Please consult your health care provider regarding your allergies and in particular any swollen lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of a serious illness, including malignancies and therefore should be addressed by your provider. Do not treat swollen lymph nodes with supplements or other products unless approved by your health care provider. Swollen lymph nodes can be uncomfortable and sometimes worrisome. They’re usually tied to infections, but did you know allergies can also trigger it? Although rare, allergies can sometimes cause lymph nodes to swell, making it important to understand this connection. The question is: What’s the relationship between allergies and swollen lymph nodes?

Role of Lymph Nodes in the Immune System

Lymph nodes, small bean-shaped glands, sit throughout your body, with noticeable clusters in your neck, armpits, and groin. They trap harmful invaders like bacteria, viruses, and allergens, helping to keep you healthy and acting as the body’s safety net. These connect through lymphatic vessels, working to filter lymph fluid, and this very fluid carries white blood cells, proteins, and other components that strengthen your immunity. What happens when lymph nodes swell? It’s often a sign that the body is combating an infection or responding to another immune challenge. While infections are the most frequent cause of swelling, allergic reactions can also play a role by triggering the immune system. (more…)