The lymph system forms a vital part of the overall body immune system. Lymph nodes forming part of this system have the important task of carrying the lymph fluids, nutrients and even waste material from the body tissues to the blood stream and back. These are small, glands which resemble the shape of beans and help carry the fluids throughout our body.

Swollen glands in neck, alternatively known as swollen lymph nodes refers to a condition which can be caused due to any injury, any infection or in severe cases due to the tumor which develops near the lymph nodes.

The most common causes of swollen glands include:

• Swelling in glands can be caused due to any infection or tumor which develops near vital organs in the lungs, breasts, neck or even in your abdomen. The glands above your collarbone may swell due to these areas being affected, a condition which targets the supraclavicular lymph nodes.
• An infection in the foot, legs, or genitals can cause a condition which leads to swollen glands commonly affecting the femoral or inguinal lymph nodes.
• Infection being the most common cause can also affect the axillary lymph nodes, which are found in your armpits.

Swollen glands in neck particularly exhibit the following symptoms:

• Generally, swollen glands in the neck are a common sign that your lymph system is not functioning properly. The first signs or symptoms of swollen glands in neck include tenderness and shooting pains in the lymph nodes.
• The swelling is quite noticeable since the size of the bulge resembles that of peas, or kidney beans or sometimes even larger.
• Respiratory infections which affect the swollen glands in the neck can cause a person to experience soreness in the throat, fever, runny nose among few other visible indicators.
• Night sweats are a noticeable indicator of swollen glands in the neck or other areas of the body, which can be caused due to severe conditions like a tumor or other immune disorders. Since the lymph system forms part of the immune system, it is only evident that your body’s ability to fight diseases is compromised due to developing lymph nodes.

The symptoms may be mild or severe, can be persistent or even chronic. Whatever the case may be, it is advisable to seek professional medical help as soon as the symptoms start showing up.