Lymphadenitis may spread within hours. Treatment should begin promptly.

Treatment may include:

• Antibiotics to treat any underlying infection
• Analgesics (pain killers) to control pain
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and swelling
• Cool compresses to reduce inflammation and pain

Surgery may be needed to drain any abscess.

Prompt treatment with antibiotics usually results in complete recovery, though it may take weeks, or even months, for swelling to disappear. The amount of time until recovery occurs will vary depending on the underlying cause.

• Abscess formation
• Cellulitis (a skin infection)
• Sepsis (generalized or bloodstream infection)
• Fistulas (seen in lymphadenitis that is due to tuberculosis)

Call your health care provider or go to the emergency room if you have symptoms of lymphadenitis.