Swollen glands can be an indication of a number of possible conditions. The following list of symptoms will help to narrow down the cause. Note: this is only a guide and is not a replacement for medical examination and advice.
Symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Irritable
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Loss of appetite
- Low-grade fever
- Body aches
Likely Cause Cold
Symptoms
- Severe cold symptoms (See Cold above) come on abruptly
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Dry cough
- Possible fever
- Possible vomiting
- Headache
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Wheezing
Likely Cause Flu
Symptoms
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Swollen, bright red tonsils sometimes flecked with white
Likely Cause Viral tonsillitis
Symptoms
- Tonsils are swollen, bright red, and may be flecked with white
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen glands in the neck under the jaw and under the ear
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
Likely Cause Strep throat
Symptoms Fever higher than 37.8 degrees Celsius
- Ear ache
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fluid in the ear
Likely Cause Ear Infection
Symptoms
- Swelling around upper or lower jaw
- Pain in a tooth or around mouth
- Bad breath
- Fever
Likely Cause Tooth infection
Symptoms
- Fever
- Bad breath
- Painful sores inside mouth
- Inflamed gums
- Lack of interest in eating or drinking
- May be dehydrated
- May have swollen glands in neck
Likely Cause Gingivostomatitis
Symptoms
- Sore, bite, boil, or red area on arm with swollen glands in armpits
- Sore, bite, boil, or red area on leg with swollen glands in groin
- Warm area of skin
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
Likely Cause Bacterial skin infection
Symptoms
- Large tender, firm, warm swelling on one side of the neck, which may become red
- Fever
Likely Cause Cervical adenitis
Symptoms
- Itchy red ring(s) that are scaly on the outside and smooth in the center
- Rings may grow larger
- Can look like dandruff or bald spots on scalp
Likely Cause Ringworm
Symptoms
- Swelling and soreness in the area below ears and along jaw line
- May appear on one or both sides of face
- Fever
- Difficulty swallowing
- Earache
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
Likely Cause Mumps
Symptoms
- Cough
- Weight loss
- Exposure to an adult with tuberculosis
- Fever
- Painless swelling in glands
Likely Cause Tuberculosis
Symptoms
- Chronically swollen, tender glands in neck, head, and under arms, especially if child has been bitten or scratched by a cat on hand or arm
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
Likely Cause Cat scratch disease
