What to know about lupus and lymph nodes

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The lymph nodes, or glands, are small bean-shaped masses of tissue that play a role in the lymphatic system. They filter interstitial fluid, which helps the body remove pathogens and old cells.

Lupus can cause inflammation in a number of areas of the body, including a person’s lymph nodes, causing them to swell.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

Swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms of lupus are similar to the symptoms of a rare disease that doctors call Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD). Experts suggest that due to the rarity of KFD, healthcare professionals may misdiagnose the condition.

Symptoms of KFD include:

• swollen lymph nodes
• malaise
• weight loss
• fever
• skin rashes
• joint pain

There are a number of other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes, which doctors may refer to as lymphadenopathy.

Lymph nodes often swell in relation to a problem, such as an infection or injury, filtering out the “bad” cells. A doctor will often then use other symptoms to diagnose the cause of the problem.

Possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

• certain medications
• infections, such as chicken pox and strep throat
• autoimmune disorders
• cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia

A person should speak with a healthcare professional about swollen lymph nodes to identify the underlying cause.

Lupus can affect many parts of the body. Symptoms can differ from person to person, and they usually come and go. People may also experience new symptoms over time.

Medical professionals refer to a period when symptoms are present as a flare. If a person is experiencing a period with no symptoms, they are in remission.

Symptoms of lupus include:

• fatigue
• joint and muscle pain
• fever
• chest pain
• rashes, such as malar rash, which is a butterfly-shaped rash that may appear across the nose and cheeks
• sensitivity to light or sun
• mouth sores
• anemia
• blood clotting, which may raise a person’s risk of stroke and heart attack
• hair loss
• lupus nephritis, which is a kidney disease. Lupus nephritis may cause symptoms such as:
  • weight gain
  • swollen ankles, legs, or feet
  • high blood pressure
  • foamy urine
  • decreased kidney function
• memory problems, such as forgetfulness and confusion
• eye problems, which may include:
  • eyelid rashes
  • dry eyes
  • eye inflammation

A person should speak with a healthcare professional if they develop any lupus symptoms, including swollen lymph nodes. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.

If a person has swollen lymph nodes, they should speak with a doctor. This is because swollen lymph nodes may develop due to a number of causes, some of which can be more serious.

The Lupus Foundation of America suggests that a person with lupus should contact a doctor and discuss any new symptoms they are experiencing. These symptoms may arise as part of a flare, a side effect of medication, or a new complication.

People should also contact a doctor if their symptoms become worse over time or if medications a doctor has prescribed are not having any effect.

Additionally, a person should contact a doctor immediately if they experience severe lupus symptoms, which may include:

• a fever that is much higher than usual or new onset of a fever
• severe abdominal pain
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• confusion
• seizures
• excess bruising or bleeding
• mood changes
• a combination of symptoms, such as a severe headache with fever and neck stiffness

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It can affect a number of areas of the body, including a person’s lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes may be a sign that a person has lupus.

There are a number of other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes. These include infections, cancers, other autoimmune disorders, and injuries.

A person should visit their doctor if they have swollen lymph nodes to find out the underlying cause. Similarly, a person with lupus should speak with a healthcare professional if their symptoms worsen or if they experience new or severe symptoms.