Can Stress Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes? Expert Immunity Doctors Respond

You’re probably already familiar with your body’s circulatory system—the network of blood vessels, arteries, and veins that deliver red blood cells and oxygen to every corner of your body.

Frederic Bertley, PhD, an immunologist and the president and CEO of the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), shares that there is also another, less talked-about network weaving through you: “Similarly, there is a secondary circulatory system, called the lymphatic system, that is a vessel superhighway that spreads throughout the body.” Unlike the circulatory system, the lymphatic system’s function is to transport a fluid called lymph, which contains white blood cells and other immune system components.

“Along this lymphatic superhighway are lymph nodes which are like ‘rest stops’ along a highway. They store immune cells, ready them to fight off pathogens, and filter the lymph fluid to remove impurities and harmful particles,” Dr. Bertley further explains.

These lymph nodes are tucked away in various parts of your body, like the back of your throat (tonsils), neck and jaw area, armpits, torso and groin. Sometimes, they swell up, forming noticeable lumps you can feel by pressing these areas. (In some cases, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of lymphoma. The Cleveland Clinic explains that when this occurs, the swelling may be due to white blood cells that have mutated into cancer cells and proliferated aggressively.

When you feel your lymph nodes swell, could stress be partly to blame? Ahead, immunology expert doctors answer and share when it’s time to seek medical advice if your lymph node swelling persists.

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What causes swollen lymph nodes?

“Lymph node swelling is a consequence of immune system activation,” explains Dr. Bertley. This activity can stem from a variety of sources, including:

• Bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
• Cancerous processes
• Autoimmune reactions
• Selective trauma or inflammation

When we encounter pathogens like bacteria, viruses or parasites, our immune system gears up to defend the body. Its purpose is to stop the infection and ultimately eliminate the invading agent. During this process, there’s an uptick in blood and lymph flow, immune cells mature, and a burst of activity occurs. Dr. Bertley notes, “All of that immune activity in the lymph node causes it to swell in direct response to inflammation, vasodilation, and increased immune cell numbers due to cellular activation and division.”

Can stress cause swollen lymph nodes?

“Stress does not directly cause swollen lymph nodes,” states Samuel Mathis, MD, MBA, board-certified family medicine doctor and assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch. “However, stress can lead to swollen lymph nodes by affecting the immune system.”

Dr. Bertley elaborates on this point, explaining that when we experience stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol. Initially, cortisol boosts the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight off illness. But if stress persists, high cortisol levels can weaken the immune system, increasing the risk of infections leading to swollen lymph nodes.

How long can lymph nodes stay swollen?

“Lymph node swelling lasts the duration of the immune activity,” Dr. Bertley clarifies. Non-chronic bacterial infections clear up faster than viral ones, usually within one to three weeks. The swelling of lymph nodes tends to follow this timeline, so expect it to last about the same amount of time.

Dr. Mathis adds that swelling in lymph nodes that isn’t tender or decreases over a few weeks is generally nothing to worry about and isn’t usually linked to any serious condition. However, if your lymph nodes remain swollen for more than four weeks, it’s a good idea to get them checked out by your doctor.

The takeaway

In general, swollen lymph nodes indicate that your immune system is active and doing its job. “When they swell, it is a good indicator that the human body is mounting an immune response and ready to defend against the pathogen and repair any damaged tissue,” says Dr. Bertley. However, if the swelling persists, it could signal a deeper issue. In such cases, it’s wise to seek medical advice.

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