I have had walking pneumonia for about the past two weeks. The cough has gotten substantially better and only comes on and off rarely. However, my lymph nodes seems to be just as swollen as ever. I was wondering how long lymph nodes usually stayed swollen when one has pneumonia. Is it abnormal for them to still be swollen? Should I consult my doctor yet again?
During an infection bacteria, viruses, and white blood cells all get filtered through your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are also the location where your immune system selects the proper white blood cells for the job. Once they are selected they multiply rapidly which is why your lymph nodes swell.
Now that you're starting to get over the pneumonia and you're feeling better that doesn't mean that your infection is over. A few more things have to happen:
1) your body has to turn the immune system off to prevent new pneumonia bacteria targeting white blood cells from being produced.
2) your body has to clean up all the dead bacteria and dead white blood cells.
Both of those things take time which is why your lymph nodes are still swollen. You don't need to see your doctor again unless you start feeling bad and your symptoms return.
I hope this helps.
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During an infection bacteria, viruses, and white blood cells all get filtered through your lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are also the location where your immune system selects the proper white blood cells for the job. Once they are selected they multiply rapidly which is why your lymph nodes swell.
Now that you're starting to get over the pneumonia and you're feeling better that doesn't mean that your infection is over. A few more things have to happen:
1) your body has to turn the immune system off to prevent new pneumonia bacteria targeting white blood cells from being produced.
2) your body has to clean up all the dead bacteria and dead white blood cells.
Both of those things take time which is why your lymph nodes are still swollen. You don't need to see your doctor again unless you start feeling bad and your symptoms return.
I hope this helps.
References :
4th year med student