Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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Illustration
Swollen Lymph Nodes - Brief Version
For an illustration of the location of the lymph nodes,
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What are swollen lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are found just under your child's skin in the
neck or groin area. They help protect your child from
infection and viruses. When your child gets a cut, virus,
or illness, the lymph nodes can swell. That means they are
helping to fight off infection.
Lymph nodes can double in size when your child is sick.
- They slowly return to normal size when your child is
better.
- It may take 2 to 4 weeks for your child's lymph nodes to
shrink back down.
How can I take care of my child?
- Make sure the illness that made the lymph nodes swell
gets treated.
- Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) for
pain or fever over 102ƒ F (39ƒ C). No aspirin.
Call your child's doctor right away if:
- One of your child's lymph nodes swells to 2 or more
inches across.
- The skin over the lymph node gets red.
- Your child starts to act very sick.
Call your child's doctor within 24 hours if:
- One of your child's lymph nodes swells to 1 to 2 inches
across.
- Your child also gets a sore throat.
- Your child has a fever for more than 3 days.
- You have other questions or concerns.
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