Can smoking cigarettes lead to swollen lymph nodes in my neck or behind my ear? I've noticed some swelling and I'm getting a bit concerned it might be linked to my smoking habit.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Kareemulla Shaik

General Practitioner

MBBS
0+ Yrs

Consult Now

Usually no relation between smoking and your condition, visit general Physician for appropriate treatment.

Dr. Kareemulla Suggests...

Consult a Ent Specialist

Find a Ent Specialist

Answered 04/07/2025

Ask Apollo

AI powered Health Chatbot

Continue Chat

Smoking and Lymph Nodes:
- Smoking is not a direct cause of swollen lymph nodes.
- It can weaken the immune system, increasing infection risk.
Possible Causes:
- Swollen lymph nodes often indicate infections like throat or ear infections.
- Smoking can lead to respiratory infections, potentially causing lymph node swelling.
When to Seek Medical Advice:
- If swelling persists over two weeks, grows, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, consult a healthcare professional.

Summary: While smoking itself is unlikely to directly cause swollen lymph nodes, it can contribute to conditions that lead to swelling. Seek medical evaluation for persistent or painful swelling.

More ENT Health Queries

View all

I'm having a hard time with this persistent mucus in my throat, and it's not getting better even after I've tried steaming and gargling. I'm currently using Seroflow 500, but it doesn't seem to be helping. Any advice on what else I can do? It's really frustrating.

take tablet mucinac for 5 days, twice a day

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've been dealing with this heavy feeling in my left eye and the area around it for the past six months and they're often teary. I already saw an eye specialist but they said everything's fine with my eye. Then I went to an ENT and found out it's sinusitis. I'm really curious, can sinusitis really affect eyes like this? And what can I do to cope with it?

Yes, sinusitis can affect the eyes, causing symptoms like heaviness, teary eyes, and pressure around the eyes due to inflammation in the sinus cavities. To cope, treatment may include decongestants, nasal sprays, steam inhalation, and possibly antibiotics if an infection is present. Consult your ENT specialist for further management.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I had throat pain a few days ago, and though that's gotten better, I've started having this cough. Also, I noticed a small flap-like skin beneath my tongue, deep in my throat. I think it's my epiglottis. Is it normal to be able to see the epiglottis? I don't seem to have any other symptoms but just wondering if this is something I should be concerned about.

That could be chronic pharyngitis,no need to worry visit your ENT doctor for evaluation and appropriate treatment,consume warm foods and do salt water gargling for a better result.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors