Are you wondering about swollen lymph nodes and lupus? It's a really common symptom, so you're definitely not alone in dealing with this.
Swollen lymph nodes (also called lymphadenopathy) happen because lupus causes your immune system to go into overdrive, mistakenly attacking healthy tissue. This triggers inflammation, and Show Full Answer
Are you wondering about swollen lymph nodes and lupus? It's a really common symptom, so you're definitely not alone in dealing with this.
Swollen lymph nodes (also called lymphadenopathy) happen because lupus causes your immune system to go into overdrive, mistakenly attacking healthy tissue. This triggers inflammation, and your lymph nodes swell as your body tries to respond to what it thinks is a threat.
You might notice swelling in areas like:
- Neck
- Under the chin
- Armpits
- Groin
- Behind the ears Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign that lupus is flaring. As one MyLupusTeam member put it, "I get them when I'm flaring or coming down with something."
To ease discomfort at home, a warm compress or heating pad on the affected area can help. Managing stress also matters — another MyLupusTeam member noted that "stress makes it worse." It's important to contact your doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Swelling that doesn't improve after a few weeks or gets worse
- Lymph nodes that are red, hard, or painful to touch
- Swelling accompanied by fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss
As one MyLupusTeam member wisely said, "Swollen lymph nodes can be nothing to worry about, or they can be big things to worry about" — so always keep your healthcare team in the loop about new or worsening symptoms.
June 25
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