Why do lymph nodes often swell and become tender or painful when you are sick?
407460
Lymph nodes are like  filters the body uses to rid it self of infections . They are  filled with leucocytes (white cells) which gather bacteria and viruses and then destroy them. So when this are working  they swell and become tender .
469283
Glands become inflamed - White bl. cells are crowding the area to fight infection, and they swell up, hence, the soreness.
1139566
Lymph glands can rupture if they swell enough \nthey dont really tear as they are elastic \n\nthe symptoms do sound like a blocked gland however \ni would go to the doctro sooner rather than later - the sooner it is drained the better
897083
Yeah, I think that once your immune system has one thing to deal with, sometimes it can't deal as well with other things that are happening.  That is probably the reason for the cold sore, the zits, and the eczema.  I hope you feel better soon.
1145266
I don't usually use Wikipedia but it's got a great article on what exactly those things are!\n\nSee below:\n\nLymph nodes, also incorrectly called "Lymph glands" (they do not secrete anything and are therefore not glands), are components of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes act as filters, with an internal honeycomb of connective tissue filled with lymphocytes that collect and destroy bacteria and viruses. When the body is fighting an infection, these lymphocytes multiply rapidly and produce a characteristic swelling of the lymph nodes. Humans have approximately 500-600 lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen.\n\nFor more see: \n\nhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymph_node
288076
You can develop swollen glands from infections, allergic reactions, cancer etc.  It is something your doctor should diagnose if you are concerned.  It also depends on where it is located on your body.  You have glands through out your body, for example in your arm pits, groin, neck to name a few.  Go have it checked if it continues to be bothersome, and it will ease your mind.
512541
Symptoms of mono can vary. I had this when I was 12 years old and was so lethargic (exhausted) I had to be homeschooled! Some of the symptoms you may notice are: \nFatigue/Exhaustion/Lethargy/Weakness/Sore throat/Fever \nSwollen lymph nodes &or swollen tonsils/Headaches/Skin rashes/Poor appetite or loss of appetite \n\nThis from Mayoclinic.com\nWhen to seek medical advice\nIf you've been feeling tired and weak; have had a persistent fever, headache, loss of appetite, rash and muscle aches; and have had swollen lymph nodes, tonsils and spleen — these are strong indications that you have mononucleosis. If rest and a healthy diet haven't resulted in easing your symptoms within a week or two or if your symptoms recur, see your doctor.\nScreening and diagnosis\nYour doctor may suspect mononucleosis based on your signs and symptoms and a physical examination.\n\nIf there's a need for additional confirmation, a Monospot test is generally done to check your blood for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. This is a screening test with a result within a day. But it may not detect the infection during the first week of the illness. Another antibody blood test requires a longer result time, but can detect the disease even within the first week of symptoms. Other blood tests that may be used look for elevated numbers of white blood cells (lymphocytes) or abnormal-looking lymphocytes.\n\nHope this helps! Also if you type mononucleosis into your search engine lots of info will appear. It's not the worst thing that you can have, you will prob sleep a lot and feel like you have a cold that won't go away, I watched every Abbot and Costelo Video available when I had it, it's a very funny very old comedy... Feel Better!
326382
You're probably talking about leukemia, and usually you bruise very easily, you're tired, you get breathless from doing normal tasks, etc. But the bruising is one of the first symptoms. Here is a more complete list:\n\nFever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms \nWeakness and fatigue \nFrequent infections \nLoss of appetite and/or weight \nSwollen or tender lymph nodes, liver, or spleen \nEasy bleeding or bruising \nTiny red spots (called petechiae) under the skin \nSwollen or bleeding gums \nSweating, especially at night; and/or \nBone or joint pain \n\nThere are other types of blood cancer, such as lymphoma etc. Lymphoma symptoms include a flu-like feeling that won't go away, along with swollen lymph nodes, most often in the groin. If you ahve these symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. The cure rate is increasing quite a bit for some types of blood cancer, but chances are best if you go in as early as possible. Cancer is harder to treat the longer you wait.
890087
a swollen lymph node feels like a lump.  I don't know if there are lymph nodes behind your knees, but if there are, you can compare the suspect knee with your other knee.  That technique works well for throats, armpits, etc, too.
7509
Glands are usually ALWAYS a little swollen when you have a cold, are sneezing, etc... the way you find about it is when you touch right below your cheekbone and it hurts.
24332
Its ounds like a muscle spasm.\n\nBut there is a chance that it could be a hernia or Lymphnode swelling.\n\nSuggestion is to see your Physician.\nhe will advice how to go about it.
1121591
A swollen lymph node is actually fighting an infection.After defeating the infection the swelling and pain come down.It means your immunity is good.
230761
It sounds like an inflamed lymph node, nothing serious. Lymph nodes are the body's way of saying you have an infection somewhere near that area. Yes, go to the doctor.
928948
It's usually a sign of an infection.  See your doc.
351623
Primary response is the killer T cells. When you get a sore throat, it is these crude cells that basically obliterate all the cells that are sick and the surrounding cells as well. It's kind of like "collateral damage". In the meantime, B cells are figuring out the exact antigen on the surface of the virus or bacteria and then multiply the appropriate antibodies to fight the particular foe. They are kind of like surgeon cells where the T cells are kind of like bazooka cells. The T cells are the primary and the B cells are the secondary immune responses, respectively.
750312
if you get sick then there is not necessarily bacteria but some virus making you sick, you dont get sick just because God thinks its funny and actually the temp and all that dont have anything to do w/it you have to pick up a virus or a "bug" its just that they are more abundant in those settings and   because those settings bring down your immune system also because theres  more work for it to do in the winter time or allergy season.
1032595
Lymph nodes, also incorrectly called "Lymph glands" (they do not secrete anything and are therefore not glands), are components of the lymphatic system. Lymph nodes act as filters, with an internal honeycomb of connective tissue filled with lymphocytes that collect and destroy bacteria and viruses. When the body is fighting an infection, these lymphocytes multiply rapidly and produce a characteristic swelling of the lymph nodes. Humans have approximately 500-600 lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest, and abdomen