emits a foul smell, and I've endured significant pain. Conversations with my colleagues revealed that many had experienced similar issues and advised me to head to the emergency room for immediate treatment. I'm left wondering if this situation constitutes an emergency, especially since I had surgery for this condition just a few months ago. I'm truly exhausted from this ongoing struggle and yearn to live my life without the constant anxiety surrounding this issue. My previous surgery had given me relief for nearly six years, and while I'm aware that Pilonidal Cysts often recur, I sincerely hope for at least a year of freedom from this distress.