Infections
Colds and flu may cause swollen lymph nodes. The infections that can lead to swollen lymph nodes are mostly viral. Common infections include:
- the common cold
- the flu
- sinus infections
- mononucleosis
- tonsillitis [1]
- tooth or gum infections
- staph infections
- strep throat
- skin infections
- fungal infections
Other serious infections that can cause swelling in one or multiple lymph node areas are:
- chickenpox
- tuberculosis [2]
- measles
- rubella
- herpes [3]
- Lyme disease
- HIV
- toxoplasmosis [4]
- Cat scratch fever, which is also known as cat scratch disease, can lead to localized lymph node swelling in the area near the cat scratch.
Immune system disorders
Immune disorders that can cause swollen lymph glands are:
- systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
- rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjogren’s syndrome