What causes swollen and painful lymph nodes in a child's neck?
Disease description:
Recently, my child has been experiencing neck pain, which might be caused by lymph nodes. What are the possible reasons for swollen and painful neck lymph nodes in children?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Enlarged and painful lymph nodes in a child's neck may be caused by various factors, mainly including:
1. **Infections**: Local inflammations such as acute suppurative tonsillitis, as well as common conditions like upper respiratory tract infections, tonsillitis, measles, and rubella, may allow pathogens to invade the cervical lymph nodes, causing symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain.
2. **Viral Infections**: Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) may cause lymphadenitis, leading to swollen and painful lymph nodes.
3. **Immune Disorders**: Certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis, may also cause cervical lymph node enlargement.
For cases of enlarged and painful lymph nodes in children, parents are advised to seek timely medical attention for thorough examination and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause, and to follow the treatment recommendations of qualified healthcare professionals.
