Contents
Could Your Lifestyle Be Causing Swollen Lymph Nodes?
Published: Jan 07, 2024
Sometimes, everyday habits or exposures can contribute to swollen lymph nodes. This article covers lifestyle factors that may increase your risk.
Lifestyle and Environmental Exposures
Certain lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can lead to lymphadenopathy. For example, cat scratches can lead to cat scratch disease, causing lymph node swelling. Undercooked meat can result in toxoplasmosis, another infection linked to swollen nodes. Travel to areas with endemic infections can also be a risk factor.
Medications That Might Cause Lymphadenopathy
Some medications can cause lymph nodes to swell as a side effect. Drugs that induce serum sickness, characterized by fever and rash, often result in generalized lymphadenopathy. Phenytoin is one such medication known to cause this side effect without a serum sickness reaction.
Age and Smoking as Risk Factors
Age and smoking are significant risk factors for lymphadenopathy. Older patients have a higher risk of malignancy-related swollen lymph nodes. Smokers, particularly those with hard cervical nodes, should be aware of the increased risk of head and neck cancers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, choices like smoking and exposure to infections can impact them.
Medications like Phenytoin can lead to lymphadenopathy.
Yes, the risk increases with age.
Yes, travel to infection-prone areas can increase risk.
Lifestyle Impact
Our lifestyle choices can significantly impact lymph node health; knowing the risks is key.
References
- Fijten GH, Blijham GH. Unexplained lymphadenopathy in family practice. J Fam Pract 1988; 27:373.
- Gaines H, von Sydow M, Pehrson PO, Lundbegh P. Clinical picture of primary HIV infection presenting as a glandular-fever-like illness. BMJ 1988; 297:1363.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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