Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Yes, allergies can cause swollen lymph nodes in some cases, but this response is not common for most people with seasonal or environmental allergies.

In this blog, you will learn how allergies affect your immune system, what swollen lymph nodes mean, how to tell if allergies are the cause, and when to see a doctor.

Key Takeaway

Can allergies cause swollen lymph nodes? Yes, but it is uncommon and usually indirect. Most allergy-related swelling results from a secondary infection or strong immune response to a foreign substance or harmless substances.

What Are Lymph Nodes?

Lymph nodes, also called lymph glands, are small, bean-shaped glands that filter lymph fluid and trap viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances.

You have hundreds of lymph nodes clustered in areas such as the:

• Neck
• Underarms
• Groin
• Chest

Lymph glands play a vital role in your body’s immune response. When they detect a foreign substance like bacteria, viruses, or allergens, they may swell as they produce white blood cells and immune cells to fight off the threat.

Can Allergies Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Allergies do not usually cause swollen lymph nodes, but they can in specific circumstances.

Here is how:

• Overstimulation of the immune system: Severe allergies or repeated exposure to allergens can overstimulate the immune system, leading to lymph node swelling in response to allergens or inflammation.
• Sinus or ear pressure: Seasonal allergies that lead to sinus infection, nasal congestion, or ear infection may result in swollen lymph nodes in the neck or face.
• Secondary infection: Allergic responses can dry or irritate nasal passages, increasing the risk of infections from bacteria, such as a sinus infection, ear infection, or strep throat. These infections often cause swelling of lymph nodes.

So, while allergies themselves are not the main cause, they can create the conditions where lymph node enlargement occurs.

Signs Your Swollen Lymph Nodes Might Be Allergy-Related

Swollen lymph nodes due to allergies will usually:

• Appear during allergy season or allergy flare-ups
• Be tender but not painful
• Occur with common allergy symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy eyes, or postnasal drip
• Go away when allergy symptoms resolve or with counter allergy medications

When to See a Doctor

You should schedule medical care if you notice any of the following:

• Swollen glands that last more than two weeks
• Rapid growth or firm, non-tender nodes
• Night sweats, fever, or unexplained weight loss
• Persistent seasonal allergy symptoms or nasal symptoms that do not respond to allergy medications

These signs of infection or chronic immune response may signal an underlying medical condition that needs to be checked by a healthcare provider.

How Madison Integrative Medicine Can Help

At Madison Integrative Medicine, we take a root-cause approach to chronic inflammation and immune issues. If allergies are part of the problem, we can support you with:

• Allergy treatment options like allergy drops or allergy shots
• Immune-boosting IV therapies to support lymphatic fluid detox. Learn more: Myers Cocktail IV: The Ultimate Boost for Health and Energy
• Gut-healing protocols to reduce systemic inflammation

We create personalized care plans that go beyond symptom relief to help your body heal and adapt more efficiently.

Schedule Allergy Testing in Madison, AL

If allergy season keeps bringing frustrating symptoms, we can help you find answers and lasting relief.

Schedule allergy testing with our allergy specialist, Blake Gilliam, CRNP, to explore personalized care for allergy sufferers and long-term immune support.

To book an appointment at our wellness center in Madison, AL, call (256) 325-0955 or visit us at 1230 Slaughter Rd Suite C, Madison, AL.