How do I know I have a swollen lymph node? I have a couple lymph nodes that slightly (very slightly, probably 0.2cm) protrude from my neck, each being no more than 1cm in diameter (1 might 1.5 cm, but no more)? I saw my GP and she said those WERE the lymph nodes and they're supposed to protrude ever-so-slightly. My question is, how would I know IF it IS swollen? I mean, how big would it actually have to get? If anyone has any info on this, it would be great

Actually, any bigger than you have right now would be swollen. Your lympatic system runs all over your entire body and acts as a filter for illnesses. They will typically swell up a little bit even if you get a cold.

They can swell to 0.3cm up too much larger, like you would imagine mumps. It all depends on your lymphatic and immune system.

How about if its flu season? I don't get sick, but wouldn't my immune system be more active to fight off potential illnesses? And in this case couldn't my lymph nodes swell a bit? Also, are swollen lymph nodes hard or soft generally?

Lymph nodes feel like a pea. And about the same size. When swollen they typically are neither hard or soft, but rather firm.

Your immune system gets active if there is a foreign "invader" such as the cold or flu. That is when the lymph nodes swell.

People with healthy immune systems rarely get swollen nodes unless there is an invader. If you rarely, if ever, get sick then you really should have nothing to worry about.

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How do I know I have a swollen lymph node?

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Well in my case, as I have swollen lymph nodes under both my arms, they are very sore. I had strep throat when mine first appeared... Just like J_9 said, my doctor told me that they act like a filter for bacteria and germs. He said after they swell up, it could take several weeks if not months for the swelling to go down even if your not sick anymore.

J,
Doc also said that they are probably still sore (because it's been a while now) because of the thrush (swollen because of yeast?? ). Does that sound right to you? He wants to wait 2 weeks after the Nystatin treatment to see if they go down and if they don't, I'll need to see him to have some tests run... Though, he did'nt say what kind of tests.

Hi AKaeTrue,
I'm not entirely sure here, but I'd probably be a little suspect of that. See what J_9 has to say. But generally most yeast problems are limited to mucous membranes, or the mouth, rectum, and genitals, primarily due to outcompeting natural flora wiped out by antibiotics.
Yeast is a natural "contaminant" in these areas of the body. Systemic candidiasis is widely acknowledged in alternative medicine, though controversial in more standard circles. It is believed that via "leaky gut syndrome", yeast can exit the intestines and enter a person's bloodstream, though most medical doctor's will only acknowledge the possibility of this in extreme cases such as those with advanced diabetes or AIDS.
Though, once in the bloodstream, it is more widely acknowledged that this relatively benign contaminant undergoes a subtle change in form or structure, which then precipitates the production of up to, I believe, about 80 known toxins, possibly accounting for many of the seemingly unrelated systemic complaints many people suffer from. Though, this is still a very controversial theory.
Since yeast is normally found in the body, and kept in check by natural bacterial flora, it is probably unlikely to trigger any sort of immune reaction, even in great abundance. Though, if in the bloodstream itself, I could not tell you for sure.

The "fungal (mutated)" form of Candida produces up to 79 known toxins according to one website. Acetaldehyde being the most common and abundant, accounting for a feeling mildly akin to "drunkeness." This is why dizziness is one of the most commonly reported symptoms.

Hi Thomas,
Thank you, I did get this huge "multi location - LOL" yeast problem that has been difficult treating after antibiotics for strep.
Maybe he could have been referring to what ever is causing the yeast problems since it's not going away easily (an illness perhaps?. he did say tests) - I'm still hoping it's because of strep and the swelling hasn't gone down yet...
Strange thing is, they did stop hurting and the swelling went down a little, but before they had a chance to go down all the way, they puffed back up (but not as large) and were sore again.
I had a yearly physical, no problems there...
I am interested in knowing more about Systemic candidiasis? What is that?
Thanks,
Kae
I kind-of feel bad taking over this post. Want to start a new one?? ;)

No problem. Put a link to some good info in a new thread. :)