Lymph Node Size Fluctuation

Alrighty... not too long ago I posted something about my lymph node, so here I'am again with a simular problem. My father checked me up (he's a doctor :P) and said that it could be from allergies. Is this true? It seems like anywhere I look it says only food and medicine allergies, and I know its not either of those... Can common allergies cause Lymph Nodes to fluctuate in size? It seems to happen daily (Only ONE lymph node. Its located on the right side of my jaw, just below the jaw)... some days I can't see it, other days I can see it A LITTLE bit. It has NEVER stuck out as far as 1 cm. Its relatively painless... some times its a wee bit sore, but it subsides. I do my best to not touch it since my father says it may prevent it from returning to normal, but when I do feel it, its slightly rubbery.

My father also stated it could just be an over active lymph node, which I'm kinda leaning towards... but common indoor/outdoor Allergies seems like a possibility too. Also, I do have a cat... So that may be a likely cause... but anyway. Any info you guys can share that I might have missed in my online research?

Lymph nodes help filter out the bad things in your body. It could be that your body is in overdrive from allergies and the enlarged lymph nodes are trying to filter out the allergens. I have had enlarged lymph nodes but I was not sure if it was from my allergies or if my body was trying to fight off an infection. If they hurt you or are itchy, you can try a warm compress to see if that helps.

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^{@--->--Sherry--<---@}

The lymph nodes are the collecting point for lymphocytes and b cells, both of which take up antigens (bacteria, allergens, viruses, etc) from the body and use the lymph node to activate more white blood cells. Unless your exposure to an allergen is only occuring on one side of your body (like you lotion up side of your neck, and nothing else), near to the one lymph node, then it should be enlarging all of the local lymph nodes.

If your allergy is to dust or something, then it won't just enlarge one lymph node. What you describe is known as Localized lymphadenopathy. I assume your dad checked for lesions or other things that may have caused it (a cut in the area or rash or something.) Assuming he found nothing, you should watch it for 3-4 weeks. If it doesn't go away, and you don't have mono/HIV/Syphilis/lymphoma, then you may want to go and see a Dr. Or a specialist. You may need a biopsy of the lymph node.

Here's the American Academy of Family Physicians differential diagnosis information. Give it a read. http://www.aafp.org/afp/981015ap/ferrer.html

Hope you feel better.