Swelling in the neck can occur due to various causes. In general, this condition is not dangerous.Namun to part cases, swelling in the neck can be sign of presence more serious illness.
Do you feel your neck feels heavier and bigger than before? If after a few days it does not subside and is accompanied by other symptoms, you should see a doctor to be aware of the possibility of a more serious illness.
Various Causes of Swelling in the Neck
The following are some of the main possible causes of neck swelling:
Swelling klymph glands
Lymph nodes are glands that contain white blood cells and are part of the immune system that functions to fight infection. These glands may swell several centimeters in response to infection or disease. In addition to the neck, swollen lymph nodes can occur in other parts of the body, such as the armpits.
In cases that are not dangerous, such as flu and sore throat, drinking lots of fluids and taking ibuprofen can usually relieve pain in swollen lymph nodes. In addition to ibuprofen, antibiotics may be recommended if your swollen lymph nodes are caused by a bacterial infection.
If the treatment has been given, but within 1 month the swelling of the lymph nodes does not go away, consult a doctor. Blood tests, a CT scan, or a biopsy may be recommended to detect further abnormalities. Because under certain conditions, swelling in the neck due to swollen lymph nodes can be a symptom of measles, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), tuberculosis (TB), syphilis, HIV, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and even cancer.
goiter
The thyroid gland is shaped like a butterfly, located in the front of the neck just in front of the trachea. A goiter or swelling of the thyroid gland can cause the neck to appear swollen. Goiter generally occurs in women, especially those aged 40 years and over. Treatment will be carried out according to the cause of the goiter.
The causes of an enlarged thyroid gland, among others:
- Hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland.
- Hormonal changes during menopause and pregnancy.
- Iodine deficiency.
- Thyroid cancer
Mumps
Mumps or mumps is a dangerous infectious infection spread by paramyxovirus. Swelling in the neck due to swelling of the salivary glands is the main symptom of this disease. Mumps can be transmitted through splashes of saliva containing the virus, as a result of an infected person sneezing or coughing. The MMR vaccine can prevent this disease.
Diphtheria
Swelling in the neck can also be a symptom of diphtheria. Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that attacks the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Generally symptoms are felt 2-5 days after infection. In addition to swelling in the neck, other symptoms that can be felt include fever, sore throat, weakness, headache, cough, discharge from the nose containing blood or pus, and shortness of breath.
Abscess in mouth
In certain cases, complications can occur due to bacterial infection of the tooth called a tooth abscess. This condition causes purulent swelling under the teeth or in the gums. When the infection spreads to the tissues under the mouth, it can cause the bottom of the mouth and neck to become swollen and red, known as Ludwig's angina. In addition, if not treated immediately, abscesses can also cause:
- Teeth need to be extracted
- Sinusitis
- Osteomyelitis
Cyst
A cyst is a lump that can be filled with fluid, air or pus. Cysts are not malignant, but they can cause pain. Cysts can grow in various areas of the body, including the neck.
Although some conditions of neck swelling are harmless, consult a doctor immediately if swelling in the neck:
- It hasn't deflated in three weeks.
- The size is
- Feels hard and does not move when pressed.
- Accompanied by symptoms of difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Accompanied by a high fever or night sweats for more than 3-4 days.
Treatment for swelling in the neck depends on the cause of the swelling. Check with a doctor to anticipate a more serious cause.