First of all, know something about the Lymphatic system. It comprises lymphatic capillaries, lymphatic vessels, lymphatic nodes and lymphatic ducts.

Lymph: It is a colorless fluid and is a part of the tissue fluid which in turn is a part of blood plasma. Lymph has lower protein content and very small amounts of nutrients and oxygen but contains abundant amounts of carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes. The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, nodes and organs. The lymphatic system helps to maintain the fluid environment, filtering, transporting and producing lymph. The lymphatic system is actually running and spread out throughout the entire body. Some of the more common areas of the body where the lymph nodes can actually be palpated or felt include, in the neck, under the arms and in the groin area.

The lymphatic vessels bear lymph nodes at intervals. The lymph filters through lymph nodes. They contain phagocytic white blood corpuscles and macrophages which eat harmful microorganisms and foreign particles from the lymph. Lymph nodes also add lymphocytes and anti-bodies thus play an important part in the body's defense against infections.

Swelling of the lymph nodes may even occur if the infection is minor or even not apparent yet. Swelling of the lymph nodes generally results from localized (meaning the infection is limited to only one certain part or section in your body) or systemic (meaning the infection is throughout the entire body) infection. Abscess and malignancy are other reasons for swollen lymph nodes.

Causes of swelling of lymph glands: Swelling is a direct result of the white blood cells increasing and attacking the infection. The white blood cells increase and fight the infection faster and harder, thus causing the swelling. As a rule, when swelling occurs suddenly and painfully, it is due to viral or bacterial infection. On the other hand, painless and gradual swelling can mean that the cause is a tumor. If your child has swelling in the neck and into the jaw this is indicative of the mumps and if a rash accompanies the swollen glands, it could be scarlet fever. In either case, a doctor needs to be seen. Ear infections, colds and even small cuts can cause swollen glands as well.

Persistent swollen glands can be the result of a more serious problem and require medical attention.

Cancer of the lymph nodes is another cause of swollen lymph nodes, however, this is unlikely the cause of your swollen lymph nodes because with cancer of the lymph nodes the swelling is slow and painless. There are two types of lymph node cancer. They are Hodgkins and Non-Hodgkins. In Hodgkins, this type of cancer usually occurs in people in their 20's to 40's and in Non-Hodgkins it usually occurs in people over 40 years old. Other symptoms that accompany cancer of the lymph nodes include: fevers, profuse night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss, and in later stages itching and coughing may occur.

There is basically no treatment for swollen glands. Swollen glands are just a symptom of a disease and the way the body fights the foreign invader. There are a few things you can do, such as give analgesics or pain relievers (never give aspirin to a child unless specified by the doctor). Also, applying warm or cool moist towels to the site (depending on what is most comfortable), can give some relief.