Glands

Lymph glands or nodes are normally present all over the body, but are in greater concentration in the neck, under the arm and in the groin. These glands in themselves are not harmful, but are actually beneficial. They can become swollen for many reasons including bacterial infections, strep throat, or viral infections such as colds and "stomach viruses." All children will have glands that can be felt in the neck. When an infection threatens, they enlarge to fight the infection. These glands enlarge quite rapidly, sometimes over a few hours, but may take weeks or even months before they return to normal size.

In unusual situations, these glands may become very large due to infections or other problems related directly to the gland. In these situations, the glands are usually more than a quarter in size and should be evaluated in the office.