Persistent Swelling in Lymph Nodes for 3 Weeks
Hello everyone! I’d like to share my situation. I am a 30-year-old female dealing with Crohn's disease, asthma, seasonal allergies, and anxiety. Current Medications: I’m scheduled for Inflectra infusions (which I've missed for the last 4 weeks), am currently taking Augmentin (started yesterday), and Budesonide (initiated on Monday for a Crohn’s flare). I also take Zoloft, Nortriptyline, and Tylenol, as NSAIDs are not an option due to my Crohn’s condition. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing swollen lymph nodes, particularly one that has grown quite large in my jaw and neck area. On June 30th, I consulted with a nurse practitioner at my general practitioner’s office, who prescribed Azithromycin for what was deemed a bacterial upper respiratory infection, along with a complete blood count (CBC) test. While my white blood cells were at the high end of normal, I have a history of anemia. My respiratory symptoms have shown some improvement thanks to the antibiotics, leading to slight reduction in lymph node swelling; however, I still feel quite unwell. Throughout this ordeal, my gastroenterologist postponed my Inflectra infusion. After finishing the antibiotics and with continued swelling in my lymph nodes and no significant improvement in my well-being, they requested a CBC and advised me to follow up with my GP. This time, my white blood cell count has increased, and anemia has worsened. After navigating various steps, I returned to my GP. The nurse practitioner there seemed unconcerned about my elevated white blood cells or the lymph node size, attributing these developments to my allergies. She prescribed Augmentin as a precaution against lingering infection and mentioned that the lymph nodes should gradually diminish in size over the next 4 to 6 weeks. She also gave me the green light to proceed with my infusion, which was a relief. However, I woke up today after taking two doses of Augmentin and noticed that my most troublesome lymph node is significantly swollen again. Throughout the day, I’ve felt relatively unwell, which is manageable for someone like me who often deals with discomfort. As hours went by, the lymph node continued to enlarge, becoming hot to the touch and increasingly painful when swallowing. My primary concern is, when does the size of a lymph node become alarming? This particular one is becoming quite concerning. I will share photos of the lymph nodes in the comments for reference.
Answers (1)
7/12/2025, 6:50:33 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: Persistent swelling and pain in your lymph nodes, especially when worsening and accompanied by other symptoms, should be monitored closely. Given your complex medical history, it’s essential to pay attention to warning signs and possibly adjust your care.
Explanation: Lymph nodes swell for various reasons, often in response to infections or inflammation. While it's common for nodes to swell during infections (like the respiratory issues you've had), they should generally decrease in size as you improve. Since the lymph node has become increasingly swollen, painful, and warm to the touch, this is worth further attention, especially in light of your recent history of infections and Crohn's disease.
While elevated white blood cells can indicate infection or inflammation, your overall health and the physical state of the lymph nodes matter significantly. You should feel reassured that it's okay to seek clarity regarding your symptoms, especially when experiencing pain and significant changes.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your lymph node size, any changes in pain, and overall feelings of ill health (like fever, night sweats, or significant changes in energy).
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Hydration and Nutrition: Focus on staying well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your immune function.
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Follow Up ASAP: Given the worsening of your symptoms, particularly the swelling and pain in the lymph node, request a more urgent follow-up consultation with your GP or a specialist (such as a hematologist or an infectious disease expert), explaining the escalation of your symptoms.
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Compile Information: Prepare a summary of your symptoms, medications, and any previous tests or treatments you've received to present during your visit.
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Avoid Irritants: Since you have asthma, ensure you are avoiding respiratory irritants and allergens as much as possible, which might worsen your overall condition.
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Consider Pain Relief: While avoiding NSAIDs, using Tylenol for pain management could help with discomfort until you can discuss with your healthcare provider about other options.
If symptoms escalate further or new concerning symptoms arise (like difficulty breathing, fever, or persistent high pain), it may be necessary to seek immediate medical attention. Your well-being is the priority, and being proactive in addressing these concerns is vital. Let me know if you have questions about any specific steps or concerns!
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