OpenHealth Q&A

Concern About Swollen Lymph Nodes and Recent Dental Work

Hello everyone. I just created a new account to maintain some privacy regarding my personal health matters, and I hope that’s alright. To give you some context about my situation: I’m a 30-year-old woman, standing at 5’2” and weighing 110 pounds. My health history includes lupus and a presumed diagnosis of primary hypertension, as the doctors have not identified any other underlying causes. Over the last couple of years, I experienced two spontaneous vertebral dissections, one occurring on the right side and another on the left, with the latter taking place in June. Additionally, I manage ADHD and depression effectively. Currently, my prescriptions include losartan, metoprolol, spironolactone, adderall, bupropion, azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine, and low-dose aspirin. This evening, while preparing for bed, I discovered several swollen lymph nodes across different parts of my body. In total, there are about a dozen. Notably, I found one beneath my left jaw, a cluster of three in the right armpit, two more in the center of that same area, four in the left armpit, one near the left collarbone, and two additional nodes in my neck on the right side. I’m uncertain if there are more nodes since I’m unsure where else to look, apart from my head, neck, and armpits. While they don’t cause any pain, I can provide images if that would be useful. Typically, I would attribute these symptoms to an impending illness, but I’m somewhat anxious because just a week ago, I had several cavities treated on the left side of my mouth. Additionally, I started feeling discomfort in my left ear yesterday. Despite my slight tooth sensitivity, I initially thought the ear pain might stem from that. However, this evening, the earache has intensified, and my jaw on the left side is starting to hurt as well. I'm starting to worry this could indicate a problem with the dental work. I do not have a fever or any visible facial swelling, and my only current symptoms are the moderate ear pain, some lingering tooth sensitivity, and mild jaw discomfort, alongside the swelling of the lymph nodes. Could there be a connection between this situation and my dental work, or is it more probable that I’m coming down with something? Though I am aware that azathioprine suppresses the immune system, my white blood cell count has remained stable throughout my treatment. This is the first time I’ve dealt with so many swollen lymph nodes, and I’m uncertain whether the symptoms are linked or if I might just be getting sick while my teeth heal.

Answers (1)

9/16/2025, 4:21:09 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with several health concerns at the same time, particularly with the swollen lymph nodes, recent dental work, and ear pain. Let’s break this down to understand what might be happening and outline some next steps.

Main Points:

1. Swollen lymph nodes can indicate an infection or inflammation, especially since you recently had dental work.
2. Symptoms like ear pain and jaw discomfort could be linked to either the dental procedure or an upper respiratory infection.
3. Given your history of lupus and current immunosuppressive medication (azathioprine), close monitoring is important.

Explanation:

Swollen lymph nodes can react to various stimuli, including infections or inflammation, which your body may respond to after dental procedures. The discomfort in your ear and jaw, combined with the recent cavities treatment, suggests a possible connection; it's common to experience some swelling in lymph nodes after dental work. Pain in the ear and jaw may also indicate referred pain from a dental source. Additionally, while azathioprine does suppress the immune system, your stable blood cell count is reassuring.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the size of the lymph nodes, symptoms like fever, or worsening pain. This will help determine if the situation is improving or worsening.

2. Self-Care: In the meantime, use warm compresses to help relieve ear and jaw discomfort. Consider over-the-counter pain relief (like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) if you can tolerate them, unless contraindicated by your medications.

3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially warm beverages, to soothe any throat discomfort and help with overall recovery.

4. Dental Follow-Up: Since you’re concerned about the dental work, reach out to your dentist. They can assess if there’s any infection or complication from the treatment. It’s critical to inform them about your symptoms and medical history, as they may need to take additional precautions.

5. Watch for New Symptoms: If you experience additional symptoms like fever, increased swelling, or significant pain, this would be a signal to seek medical care sooner.

I understand this can be a worrying situation, but monitoring your symptoms closely and taking simple self-care steps can help you manage the discomfort. If you need further information or support, feel free to ask.