While swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom of an allergy flare-up, they’re also associated with many other conditions.

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. Treating allergies can typically resolve swollen lymph nodes.

There are a few different reasons allergies might lead to swollen lymph nodes. The exact cause varies depending on the type of allergy. Some allergies that can lead to swollen lymph nodes include:

  • Seasonal allergies: Seasonal allergies can cause swollen lymph nodes when they lead to an immune response in the body. This can happen when the immune system is trying to fight allergens such as pollen or dust.
  • Food allergies: Similar to seasonal allergies, food allergies can cause swollen lymph nodes when the immune system acts to fight the allergens in a triggering food. This can result in swollen lymph nodes. It’s also possible for food allergies to weaken the immune system and increase the overall risk of infection.
  • Allergic asthma: Allergic asthma can lead to irritation and inflammation of the airways. When the body reacts to the allergens that cause allergic asthma symptoms, it can result in swollen lymph nodes.

There are a few ways to manage allergy-related swollen lymph nodes:

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications: Taking an OTC allergy medication can help reduce the swelling in your lymph nodes. You can find fast-acting antihistamines in drug stores, grocery stores, and other retailers for quick relief. Daily OTC allergy medications to help prevent symptoms from coming back are also sold in many stores.
  • OTC anti-inflammatories: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce lymph node swelling.
  • Warm salt water: Gargling with warm salt water can soothe throat pain caused by swollen lymph nodes.
  • Warm compresses: A warm compress can also help soothe throat pain.

If these options don’t help your allergies or your swollen lymph nodes, it can be a good idea to see a doctor. They might be able to prescribe a prescription-strength allergy medication to help manage your symptoms.

They might also order tests to make sure your swollen lymph nodes are linked to your allergies and not to an infection or separate health condition.

Swollen lymph nodes are an immune system response. It’s common for lymph nodes to swell when your body is fighting an infection or health condition. Infections such as colds, strep throat, and sinus infections are common causes of swollen lymph nodes.

Other possible causes include:

When to talk with a doctor

Swollen lymph nodes due to allergies can likely be handled at home with remedies such as OTC allergy medications. However, it’s a good idea to talk with a doctor if you have swollen lymph nodes that last for several days or if your swollen lymph nodes seem to be getting worse.

Additionally, if you have symptoms along with your swollen lymph nodes that aren’t typically caused by allergies, such as a fever, it’s best to seek medical care. These could be signs of infection.

Allergies can sometimes cause your lymph nodes to swell. This can happen when your immune system reacts to the same allergens responsible for causing allergy symptoms.

Seasonal, food, and asthmatic allergies can all cause swollen lymph nodes. Treating your underlying allergies, either with home remedies or prescription options, will typically resolve swollen lymph nodes.

See a doctor if your swollen lymph nodes become painful, last more than a few days, or develop along with other symptoms.