Suffering From Swollen Lymph Nodes And Headaches?

Swollen lymph nodes with headache, while not always a medical emergency, could be compared to the double warning of flashing lights and a siren. It’s a signal from your body that it’s time to pull over unless you want to run the risk of getting into worse trouble!

Not a disease in itself, swollen lymph nodes with headache is typically a warning of a more serious condition. Swollen lymph nodes are what most of us call swollen glands and when accompanied by a headache can signify the beginnings of serious illness such as tonsillitis, West Nile virus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and even severe, life-threatening illnesses like aids, anthrax, and mononucleosis. However, if you have this condition don’t panic… yet!

The human body has some miraculous defense mechanisms in that whenever we become ill, it warns us of impending trouble with various symptoms such as swollen lymph nodes combined with a headache. In fact, one of the body’s first lines of defense is to warn us with pain or swelling.

A primary part of the body’s immune system, lymph nodes, or glands as we commonly call them, are bean shaped masses of tissue located in our armpits, necks, and groin areas. Lymph nodes trap invading organisms and contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) which destroy foreign bodies and other harmful cells. Swelling is caused when lymph nodes produce extra white blood cells to fight infection and although the swollen area may be tender to the touch, it’s an indication that the lymph nodes are trying to do their job. Although swollen lymph nodes with a headache is certainly no fun, the former is an indication that your body is trying to combat infection while the latter is a warning to you that maybe it needs more help.

If you have swollen lymph nodes at the same times as a headache, it’s time to see your medical practitioner, pinpoint the problem, and obtain professional treatment.