Symptoms and Treatment for Swollen Lymph Node in Cheek

The body’s lymph nodes hold a special function in the body. It contains antibodies that help fight off infection in the body. It is also part of the body’s lymphatic system. When lymph nodes begin to swell, this indicates an infection anywhere in the body. Normally, the lymph nodes nearest the sight of infection swell in response.

When the infection is in the upper respiratory tract, neck, or oral cavity, the lymph nodes in the area tend to swell in response.

Swollen Lymph Node in Cheek

• Lymph nodes are small and appear in clusters all over specific sites of the body.

• One of the most common lymph nodes prone to swelling are the lymph nodes in the neck.

• When lymph nodes swell, the surrounding sights also swell in response.

• Lymph nodes in the neck that swell in response to an infection would cause the surrounding area to swell such as the jaw and the cheeks.

• There are many diseases that can cause lymph nodes to swell including:

  • Bacterial or viral infection such as the common cold or flu

  • Malignancy such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma

  • Auto-immune disorders such as AIDS

  • Thyroid disorders

  • Others

Symptoms Swollen Lymph Node

Swollen lymph glands often present with the following symptoms:

• Swollen glands

• Swollen cheeks

• Fever

• Pain when swallowing

• Pain when chewing

• Tender area over the lymph node

• Redness over the area of the lymph node

Other symptoms would differ depending on the specific infection or disease that’s causing the lymph nodes to swell such as:

• Cough

• Colds

• Lowered immune system

Treatment for Swollen Lymph Node in Cheek

Treatment of swollen lymph nodes and swollen cheeks are aimed in restoring lymph node and cheek size back to normal.

This can be done through the following treatment methods:

• Arriving at the correct diagnosis – the patient must be examined to arrive at the correct diagnosis in order to receive the correct treatment.

• Treating the underlying disease – administration of antibiotic or antivirals.

• Treating discomfort – reducing swelling, pain, redness and tenderness through the administration of anti-inflammatories and analgesics.

• Improving the immune system – strengthening the immune system is important for patients with auto-immune disorders.

• Extensive treatment – for conditions such as cancers, extensive treatments are required such as chemotherapy and radiation.

• Conservative home treatments include:

  • Oral rinses to help reduce cheek swelling.

  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet with lots of vegetables and fruits.

  • Regular exercise to improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

  • Supplementation with vitamins and minerals to help strengthen the body.