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Swollen glands

Overview

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Swollen glands feel like tender, painful lumps. You can get them on each side of your neck, under your chin, in your armpits and around your groin.

You can help ease swollen glands by resting, drinking plenty of fluids and taking painkillers. Your glands should go down within 1 to 2 weeks.

Your glands can become swollen if you have a common illness like a cold, tonsillitis, or an ear or throat infection.

Swollen glands are usually a sign the body is fighting an infection. If they're caused by an infection, they usually get better within 1 or 2 weeks.

Page last reviewed: 29/09/2023
Next review due: 29/09/2026