Lymph Nodes?!


Question: I get a lot of small lymph nodes in my neck, on the sides.
I dont think I am getting sick, but I dont sleep on a normal schedule a lot.

Also, I get stressed a lot...

I dont know if its just been there and I think it goes away or not. Right now, I only have one on the left side of my neck.
But I am just wondering if it is anything to worry about?


Any advice would be great.
Please dont say go to the doctors...I hate going there unless I need too... its too exspensive.


Answers: I get a lot of small lymph nodes in my neck, on the sides.
I dont think I am getting sick, but I dont sleep on a normal schedule a lot.

Also, I get stressed a lot...

I dont know if its just been there and I think it goes away or not. Right now, I only have one on the left side of my neck.
But I am just wondering if it is anything to worry about?


Any advice would be great.
Please dont say go to the doctors...I hate going there unless I need too... its too exspensive.

I hope you do keep the lymph nodes in your neck and elsewhere in your body. Humans have approximately 500-600 lymph nodes in the body. Some lymph nodes appear in clusters, which can be found in the following places: underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen.
As lymph nodes are found throughout your body, they act as filters or traps for foreign particles; they contain white blood cells. Their job is to collect and destroy bacteria and viruses that have entered the body. Whenever your body is fighting an infection, swelling of the lymph nodes will occur. Increased lymphocytes in the blood cause this. Your lymph nodes may feel enlarged due to past infections. The varying size is generally anywhere from a few millimeters to 2 centimeters. The lymph nodes, sometimes incorrectly referred to as lymph glands, most frequently get enlarged or swollen in the following areas: neck, under chin, armpits, and groin.
"Traditionally" speaking, lymph glands of an appropriate size are not palpable or felt as enlarged according to "old textbook belief". However, it is perfectly normal in some individuals for the lymph nodes to remain in an enlarged state when compared to various other individuals. Some people have more severe immune reactions/responses than others and this may be a perfectly normal occurrence for this individual.
It is always best to consider whether or not you have other symptoms that are continual or reoccurring and consult with a physician if you are concerned. Repeated bouts of enlarged lymph nodes may indicate you need further evaluation. A good place to begin, other than your primary care physician, would be an endocrinologist, allergist or immunologist. (Some information a doctor might initially gather from you may include the following: a family history; a personal history and physical; and some basic, detailed blood work-ups such as immunoglobulin assays, and other blood counts. Further testing may become necessary based on these and other findings.) You might want to consider gathering some basic data before your visit. (i.e. Do you have an elevated temperature or does the temperature of your body change at all when your glands swell or when they do not? It is best to keep a record of more than one reading, to be accurate, and keep a record also of the accompanying symptoms at the times/dates you recorded your temperature. Elevated or fluctuating, without elevation, temperature is another symptom of the human body fighting off an infection.) During periods of stress, the immune system can be dysfunctional and give rise to such situations. Stress (good or bad) impacts body health and well-being. Abnormally swollen lymph nodes, anywhere in the body, are sometimes (but not always) a sign of infection; unfortunately, it can also be a sign of something else more serious, especially if this keeps happening to you on a repeated basis. An appropriate amount of rest, a good well-balanced diet, and appropriate intake amounts of clean water are generally good recommendations to maintain a healthy body. Although I am a licensed medical professional (Nurse), please do not substitute this answer for any doctoral care that may be needed. (However, I am not suggesting that you necessarily go to a doctor either.) You may begin to notice, after keeping a daily log of these occurrences, what the underlying cause or common denominator is. if so, you can alter your behavior and solve your problem (maybe, but not a definite answer or solution). See what works for you and your preferences about going to a doctor. I must agree with the doctor's note above for this reason: You are here now seeking medical advice from us; so, you must not be too against seeking medical advice. With the rising cost of healthcare, I can sympathize with not having money to see a doctor, especially a specialist (which I recommended over a general practioner). Having said this, contact your local Family and Children Services or Health Department and see if they can refer you to a free or reduced clinic in your area, or (in the case of the local Health Dept.) schedule you with a doctor or specialist that visits on a scheduled basis. Often clinics and health departments have sliding scale programs to assist those who cannot afford healthcare. You can also do an Internet search in your area or even call a local physician and see if they can refer you somewhere. Best of luck to you in the choices "you" ultimately decide to make regarding your healthcare.

Frankly, love, as a doctor it's hard for me to tell you to just let this go because it may be serious. Your doctor has to know your age, medical history, family history, has to do an extensive physical exam, and I'd help your with this for free if you were around where I live. I'd also need to draw some blood to send to the lab, so I'm sorry but no one can give you a clean bill of health without a real medical exam.





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