Lymphadenitis: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if swelling in the neck is making it difficult to breathe or swallow, or if there are signs of severe infection such as confusion, faintness, blue or mottled skin, or extreme difficulty staying awake.

   Other emergency signs, for anyone

   • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
   • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
   • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
   • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
   • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
   • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
   • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent same-day care for rapidly increasing swelling, spreading redness, severe pain, pus draining from the area, or a high fever with worsening illness.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a medical appointment if a swollen node is painful, red or warm, especially if you also have fever.

   You should also seek assessment if the node:

   • Is getting larger or is not beginning to settle
   • Feels hard, fixed in place or unusually large
   • Keeps returning
   • Is above or below the collarbone
   • Occurs with persistent fever, drenching night sweats or unexplained weight loss
   • Develops while your immune system is weakened
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lymphadenitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.