Causes of swollen lymph nodes
Many different conditions are responsible for the swelling of lymph nodes, especially the ones in the head and neck. These diseases are autoimmune disorders, certain types of cancer, and common infections, such as the flu. Certain drugs, which include antimalarials and anti-seizure drugs, can also lead to swelling.
Most people experience localized lymphadenopathy, in which only the lymph nodes in one particular area of the body swell up. When the swelling occurs in more than one region, it is called generalized lymphadenopathy. It generally indicates the presence of a systemic or body-wide illness that needs immediate medical attention.
In the next sections, we will talk about the potential causes of swollen lymph nodes in more detail.