Lymphadenopathy

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If your child has any of the following:

Is pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
Has blue lips or has pauses in their breathing (apnoeas) or has an irregular breathing pattern
Severe difficulty in breathing - too breathless to talk or eat/drink
Has a fit/seizure
Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
Develops a rash that does no disappear with pressure (see the 'Glass Test')

You need urgent help.

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days
Develops pain and redness of the lymph node
Lymph nodes increasing in size - bigger than a 10 pence coin
Unexplained bruising
Losing weight

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today.

Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

If your child:

Continues to have enlarged lymph nodes that are slowly improving but he/she is otherwise healthy
Small lymph nodes may persist for years

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

How can I help my child?

Use painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol to keep your child comfortable - please read and follow the instructions on the medicine container.

Why does your child have enlarged lymph nodes?

It is normal for lymph nodes in your child's neck to be enlarged when they have an infection such as a sore throat. This is your child's normal response to fighting common infections. Antibiotics are not normally required.
Children with severe eczema often have enlarged lymph nodes. This will improve with treatment of your child's eczema.

What should you look out for?

Occasionally, enlarged lymph nodes can become infected. If the lymph node is painful, red and hot, your child will need to see a healthcare professional because they may need treatment with antibiotics.
If your child has been prescribed antibiotics for an infection of their lymph nodes and still has a fever after 2 days, they will need to be seen again.

How long will it take for my child to get better?

Your child should start getting better within a couple of days but their lymph nodes may take 2-4 weeks to improve. Small lymph nodes may persist for years.

LEFT: Painless enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of the neck (bilateral) associated with a sore throat - likely to improve without treatment.

RIGHT: Painful, hot swelling on left side of neck caused by an infected lymph node - requires treatment with antibiotics