If you have discovered swollen lymph nodes behind the ear, there are a number of causes for such a condition. One of the main reasons the lymph nodes behind the ears could become swollen is because of an infection. This infection could be localized, which means only the lymph nodes behind the ears are affected or generalized where the lymph nodes all over the body are swollen as well. When your body begins to fight off an infection, the lymph nodes produce antibodies that may cause them to enlarge. Swollen lymph nodes behind the ears are usually indicative of an eye, ear, or throat infection or an allergic reaction. In rare cases, swollen lymph nodes may be a symptom of some types of cancers such as leukemia or blood cancer or of autoimmune diseases like lupus. Along with swollen lymph nodes, if you also experience symptoms such as hair loss or a scaly scalp, it may be a sign of a fungal infection. Other possible reasons for swollen lymph nodes behind the ear include colds, flu, gingivitis, tooth abscess, tuberculosis, and even sexually transmitted diseases.
The treatment of swollen lymph nodes usually depends on the underlying cause. If it’s a bacterial infection causing the swelling, antibiotics will help. If it’s an allergic reaction, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medications should suffice. If the swollen nodes are causing too much pain, over-the-counter painkillers should help relieve the discomfort. Once the root cause of the problem is addressed, the lymph nodes behind your ears should revert to their normal size. In case this does not happen even after treatment, your doctor may recommend a CT scan or a biopsy to rule out cancer. Though this is rare, it is important to rule out any possibility rather than risk the escalation of the disease if it’s not treated in time.
answered by G M