Swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear

introduction

Lymph nodes, also popularly known as lymph glands, belong to the group of so-called lymphatic organs, including the spleen. So you are part of the immune system. Lymph nodes contain what are known as lymphocytes, which are a subset of the white blood cells used by the body's immune system. They play an important role in the body's defense against any infection with bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi.

Swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear may be harmless, depending on the cause, but it can also be a sign of a malignant, more dangerous disease.

Why do lymph nodes swell?

Upon contact with a pathogen, the lymph nodes swell. In most cases, only the nearest lymph nodes are involved in the infection. Therefore, often only lymph nodes swell in this area. For example, if there is inflammation in the oropharynx, swelling of the lymph nodes in the area of ​​the neck, behind the ear or at the corner of the jaw often occurs.

However, diseases are also known that cause swelling of the lymph nodes in several parts of the body. One of these diseases is what is known as Pfeiffer's glandular fever or infectious mononucleosis.
In addition, some diseases, including Hodgkin's disease, affect the lymph nodes or the lymphocytes themselves, which also causes swelling of the lymph nodes.
Lymph node swellings are an expression of an active reaction of the body to infection, inflammation or in the context of cancer.

Please also read our topic: Chronic swelling of the lymph nodes.

root cause

Lymph node swelling around the ear can have many different causes. A rough distinction is made between lymph nodes that are in front of the ear and are therefore medically called "preauricular" and lymph nodes that are behind the ear and are therefore called "retroauricular". For example, rubella infection can be responsible for swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear. Rubella is a viral disease that mostly affects children between the ages of 5-15. This initially results in swelling of the lymph nodes for about 1 week, followed by a fine-spotted rash that begins on the head and is visible for about three days.

If, in addition to swollen lymph nodes in the area of ​​the ear, there is also swelling or even pain in the parotid gland, it can also be an inflammation of the parotid gland, for example from salivary stones.

Toxoplasmosis can also cause swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear. The causative agent of toxoplasmosis is a so-called protozoan that can be transmitted through the consumption of raw meat, cat feces or during pregnancy. An infection can lead to headaches, fever, muscle pain and swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ears. An infection with toxoplasmosis becomes dangerous during pregnancy as it can lead to miscarriages and malformations in the unborn child. The brain can become inflamed in people who have weak immune systems, such as those with AIDS.

Another infectious disease that can cause swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear is syphilis. Syphilis, also known as syphilis, is a bacterial infectious disease that is usually transmitted through sexual intercourse and that is chronic and has several stages. At first, a so-called “hard chancre” on the genital is the main symptom. This is a painless ulcer. In the course of the disease, symptoms such as skin rashes or swelling of the lymph nodes may appear.
A so-called herpes zoster ophthalmicus can be responsible for a swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear. This is a viral infection with the varicella zoster virus, which was ingested as a child, which caused chickenpox and which ultimately remained in nerve cells for years. Especially people over the age of 60 get this facial herpes. Usually you first feel a burning sensation and pain, which is followed some time later by a skin rash with blisters. This can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear.
A swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear can also occur in the course of keratoconjunctivitis (corneal / conjunctivitis). An infection of the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eye with adenoviruses is referred to as a so-called keratoconjunctivitis epidemica. The disease manifests itself through sudden reddening, tears and burning of the eyes and a painful swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear. It is a highly contagious disease.
As part of a trachoma, swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear can also be detected. In a trachoma, the conjunctiva of the eye is also affected. A trachoma is caused by a chronic infection with chlamydia, which are bacterial pathogens. This initially leads to a non-specific conjunctival irritation with a foreign body sensation. In the further course, corneal swelling, corneal scars of the eye and swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear can develop.
A typical disease that can lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in several parts of the body is Pfeiffer's glandular fever or mononucleosis. This disease, which is transmitted by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), can also lead to swelling of the lymph nodes in the area of ​​the ear. The disease is accompanied by a high fever, a sore throat with coated almonds, and possibly a swelling of the spleen.

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Lymph node swelling from an allergy

An allergic reaction can be triggered by a variety of factors. These include, for example, drugs, insect bites or pollen.
Since all allergies are triggered by an overreaction of the immune system, swelling of the lymph nodes can occur in addition to a rash, fever or gastric or intestinal reactions such as nausea or diarrhea.

As mentioned earlier, lymph nodes swell due to a rapid increase in immune cells that are located in the lymph nodes. Since the immune system reacts to a certain substance (so-called antigen) such as a component of a drug during an allergic reaction, immune cells react against this substance by multiplying. This immune reaction can manifest itself in swollen lymph nodes behind the ears or in other parts of the body.

Also read our topic: Lymph node swelling from an allergy

Lymph node swelling from a cold

A cold of the ear, nose and throat caused by viruses or bacteria can in some cases spread to the ear. Then, in addition to the typical cold symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, fatigue or headaches and body aches, there are also earaches. In addition, the lymph nodes in the neck and head swell and thus also behind the ears.

This is because when an infection occurs, the pathogen reaches the lymph nodes, where as a result of the immune reaction, the immune cells multiply quickly in order to fight the germ. This causes the lymph nodes to swell. In general, the lymph nodes behind the ear swell again after the cold, but they can still remain palpable, enlarged. This is not uncommon and should not be a concern.

Read more about the topic here: Cold or swelling on the side of the neck

Lymph node swelling due to thyroid disease

Generally, the lymph nodes associated with the thyroid are located on the lower neck.Therefore, in the case of an inflammation of the thyroid gland (thyroiditis), which can be triggered by viruses or bacteria, among other things, the lymph nodes on the neck (paratracheal or anterior cervical) are more likely to swell.
Read more about the topic here: Lymph node swelling in the neck - dangerous?

If the inflammation of the thyroid gland enters the bloodstream or spreads to surrounding tissue, the lymph nodes behind the ear may also be swollen. However, this rarely happens.

Lymph node swelling due to stress

The body reacts to acute and chronic stress in different ways.
If there is short-term (acute) stress, the immune system is boosted in order to better protect the body from pathogens in this phase.
Since the immune system is more active and the white blood cells, which are located in the lymph nodes, among other things, multiply quickly, the lymph nodes can also temporarily swell under stress.
However, with prolonged stress, the immune system is downregulated. As a result, infectious diseases occur more quickly, which in turn can be accompanied by lymph node swelling due to an infection with other symptoms such as sore throat, fever or runny nose.

You can find out more about the topic here: Symptoms of stress

How dangerous is a swollen lymph node behind the ear?

Lymph node swelling behind the ear is often not very dangerous. Since infectious diseases, which are easily treatable, are among the more common causes, treatment can be given quickly if the swelling is detected early. However, it should also be borne in mind that lymph node swelling can occur as part of a tumor disease, which can be more dangerous.

Typical signs of a possible tumor disease are painless swelling that lasts for several weeks and does not go away. The lymph nodes are then often hard to move and hardened. In such cases, a doctor should be consulted urgently for further clarification.

Concomitant symptoms

If there is swelling of the lymph nodes behind or in front of the ear, pain is often caused by the increase in the size of the lymph nodes. Lymph node swelling can, however, also proceed completely without pain. Depending on the cause of the disease and its possible course, it can also lead to reddening and overheating of the lymph node region. Unspecific symptoms of the disease can also occur and express themselves, for example, in fever, tiredness or fatigue. Otherwise, the symptoms mainly depend on the underlying disease. A rubella infection is of course manifested by completely different symptoms than an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The symptoms of lymph gland cancer are usually a painless swelling of the lymph nodes together with general symptoms (so-called B symptoms) such as decreased performance, night sweats and unwanted weight loss.

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Lymph node swelling behind the ear with pain

If painful lymph node swelling occurs suddenly and can be associated with inflammation or injury, it is very likely an inflammatory and benign (benign) process. Especially if the pressure-sensitive lymph node swelling behind the ear is soft and easy to move, this speaks more for a benign lymph node swelling.

If painful lymph node swelling occurs with no signs of inflammation or injury, it should be observed for a few weeks. If the pain and swelling go down or if the lymph node does not get bigger during the observation period, nothing further needs to be done. If you are unsure, however, you should always consult a doctor who can find a possible explanation for the lymph node swelling behind the ear.

Read more about the topic here: Lymph node pain- how dangerous is it?

Lymph node swelling behind the ear without pain

The swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear is called a swelling of the so-called retroauricular lymph nodes. Basically, painless lymph node swellings are more suspicious of a tumor than painful swellings of the lymph nodes. Often, painless lymph node swellings behind the ears tend to be one-sided. In addition, the swollen lymph nodes often cannot be moved. In principle, swelling of the lymph nodes can indicate inflammation and infection, especially behind the ear it can provide an indication of inflammation of the middle ear or other infections of the nasopharynx. But since lymph node swelling can also be caused by tumorous changes, a lymph node swelling behind the ear should be clarified by a doctor without pain.

For more information, see: Causes of painless lymph node swelling

Lymph node swelling with a sore throat

Pfeiffer's glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis) can be responsible for painful swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear and a sore throat. This disease mainly affects adolescents, but so far it is harmless.
Triggered by the Epstein-Barr virus, it causes severe inflammation in the throat and throat, causing a severe sore throat.

In addition to the lymph nodes behind the ear, the cervical lymph nodes in particular are swollen and painful.
Other viral or bacterial infections can also cause a sore throat and swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ears.

Lymph node swelling behind the ear with ear pain

Ear pain associated with swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear may indicate an inflammation in or around the ear. The inflammation stimulates the immune system to respond, and the cells in the lymph nodes become active. For example, inflammation of the middle ear and eardrum, inflammation of the external auditory canal or diseases of the auricle can lead to lymph node swelling behind the ear. Conversely, swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear can also cause ear pain. Especially when the lymph node is severely swollen, it can press on the surrounding structures and thus cause pain on the outside of the ear.

You might also be interested in this topic: Earache

diagnosis

First, in addition to examining the affected area, the doctor should perform a physical examination. When looking at the lymph node region, attention should be paid to reddening and possible fistula formation (duct formation). The physical examination is the simplest and at the same time a very effective examination option to detect swollen lymph nodes. During the physical examination, the examiner scans the individual lymph node regions with his fingers, which is referred to in medicine as palpation. During the palpation examination, the affected lymph node should be examined with regard to its size, mobility, consistency and possible pressure pain. One speaks of a malignant change in the lymph nodes if they are enlarged, hardened, tender on pressure and only slightly movable in relation to the environment. A laboratory blood test can be used as a further diagnostic measure.
Here, for example, inflammation can be noticed, which is usually expressed by an increased CRP (C reactive protein), an inflammatory protein, and an increased leukocyte count, i.e. the white blood cells.
As a further diagnostic option, an ultrasound examination of the enlarged lymph nodes can follow. This can be used to determine whether it is a benign enlargement or a malignant enlargement. In addition, possible pus formation can be seen here. Finally, there is also the option of surgical removal of the lymph nodes, which are then handed over to a pathologist for examination, who examines them with a microscope, for example, with regard to structure, growth behavior and composition.

Duration

The duration of the swollen lymph nodes behind the ear depends mainly on the Cause of the lymph node swelling from. Is it a bacterial or viral cause, keeps the swelling until the disease has healed out on. This is due to the fact that the immune system works until the germ is defeated and only shuts down after healing and a proliferation of the immune cells in the lymph nodes is stopped.
The same goes for other temporary ones inflammatory or immunological processes. For example, if inflammation on the tooth is responsible for the lymph node swelling, it will also be enlarged and painful until the cause has been treated and eliminated.

It is also possible that enlarged lymph nodes no longer recede properly or therefore always remain noticeable. This is not a bad thing and suggests a strong immune system reaction in which the lymph node tissue has increased. Are the Lymph nodes without recognizable inflammation longer than three to four weeks swollen and get bigger over time, the family doctor should be consulted.

Permanently swollen lymph nodes on the ear - what could be behind it?

In general, swollen lymph nodes that are palpable should not cause restlessness.
After infection, these may not return as small as they were before the inflammation. This is simply because the tissue often does not completely regress after an immune reaction.

Nevertheless, after 4 weeks of existing lymph node swelling - be it behind the ear or elsewhere on the body - those affected should consult a doctor who can rule out a possible dangerous cause.
Permanently swollen lymph nodes can also be diseases of the immune system such as HIV, in which the immune system constantly fights against the HI virus and is therefore continuously active and permanently swollen lymph nodes can occur behind the ear.
In addition, lymph nodes can be enlarged in diseases of the lymphatic system. These include above all malignant diseases such as lymphomas (cancer in the lymph nodes). Other cancers that spread to the lymph nodes can also cause them to swell. In most cases, the lymph nodes are baked to the environment and not painful.
The spread to the retroauricular lymph nodes is mostly malignant tumors of the posterior and lateral head, the auricle or the ear canal. However, these tumors are generally very rare.

Therapy of lymph node swelling - what to do?

The therapy for lymph node swelling depends of course on the cause of the lymph node swelling. Treatment ranges from not treating, to treating symptomatically, to removing lymph nodes or chemotherapy for malignant causes of lymph node swelling.
If the cause of a lymph node swelling is a simple flu-like infection, i.e. a cold, no therapy or only symptomatic therapy is appropriate.
For example, if rubella infection is the cause of swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear, treatment is only given symptomatically. The patient should therefore take it easy, lie in bed and if there is a fever, the fever should be reduced.
If a malignant disease such as Hodgkin's disease (lymphoma) has been identified as the cause of swelling of the lymph nodes, chemotherapy and radiation of the affected area are usually necessary for the treatment of lymph gland cancer.

Home remedies for swollen lymph nodes

Since the cause of swollen lymph nodes is mostly acute infections, home remedies can be used that support the immune system in fighting the germ.
However, the main focus should be on rest and relaxation.
Foods with vitamin C (e.g. lemons) help the body fight infection, foods such as honey also have an antibacterial effect and thus reduce the swelling of the lymph nodes.

Massaging the lymph nodes with castor oil or dabbing with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can also reduce the swelling.
These two agents also have an antibacterial effect and activate the flushing of toxins from the lymph nodes. Massage of the lymph nodes can also improve blood circulation and thus their function, so that infection is fought more quickly and the reduction in swelling is accelerated.

Homeopathy for lymph node swelling

Some homeopathic remedies can be used to treat lymph node swelling. You should only ever take one homeopathic remedy and one that best suits the situation. Attention must be paid to accompanying symptoms as well as improvements or worsening of the symptoms. Abronatum, Barcium carbonicum and Mercurius solubilis, among others, can be taken. When taking homeopathic remedies, it is important to note that although you can alleviate the physical symptoms, you have no influence on the actual disease.

Swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear in a child

Lymph nodes can also be enlarged, visible or palpable in children without any cause. A swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ear (retroauricular) can also indicate a viral or bacterial infection.
Especially with rubella, the retroauricular lymph nodes swell. This swelling is usually accompanied by headache and body aches, runny nose and a slight increase in temperature. A few days after these symptoms appear, a nodular, spotty rash occurs, which usually starts behind the ears and on the head and then spreads over the entire body.

The varicella zoster virus, which is responsible for the childhood disease “chickenpox”, can also cause swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ears and in the groin area. Here, too, the child becomes exhausted with a fever and a lumpy, blotchy rash.

Inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) occurs particularly in children under 6 years of age, often as a result of infections. Bacteria such as streptococci or staphylococci are primarily responsible for this.
If these cause a primary infection in the ear canal or auricle, the inflammation can spread to the lymph nodes behind the ears. In very rare cases, a tumor can also cause lymph node swelling.

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Summary

Lymph node swellings in children who are not pathological are mostly harmless and usually occur as part of past infections. Age-typical lymph nodes are characterized by the fact that they are soft, elastic, movable and small and that they do not cause pain or inflammation.
In the case of a pathological enlargement of the lymph nodes, an infection should be considered first and foremost, because this is the most common reason for pathological swelling of lymph nodes in childhood. Most often, lymph node swelling occurs in children on the neck and groin. Pathological lymph node swellings usually occur due to simple viral infections, as they occur again and again in the cold season and mainly occur as a cold, or with typical infectious childhood diseases (measles, rubella). Thus, a banal flu-like infection (cold) in childhood can lead to swelling of the cervical lymph nodes.
Lymph node swellings behind the ear in children are much less common and can occur, for example, with red chalk infection. Rubella is a viral disease. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 are particularly affected. In childhood and adolescence, lymph node swelling often occurs as part of Pfeiffer's glandular fever. Another name for this is "Kissing disease", which is typical especially among young people. One way of transmission of the virus is namely kissing and the associated exchange of body fluids.