Yes, allergies can sometimes cause lumps, specifically in the form of swollen lymph nodes.
How Allergies Can Cause Lumps
When your body encounters allergens like pollen or dust, your immune system reacts. This reaction can sometimes lead to swollen lymph nodes. These nodes are part of your immune system, and they swell up to fight off what your body perceives as a threat. Here's a breakdown:
- Immune Response: Allergens trigger an immune response.
- Lymph Node Swelling: This response can cause lymph nodes to swell, creating lumps.
- Location: These lumps are most commonly found in the neck, armpits, or groin areas.
Common Allergens That Can Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes
Here's a list of common allergens:
- Pollen
- Dust
- Pet dander
- Mold spores
When to Be Concerned
While swollen lymph nodes due to allergies are generally not serious, it is important to monitor them.
| Symptom | When to See a Doctor |
|---|---|
| Painful Swelling | Pain does not improve with rest or over the counter pain medication. |
| Large, hard swelling | Lymph node larger than 1 inch in diameter. |
| Swelling persists for several weeks | Swelling that lasts more than 2-4 weeks |
| Fever | If accompanied by fever or other signs of infection |
| Other symptoms | Swelling with night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or persistent fatigue |
Additional Information
According to the reference: Swollen lymph nodes are a common immune system response. They're most often connected to infections such as strep throat or the flu, but they can sometimes be caused by allergies. This can happen when your immune system reacts to pollen, dust, and other irritants that cause allergy symptoms. This information was obtained on 24-Jul-2024.
