Allergies can cause many symptoms, especially symptoms that overlap with other illnesses like colds, flu, and respiratory diseases. A common symptom of bacterial or viral infections is swelling around the lymph nodes. Because lymph nodes usually swell due to an infection, many people may not realize the connection to seasonal allergies. Understanding the relationship between allergies and the lymphatic system can help clarify this issue and guide you toward appropriate care.
For same-day seasonal care, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Farmington. Our board-certified medical providers can evaluate your condition and plan the best treatment, all on a walk-in basis. If you wish to plan your visit in advance, simply pre-register below!
What Are Seasonal Allergies?
Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a typically harmless substance, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores. These substances, known as allergens, trigger an immune response that can cause various symptoms. Allergy symptoms can vary from person to person based on the exposure, sensitivity, and effectiveness of treatment.
Common symptoms of allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes, nose, throat
- Runny or congested nose
- Skin rashes
- Coughing
- Sore throat
What Are Lymph Nodes?
The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system. This system is a smaller part of the immune system. Simply put the lymphatic system helps gather up bacteria and viruses and help destroy them. Lymph nodes tend to swell when there is a larger bacterial load in our bodies. For this reason, this symptom is often always associated with some type of illness or infection. Lymph nodes are located throughout your body. However, the largest ones are found around the neck, arms, and groin. Swelling of these lymph nodes almost always means you have harmful bacteria or a virus in your body.
Do Allergies Affect Lymph Nodes?
When the body encounters an allergen, the immune system responds by releasing histamines and other chemicals to combat the perceived threat. This reaction can cause inflammation and an increase in the production of white blood cells. In some cases, the lymph nodes may swell as they work to filter out the allergens and manage the immune response. Allergies affecting the respiratory system can lead to inflammation in the nasal passages and throat. This inflammation can sometimes extend to the lymph nodes in the neck, causing them to swell. Additionally, allergies that affect the skin can cause local inflammation. If the reaction is widespread or severe, nearby lymph nodes may become swollen as they help manage the immune response.
While allergies can sometimes lead to swollen lymph nodes, it’s important to consider other potential causes as well. Swollen lymph nodes most commonly result from viral or bacterial infections. If you experience swollen lymph nodes with other concerning symptoms or a fever, seek medical evaluation to rule out other causes.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Farmington For Allergies & Infection Treatment
Understanding the link between allergies and swollen lymph nodes, as well as other potential causes, can help you take proactive steps in managing your health effectively. If you live in the Farmington, NM area and you have concerns about allergies or infection, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Farmington. We provide testing, diagnose, and treatment options for both symptoms caused by allergens as well as medication for a variety of illnesses. Our urgent care center is open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. We provide both preventive and immediate healthcare to all patients on a walk-in basis. If you have any additional questions about the services we provide, please contact our medical team directly at (505) 326-6000.
