Lymphadenitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Lymphadenitis?
A primary care doctor usually treats lymphadenitis. An infectious disease doctor, who treats infections, may help in hard cases. A surgeon may drain an abscess, a pocket of pus. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is lymphadenitis?
Lymphadenitis is an infection of the lymph nodes, also called lymph glands. It is a complication of certain bacterial infections.
Lymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes are small structures that filter lymph fluid. There are many white blood cells in the lymph nodes to help fight infection.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- Red, tender skin over a lymph node.
- Swollen, tender, or hard lymph nodes.
- Fever.
Lymph nodes may feel rubbery if an abscess has formed or they have become inflamed.
Causes and who gets it
Lymphadenitis occurs when the glands become enlarged by swelling, often in response to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The swollen glands are usually found near the site of an infection, tumor, or inflammation.
It may occur after skin infections. Other infections caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus can also lead to it. Sometimes it is caused by rare infections such as tuberculosis or cat scratch disease.
Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes in general. Swollen lymph nodes that appear suddenly and are painful are usually due to injury or infection. Slow, painless swelling may be due to cancer or a tumor.
How doctors diagnose it
Your health care provider will do a physical exam. This includes feeling your lymph nodes and looking for signs of injury or infection around any swollen lymph nodes.
A biopsy and culture of the affected area or node may reveal the cause of the inflammation. A biopsy takes a small tissue sample to test. Blood cultures may show if infection has spread to the bloodstream.
Treatment
Lymphadenitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin right away. Treatment may include:
- Antibiotics to treat any bacterial infection.
- Analgesics, which are painkillers, to control pain.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce swelling.
- Cool compresses to reduce inflammation and pain.
Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.
Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually leads to a complete recovery. It may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear.
Untreated lymphadenitis may lead to abscess formation, cellulitis (a skin infection), and sepsis, which is a bloodstream infection that can lead to death. Follow your doctor's instructions.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphadenitis.
Contact your provider too if lymph nodes do not get smaller after several weeks or keep getting larger. Also contact your provider if they are red and tender, or feel hard, irregular, or fixed in place.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have severe trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting, a seizure, or sudden confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can examine swollen lymph nodes, order blood tests, and start treatment or refer you to a specialist if needed.
Common questions
Is lymphadenitis an infection?
Yes. Lymphadenitis is an infection of the lymph nodes.
What causes lymphadenitis?
It often occurs in response to bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It may occur after skin infections. Bacteria such as Streptococcus or Staphylococcus can be the cause.
How is lymphadenitis treated?
Treatment may include antibiotics for a bacterial infection. It may also include painkillers and cool compresses. Surgery may be needed to drain an abscess.
How long does it take for lymphadenitis to heal?
It may take weeks, or even months, for the swelling to go away. Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually leads to a complete recovery.
Is lymphadenitis dangerous if left untreated?
It can be. Untreated lymphadenitis may lead to an abscess or cellulitis. It may also lead to sepsis, which can lead to death.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
