Understanding Enlarged Lymph Nodes in a Toddler
My son is currently 20 months old, weighs 13 kg, and we live in the UK. He isn't taking any medication right now but has received two rounds of antibiotics since January 28th. Just two days ago, while I was changing his diaper, I observed that his lymph nodes were swollen. We consulted with a physician yesterday, who discovered that he also has enlarged nodes in his neck. Both the cervical and groin lymph nodes are movable and do not seem to cause him any discomfort, as he did not cry or show signs of pain during the examination. The doctor reassured us that the nodes are not firm or excessively enlarged. She advised us to keep an eye on them for the next two weeks. The doctor noted that it is quite common for children to have enlarged lymph nodes, particularly after an infection. My son attends nursery, and nearly a month ago, he had a rash resembling that of hand, foot, and mouth disease. Approximately two weeks prior to this observation, he was treated with antibiotics for a respiratory infection, but since the infection did not resolve completely, he was given an additional antibiotic after five days. He finished this course last Sunday, but he still has a lingering cough and a runny nose. While I understand the importance of monitoring his condition over the next two weeks, I am concerned that he might contract another illness at nursery during this period. This will make it difficult for me to determine if the lymph nodes are increasing or decreasing in size or simply reacting to a new infection. Has anyone else experienced this with their children? My search online hasn’t provided any clarity—if anything, it has added to my worries. Today, I plan to seek a second opinion from another doctor. Please share if any of your children have had swollen lymph nodes in multiple areas at once. Best wishes to all,
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 1:10:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about your son's swollen lymph nodes, especially given his recent infections and the recent observations. Enlarged lymph nodes are quite common in children, especially after illnesses. Here’s a summary of what to consider and what steps you can take.
Summary of Key Points
- Enlarged lymph nodes often follow infections in children and can be a normal response.
- Monitoring is essential, but clear guidelines can help you differentiate between normal enlargement and a cause for concern.
Explanation
Lymph nodes can become swollen as they respond to infections or inflammation. In young children, this is often due to viral illnesses, such as those similar to hand, foot, and mouth disease, or bacterial infections. Since your son recently had respiratory infections and other symptoms, his lymph nodes may still be reactive. The fact that they are movable, not painful, and not excessively enlarged is reassuring.
Next Steps
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Continue Monitoring: Keep an eye on the size of the lymph nodes over the next two weeks:
- Check Daily: Look for changes in size or any new symptoms (fever, rash, irritability).
- Note Any Patterns: Pay attention to whether they seem to shrink or grow in relation to any new illnesses he may catch.
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Document Symptoms: Consider keeping a diary of his symptoms, noting any other illnesses he may get from nursery. This can help you and the doctors better understand his condition.
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Focus on Comfort: Ensure he stays hydrated and comfortable, especially if he has a lingering cough or runny nose. Warm fluids can be soothing.
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Follow Up with the Second Opinion: Since you're seeking a second opinion, prepare a list of your concerns and any observations you've made. This can help the doctor gauge the situation more effectively.
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Communicate with Nursery: Inform his nursery about his enlarged lymph nodes and any lingering cough to see if there are specific precautions you should take regarding new exposures during this time. They might also suggest ways to reduce the risk of illness.
Reassurance
It’s common for worries to escalate when we seek answers online, as information can often feel contradictory. Many parents experience similar situations with their children, and it sounds like your son is under good care and monitoring.
If you notice any worsening symptoms, such as persistent fever, unusual behavior, or significant changes in the swollen lymph nodes (e.g., becoming hard), it’s essential to seek medical advice sooner. If you feel uncertain at any point, always trust your instincts as a parent.
Best wishes to you and your son during this time!
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