Swollen lymph nodes: Why do you get swollen lymph... - LUPUS UK

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Swollen lymph nodes

jensen_lynne profile image
19 Replies

Why do you get swollen lymph nodes from lupus?

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jensen_lynne
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19 Replies

Secondary Sjögren's could be one reason?

jensen_lynne profile image
jensen_lynne in reply to

Is that part of lupus?

in reply tojensen_lynne

For quite a few people with Lupus, Sjögren's is a secondary connective disease which affects them too. lupusuk.org.uk/medical/nurs...

jensen_lynne profile image
jensen_lynne in reply to

Ok, thanks, I'm scared to be honest

in reply tojensen_lynne

Well my 21 year old son has swollen lymph nodes always but he doesn't have Lupus or Sjögren's or any other disease. So just see your doctor - you can get an ultrasound scan if they aren't sure.

jensen_lynne profile image
jensen_lynne in reply to

Ok! I have symptoms of lupus too, I'll ask him about it

Buff1973 profile image
Buff1973 in reply tojensen_lynne

My daughter has been having issues with a swollen lymphnode in her groin they put her on steroids which takes it away but then she gets shingles . After shingles goes away the lymph swells up again she's been dealing with this for about 6-8 months next step is biopsy

Wendy39 profile image
Wendy39

Yes, when I was diagnosed and now if I'm flaring. Under my left arm has been the worst, tender and sometimes painful. Also had them in my neck front and back of my head. They've never been investigated. I've always just presumed lupus?? I hope you get to the bottom of it. Best wishes.

jensen_lynne profile image
jensen_lynne in reply toWendy39

I have a swollen lymph node next to my jawline, I just found another on my collarbone, my mom is a nurse so she's going to look at it and thank you

Wendy39 profile image
Wendy39 in reply tojensen_lynne

nhs.uk/Conditions/Lupus/Pag...

This is from the NHS website page on lupus. It lists swollen glands as a symptom. But obviously get it checked it by your mum or GP if it is bothering you or worsens.

jensen_lynne profile image
jensen_lynne in reply toWendy39

Thanks! Why do you get swollen lymph nodes from lupus?

Wendy39 profile image
Wendy39 in reply tojensen_lynne

I'm guessing, as I'm certainly no expert and not medically trained, but Lupus is the bodies faulty immune system attacking itself, attacking your own body, organs, muscles, soft tissue and skin can all be involved, Your immune system thinks it is fighting infection. The antibodies are in your blood, so it can effect the whole body. Lupus causes inflammation and sometimes a temperature and general malaise. Swollen lymph glands can happen with any infection or illness. Like I said, I'm no expert. Please speak to your mum. I can't remember if you said you were recently diagnosed? I can't see you original post whilst typing this. Are you on medication? Are you flaring?

jensen_lynne profile image
jensen_lynne in reply toWendy39

I'm flaring right now, the artificial light is making me feel hot, I think I have a fever, my rash got worse and I have anemia, it won't go away I had it for 2 years, I'm going to bed

Wendy39 profile image
Wendy39 in reply tojensen_lynne

How are you feeling today? Are you seeing a Rheumatologist? Are you on any medication?I hope you feel better soon and that you have a good medical team. Best wishes.

jensen_lynne profile image
jensen_lynne in reply toWendy39

I'm still not feeling good, thanks for asking

Wendy39 profile image
Wendy39 in reply tojensen_lynne

I'm so sorry to hear that. I really hope you have got some medical advice, from a GP or Rheumatologist re your symptoms. If you need further advice please ask. It's difficult to help you further unless you give us more information. Best wishes.

1sam profile image
1sam in reply tojensen_lynne

The explanation Wendy39 gave you is very much what my rheumy said.

For a lupus patient is a sign of disease activity when is not due to infection.

Forgot to say: and that is why you have to be seen by a Dr and get tests done, what if you DO have a real infection?

jensen_lynne profile image
jensen_lynne in reply to1sam

I was diagnosed with swollen lymph node and thanks

Paul_Howard profile image
Paul_HowardPartnerLUPUS UK

Hi jensen_lynne ,

Here is what The Lupus Encyclopedia says about lupus and lymph nodes;

"The lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped, rubbery tissue connected to each other by lymphatic channels. They are important collections of specialised white blood cells. Circulating white blood cells travel to them during periods of stimulation of the immune system. For example, if you get a strep infection in your throat, the white blood cells that identify the infecting bacteria will go to the lymph nodes in your neck to communicate with other white blood cells about this attack, and cause even more white blood cells to go to the throat and kill the bacteria. The number of white blood cells that end up filling the lymph nodes can become enormous , causing your lymph nodes to swell up and become tender or uncomfortable (often noted as 'swollen glands'). The medical term for swelling of the lymph nodes is 'lymphadenopathy'. Since SLE is due to the immune system becoming more active, it should not be surprising that lymphadenopathy is common in people who have the disease. Anywhere from 40% to 50% of SLE patients will have lymphadenopathy with swollen lymph nodes often noticeable in the neck, armpits and groin. In some people, the lymph nodes swell during flares of their lupus, but sometimes they can remain slightly swollen even when the lupus appears to be well controlled."

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