Upper respiratory infections and tonsillitis are almost always accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck. A significant portion of the lymphatic drainage from the ring of lymphatic tissue located deep in the nose, throat and oral cavity passes through these lymph nodes. When they become swollen, one can feel nodular swellings on the side of the neck or near the angle of the jaw, which may be more or less sensitive to pressure.
In most cases, we have enough time to observe this process carefully.
Recovery may follow two different patterns:
Most commonly, the enlarged lymph nodes slowly shrink back, although slightly firm nodes may remain palpable for months and gradually become smaller over time. If another inflammation occurs in the same area, they may swell again.
In other cases, parents may notice that the painful nodes grow larger and harder day by day, eventually merging together, sometimes with redness of the skin above them. This is a sign that an abscess has formed, which may either rupture spontaneously or require surgical drainage.
Based on our experience, it is often worthwhile to allow simple lymph node swelling to resolve without antibiotics. In the early stages – before abscess formation – this can almost always be managed successfully with anthroposophic, homeopathic and phytotherapeutic remedies, warm teas with disinfecting properties, and local compresses.
Different active substances may be used for compresses.
For mild inflammation, eucalyptus paste or a 10% medical angelica (Archangelica) ointment may be used. The warmed paste should be spread onto a cotton cloth that covers the neck smoothly along its full height without wrapping completely around it. When applying the compress, leave approximately two finger-widths free on both sides of the cervical spine at the back of the neck. Place a wool scarf of similar size over it.
Duration: overnight or twice daily until the compress cools down. After removing the compress, keep the neck warm. The cloth may be reused several times after refreshing it slightly. Only enough ointment needs to be reapplied to maintain a light oily sheen.
For more acute inflammation, cool or warm lemon compresses or cottage cheese-yogurt compresses may be helpful.
For the lemon compress, place half of an untreated lemon into a small bowl and pour lukewarm or boiling water over it before cutting the flesh and peel into pieces. This helps preserve the valuable active ingredients. Then squeeze the lemon pieces. Roll the cloth from both ends toward the center and dip it into the lemon juice. Place the wrung-out cloth over the larynx and wrap it smoothly around the neck in both directions. Be careful that it is not too hot. Secure it with a wool scarf.
Duration: one or several hours depending on skin sensitivity. If itching occurs, the compress should be removed.
For the cottage cheese compress, mix cottage cheese and yogurt in equal proportions and warm the mixture to 40–45°C. Spread it onto a thin cotton cloth in a narrow strip, similarly to the ointment compress. Depending on the consistency and moisture content, apply a thinner or thicker layer.
Duration: leave the compress on until the cottage cheese layer dries out (approximately three to five hours). Do not use if the child is allergic to cow’s milk or has eczema. Otherwise, even children who usually dislike such treatments often tolerate this warm compress very well.
We are happy to help with obtaining and using the ointments and pastes mentioned above in our clinic.
We wish you good care and a speedy recovery!