Red flags & when to go in person for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Audience: pediatric

Swollen lymph nodes are common in children and often result from infections like colds or ear infections. They usually go away on their own without special treatment. Telemedicine can help assess swollen lymph nodes when symptoms are mild and there are no worrying signs. However, some symptoms may mean your child needs to be seen in person quickly. These include very large or hard lymph nodes, nodes that keep growing, or if your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, or unexplained weight loss. Knowing when to seek in-person care helps keep your child safe and ensures timely treatment if needed. Telemedicine visits can guide you on monitoring your child's condition and when to get further care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Lymph nodes larger than 2 cm, hard, fixed, or very painful — seek in-person evaluation promptly.
• High fever lasting more than 3 days with swollen lymph nodes — get urgent medical care.
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing with swollen lymph nodes — call emergency services or go to emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of swollen lymph nodes when child is otherwise well.
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring palpation of lymph nodes.
• Urgent evaluation of severe symptoms like breathing difficulty or high fever.
• Diagnostic procedures such as blood tests or imaging.

What Are Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands that help your child's body fight infections. When they get swollen, it usually means the body is fighting germs nearby, like in the throat, ears, or skin. Swelling often feels like soft lumps under the skin, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin.

Common Causes in Children

Most swollen lymph nodes in children happen because of common infections such as colds, sore throats, or minor skin infections. Sometimes, allergies or mild immune reactions can cause swelling. These usually improve as the illness gets better.

When to Use Telemedicine for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Telemedicine can be a good first step if your child has swollen lymph nodes but feels well otherwise. A healthcare provider can ask about symptoms, look at visible swelling through video, and help decide if home care is enough or if in-person care is needed.

Red Flags That Need In-Person Care

Seek urgent in-person care if your child has:

How to Care for Swollen Lymph Nodes at Home

Most swollen lymph nodes improve with rest, fluids, and treating any underlying infection. You can use warm compresses on the swollen areas to ease discomfort. Avoid pressing or trying to drain the nodes. Monitor your child's symptoms and follow up with a healthcare provider if things worsen.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of your child’s symptoms and when they started.
• Be ready to show the swollen area on video if possible.
• Note any recent illnesses, injuries, or exposures.
• Prepare to describe your child’s general behavior and appetite.
• Have a thermometer to report current temperature if fever is present.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Watch for any red flag symptoms and seek in-person care if they develop.
• Schedule follow-up visits if recommended.
• Keep a record of any changes in swelling or new symptoms.
• Contact healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve in expected time.

FAQs

Can swollen lymph nodes in children be serious?

Most swollen lymph nodes in children are not serious and result from common infections. However, if they are very large, hard, or persist for a long time, they may need further evaluation to rule out other conditions.

How long do swollen lymph nodes usually last?

Swollen lymph nodes often improve within a few days to a couple of weeks as the underlying infection clears. If swelling lasts more than 2 weeks or grows larger, it is important to see a healthcare provider.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for swollen lymph nodes?

Telemedicine can be a safe and convenient way to get an initial assessment and advice for swollen lymph nodes when your child is otherwise well. It helps determine if in-person care is needed.

What home treatments help with swollen lymph nodes?

Rest, plenty of fluids, and warm compresses on the swollen area can help reduce discomfort. Avoid pressing or squeezing the lymph nodes.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for swollen lymph nodes?

Go to the emergency room if your child has difficulty breathing or swallowing, very high fever, severe pain, or rapidly spreading redness around the swollen area.

Sources

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Lymphadenopathy in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Causes and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Lymphadenopathy — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has concerning symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate in-person evaluation.